Welcome to your March Madness hub for the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament.
Our college basketball experts will guide you through the March Madness bracket with March Madness expert picks, matchup breakdowns, and betting analysis for every game, right through to the National Championship.
Today's the day, as we have college basketball picks for the National Championship Game.
March Madness picks for Monday, April 6
| Game | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 UConnvs  Michigan |
Michigan -7 |
-110 |
UConn vs Michigan best bet: Michigan -7 (-110)
The UConn Huskies are coming off a 71-62 win against Illinois. That still wasn't as impressive as the Michigan Wolverines smashing Arizona 91-73 despite Yaxel Lendeborg playing just 14 minutes and Elliot Cadeau committing six turnovers.
The Wildcats were widely viewed as the second-best team in the country and that was Michigan's seventh double-digit win against a top 15 KenPom team.
The Wolverines have been red-hot from deep, and even if they regress in that area, they still have the ball movement and interior attack to find cracks in UConn's defense.
UConn's guards struggle to knock down shots, and the Wolverines shut down Arizona's elite backcourt. The Huskies also won't score inside, with Michigan boasting the best rim defense in the country.
Check out Rohit Ponnaiya's UConn vs. Michigan predictions!
UConn vs Michigan same-game parlay
March Madness betting 101
Single elimination changes everything. One cold shooting night or foul trouble can end a season, so aim for good prices and smart risk, not “can’t-miss” takes.
Start with the basics
Spread: In point spread betting, you’re wagering on how close the game stays. In the tournament, late-game fouling can turn a tight cover into a bad beat (or vice versa).
Moneyline: Moneyline betting is often the cleanest way to play a true March Madness upset, but you risk losing more frequently if you wager just on underdogs.
Total: Pace and shot quality matter in Over/Under betting, but so do tournament quirks like neutral rims, tight legs, and whistle changes.
Neutral-site mindset
Games aren’t played in familiar gyms, and crowds can be split. Travel, time zones, and quick turnarounds can matter, especially for teams that rely heavily on energy, depth, or shooting rhythm. When in doubt, lean on repeatable traits: defense, rebounding, and turnover control.
Why single elimination matters
Underdogs can be live because favorites feel pressure and have less room to “play through” a bad stretch. But favorites can also separate late when depth and free throws matter. Think in game scripts:
- Take the underdog + points if they can control tempo, defend without fouling, and protect the ball.
- Sprinkle a unit on the moneyline if they have a clear matchup advantage (e.g., elite 3-point volume vs weak perimeter D).
- Bet on the favorite if they can force turnovers, dominate the glass, or punish inside.
First half vs full game betting
Early nerves and unfamiliar sightlines can create slow starts. If you expect a tactical feel-out period, 1H Unders or 1H underdog spreads can be sharper than full game.
Overtime and endgame chaos
OT is usually included in spreads/totals, and late fouling can add 10–20 “free” points. Totals can swing wildly in the final minute, but don’t panic if you’re on the right side of pace and shot quality.
Still need help? Our Covers hoops analysts are here to provide you with March Madness expert picks from the First Four to the National Championship Game.
Popular March Madness betting markets
March Madness is a betting buffet - the key is picking the right market for your edge.
Futures: Futures are best when you’re early or disagree with the bracket. Conference tourney week and Selection Sunday can create mispriced numbers on title, Final Four odds, March Madness MVP odds, and region winner odds. Shop prices, and remember: a “good team” isn’t always a good futures bet if the path is brutal.
Game lines: The spread, moneyline, and total are the bread and butter once the bracket starts. Neutral courts, quick turnarounds, and unfamiliar sightlines can impact shooting (and totals) especially early. If you have a strong pace or matchup read, consider team totals or 1st half bets to isolate the edge.
Props: March Madness props shine when roles are stable and matchups are clear: usage, minutes, foul risk, and opponent style (rim protection, pace, rebounding). Ladders and alt lines can be powerful, but keep stakes smaller.
Same-game parlays: SGPs can be fun, but value varies. Compare the parlay payout to betting legs individually, and prioritize lines you’d play on their own.
And be sure to check out our expert NCAA bracket picks before the action begins!
Not intended for use in MA.
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