College Hoops March Madness Round of 64 Free Picks!

If it’s free…it’s for me! In today’s economically-challenging times, who doesn’t love something for free? In keeping with that theme, you’re about to get three free opening round March Madness betting picks that are simply salivating! Each of the following trio of free picks has a great chance of cashing in for March Madness college hoops gaming enthusiasts that are looking to get off to a great start when the 2016 NCAA National Championship Tournament gets underway in earnest on Thursday night.

March Madness Round of 64 Free Picks

Midwest Region analysis: Watch for No. 4 Iowa State vs. No. 13 Iona https://t.co/PZrsCLONoo via @sryantribune pic.twitter.com/mDprGnjgEe

— ChicagoSports (@ChicagoSports) March 14, 2016

No. 4 Iowa State +21 Over No. 13 Iona

When: March 17, 3:00 PM Where: Pepsi Center Analysis: I like the Iowa State Cyclones (21-11 SU, 15-13 ATS) and Georges Niang a lot, but I don’t see any way they’re beating an explosive Iona Gaels (22-10 SU, 16-15 ATS) team by three touchdowns in this match up. The Gaels have won an impressive eight straight games and nine of their last 10 games overall. Iona averages less than two points per game less than Iowa State, but they also limit their opponents to almost two fewer points per game defensively, making this match up a virtual standstill. Iowa State has lost two straight and three of five and hasn’t lived up to its billing as a national title favorite all season long. The Cyclones are just 304 ATS over their last seven games while Iona has gone 3-0 ATS over their last three and a blistering 7-1 ATS over their last eight games overall. A whopping 61 percent of the betting public likes Iona to cover the huge spread and I say it’s a virtual lick that they will! The Pick: Iowa State 82 Iona 79

No. 2 Xavier -13 over Weber State

When: March 18, 10:20 PM Where: Scottrade Center Analysis: Despite losing to Seton Hall twice over their last four games, Xavier (27-5 SU, 19-13 ATS) is a huge favorite to beat Weber State (26-8 SU, 14-15-1 ATS) and cover the spread and I believe they’ll get both, mostly because they’re a bit desperate right now and have extra motivation after getting smacked around twice by the Pirates. I know Weber State averages five fewer points per game than the Musketeers, but they also allow five fewer points per game defensively. The bottom line for me however is that the Musketeers play in a much better league and are far more battle-tested than the Wildcats. A whopping 70 percent of the betting public likes Xavier to cover the spread and I agree. Xavier’s Edmond Sumner and Trevon Bluiett will be the best two players on the floor and they’ll help the Musketeers get the confidence-boosting win they so desperately need right now. The Pick: Xavier 89 Weber State 74

No. 3 West Virginia -7.5 over Stephen F. Austin

When: March 18, 8:10 PM Where: Barclays Center Analysis: You may not know it, but Stephen F. Austin (27-5 SU, 2-2 ATS) averages more points per game than the West Virginia Mountaineers (26-8 SU, 20-11 ATS) and they allow fewer points per game defensively. The Lumberjacks also are better at defensive rebounding, shooting the rock and making free throws and three-pointers. So, why are the Mountaineers a virtual lock selection to beat their second round opponents in this matchup? Because they play elite competition almost every time out and will almost assuredly pressure the ‘Jacks into a ton of costly turnovers that lead to an emphatic victory. West Virginia will be totally motivated to get the win in this contest after getting man-handled in their 81-71 loss against Kansas in the Big 12 conference semis on Saturday. Stephen F. Austin has won an insane 18 straight games, but none were over teams nearly as talented as West Virginia. A convincing 70 percent of the betting public likes the Musketeers to get the win and ATS cover and with the Mountaineers going 5-3 ATS over their last eight games and being the far superior team in terms of talent level and competition, they’ll get the win and ATS cover. The Pick: West Virginia 81 Stephen F. Austin 71