Welcome back to the NCAA Tournament San Francisco. Sports betting guides show the Dons are returning to the big dance for the first time since 1998. The No. 10 Dons will be matched up with another mid-major program that has been punching above its weight class for years now in Murray State. The Racers, who qualified for the tournament by winning the Ohio Valley Conference, have made the tournament three times since 2018.
The Dons, who have a storied history, winning consecutive national titles in 1955 and 1956, were able to qualify by grabbing an at-large bid out of the competitive West Coast Conference. This is the type of game that makes betting on March Madness interesting. Each program is looking to gain national recognition by tripping up the other side.
Last games records
San Francisco lost to Gonzaga 81-71 in the semifinals of the WCC Tournament March 7. The Dons are 24-9. Murray State beat Morehead State 71-67 March 5 to win the OVC Tournament. The Racers are 71-67 on the season.
Matchup Information
San Francisco at Murray State Betting Analysis
San Francisco Dons Betting Analysis
The Dons were able to get back to the tournament thanks to being a team that is exceptionally well rounded. San Francisco ranks in the top 100 nationally on offense in points per game, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. Jamaree Bouyeau leads three San Francisco players who average in double figures by scoring 16.7 points per game.
The Dons are always pushing the issue with their long-range shooting, knocking down 9.6 treys per contest. On defense, the Dons make it difficult for their opponents to stretch their defense. San Francisco limits its opponents to 30.1 percent shooting from the perimeter, which is ranked 32nd nationally.
The Dons built their profile in the non-conference by collecting victories over a number of strong programs on their way to an 11-0 start. San Francisco tripped up Davidson, Nevada, Towson, and UNLV to start the season.
Murray State Racers Betting Analysis
Murray State comes into the NCAA Tournament with the nation’s longest winning streak, having finished the season by winning 20 straight games. However, the Racers most notable win may have come before that run when they knocked off Memphis in non-conference play. Murray State has been beating up on its competition throughout the season, averaging 79.3 points per game and winning by an average margin of 17.0 points.
The Racers are led by KJ Williams, who averages 18.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Tevin Brown (16.9 points per game) and Justice Hill (13.2) also average in double figures scoring. But as scary as Murray State’s offense has been, its defense is just as good.
The Racers limit their opponents to 61.7 points per game, which is 21st in the nation. Murray State also limits its opponents to 40.7 shooting from the field and 30 percent from the 3-point line, which rank 30th and 46th nationally.
Team Updates
San Francisco forward Yauhen Massalski, who averages 13.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, is questionable with a knee injury. Murray State doesn’t have any injuries of note.
- San Francisco is 13-18-1 against the spread.
- Murray State is 16-12-1 against the spread.
- The Dons have seen the total go 16-16 in their games.
- The Racers have seen 17 of their 29 games during the regular season.
- Murray State is 14-12-1 against the spread following a win.
- San Francisco is 5-3 against the spread following a loss.
San Francisco at Murray State Betting Preview
March Madness betting odds have Murray State as 1.5-point favorites. The Racers are -124 on the moneyline, while San Francisco is +104. Sports betting guides have the over/under set at 136.5 points.
San Francisco at Murray State Betting Prediction
March Madness bets are difficult with games like this because of how similar each team’s profile is. San Francisco and Murray State are well-rounded teams that showed from early in the season they deserved to be in the tournament thanks to their accomplishments on the court. This game will likely come down to which team can score easily.
Both teams have the ability to dig in on defense and give the other headaches. San Francisco, following a long wait, will be eager to show it has re-established itself as a permanent challenger to reach the big dance. The Dons’ 3-point shooting will be the group that establishes itself and will help San Francisco move on to the second round.
Bet the Dons +1.5.
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