Colgate vs. Baylor Picks, Odds, Starting Lineups For The 2024 March Madness Round of 64
Colgate vs. Baylor Picks, Odds, Starting Lineups For The 2024 March Madness Round of 64
Colgate vs. Baylor is among the first games to tip-off in the West Region during Friday's Round 1 action from the FedExForum Arena in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Baylor Bears are a 3-seed following their 23-10 season in the Big 12, rising as high as sixth in the AP rankings. While the Bears are amongst the best scoring teams in the tournament, ranked 22nd in field goal percentage, the Colgate Raiders aren't far behind in terms of scoring ability.
The Raiders won the Patriot League after going 16-2 in conference play, relying on a nice blend of offense and defense, holding opponents under 64 points per game on average. Now, they are set to square off in the Big Dance against Baylor, who have lost two of their last three games outright.
Here's the current odds for Colgate vs. Baylor, plus starting lineups, which we'll reference to locate the best value within betting markets for this West Region game that tips off on Friday afternoon from Memphis, Tennessee.
COLGATE VS. BAYLOR START TIME, WHERE TO WATCH, AND ODDS
- Date: Friday, March 22, 2024
- Start Time: 12:40 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: truTV
COLGATE VS. BAYLOR ODDS AND BETTING DATA
| TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | IMPLIED CHANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colgate Raiders | +13.5 (-102) | +810 | 10.99% |
| Baylor Bears | -13.5 (-120) | -1450 | 93.55% |
Oddsmakers are giving the Raiders +13.5 on the point spread with -102 odds. This indicates that they believe in Baylor, who is laying -13.5 at -120 odds.
The Bears are amongst the best shooting teams in the country, averaging 48.3 percent from the field, 37.7 percent from three-point range, and 72 percent from the free throw line. Colgate isn't far behind in their scoring ability though, ranking 53rd with a 47 percent field goal rate this season.
Free throw attempts could be the problem for the Raiders, who average under 68 percent from the line. They are solid from beyond the arc though, pouring in threes at over a 36 percent clip, which is 61st in the country.
Colgate only has an 11 percent implied chance to win based on their +810 moneyline odds, which is likely due to the competition they played in the Patriot League compared to Baylor, who is one of the best scoring teams in the Big 12.
COLGATE VS. BAYLOR PREDICTION
Colgate has won 17 of its last 18 games, while also winning the first half in 14 of its last 15 games this season. The Raiders have also been strong defensively, allowing 73 or fewer points in 21 consecutive contests.
Baylor's two losses recently came against Texas Tech and Iowa State, who are both very good teams, despite the Red Raiders' loss to NC State on Thursday night in Round 1. They may feel some resistance from Colgate's defense early, but this game projects to go over 138.5 total points.
Unders have been trendy plays in March Madness historically, and we've already seen a lot of low-scoring games so far in Round 1. However, Baylor's scoring shouldn't be impeded for long. Colgate's ability to get buckets shouldn't be an issue either, since the Bears' defense gives up over 71 points per game.
139 total points is within reach between these two opponents. Baylor should put up at least 65 to 75 points against Colgate, who will be forced to keep up with their strong three-point shooting ability. Let's stake a unit on over 138.5 total points and enjoy a game that should provide plenty of fireworks on the hardwood.
Colgate vs. Baylor Prediction: Over 138.5 Total Points (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
COLGATE VS. BAYLOR PROJECTED LINEUPS
Colgate projected lineup:
- G Braeden Smith
- G Brady Cummins
- G Ryan Moffatt
- F Keegan Records
- G Jalen Cox
Baylor projected lineup:
- G Ja'Kobe Walker
- G Rayj Dennis
- F Jalen Bridges
- F Yves Missi
- G Jayden Nunn
COLGATE MARCH MADNESS ODDS
Colgate is +100000 in the National Championship futures market. These are the longest odds to wager in the men's tournament this season, with eight other teams sitting at the very bottom alongside the Patriots. Even if they advance past Baylor, which is unlikely, Colgate then needs to get through the red-hot New Mexico Lobos or Clemson, followed by either Dayton or Arizona. No reason to throw money away on the Patriots this year.
BAYLOR MARCH MADNESS ODDS
Baylor is all the way up to +3000 in the National Championship futures market. The Bears have the 12th shortest odds to win the entire tournament, with oddsmakers valuing them more than Illinois, Alabama, Gonzaga, and Kansas. If the Bears make it to the Sweet 16, these odds will skyrocket even further, so based on their lethal scoring and battle-tested against some of the top teams in the Big 12 this season, a 0.25 unit wager on Baylor to win is warranted.
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Matt is an avid writer, editor, and researcher. He enjoys analyzing the game within the game which is fantasy sports and sports betting. Music is another constant in his daily life. Matt loves spending time with his wife and three pets. He likes to read, listen to podcasts, and is constantly motivated to create the most accurate and engaging content in the sports betting industry.