March Madness Betting Pick on Vanderbilt vs Wichita State

The NCAA’s “first” round of the men’s basketball tournament gets underway Tuesday night at the University of Dayton. One of the March Madness betting matchups features Vanderbilt and Wichita State, who will square off for the right to face Arizona in the “second” round of the tournament, or the round of 64. Vanderbilt (19-13) did upset Kentucky this year but also had a disappointing loss to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament. Wichita State (24-8) was a dominant force in their conference but did not have enough strength of schedule to convince the selection committee to include them in the field of 64.

March Madness Betting Pick on Vanderbilt vs Wichita State

When: Tuesday, March 15, 9:10 PM ET Where: University of Dayton Arena, Dayton, Ohio TV: TruTV Stream: March Madness Live Radio: Commodores Radio Network Opening NCAAB Lines: Wichita State -3

Why Should You Pick the Commodores?

Vanderbilt is only in this tournament thanks to their status as a Power 5 conference team — and perhaps that upset win over Kentucky. However, their inconsistency down the stretch should have sent them to the NIT, and they’re not likely to make it to the weekend in this tournament. However, if Wade Baldwin can deny Fred VanVleet like he did with Tyler Ulis from Kentucky in that matchup, then there is hope. The Commodores are also much bigger inside, with Luke Kornet and Damian Jones two seven-foot problems for Wichita State to solve, as their tallest player (Anton Grady) is just 6-8).

Why Should You Put Your Money on Wichita State?

Did you know that the Shockers are #25 in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.44)? They’re also #1 in the nation in scoring defense (permitting 59.3 points per game). The fact that Wichita State is in this game in the first place is ridiculous, as the selection committee apparently decided that Power 5 teams with minimal resumes (hello, Colorado and Oregon State) should get spots in the field of 64, even if they are likely to lose and lose quickly. This is a game that the Shockers should win easily — and I like them to beat the Wildcats too.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like the Shockers to win this game, not just because of their advantages on the court but also their coaching disparity. Gregg Marshall has led his team to four straight appearances in March Madness and led them to the Final Four in 2013. Kevin Stallings has never had a team move beyond the Sweet 16 and has not found his way to the tournament since 2012. I like the Shockers to prevail, 70-64.