Our NCAA Tournament picks continue with first-round action between Miami (FL) and Drake on Friday, Mar. 17. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:25 pm ET while airing on TBS. Miami enters as 1.5-point favorites with the total set at 146.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Miami vs. Drake predictions below.
Miami vs. Drake Odds
- Spread: Miami -1.5
- Total: 146.5
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. New to DK? Check out our DraftKings Sportsbook Review to find out how to bet $5 to get $200 in bonus bets!
Game Info
- Date: Friday, Mar. 17
- Time: 7:25 pm ET
- Location: MVP Arena — Albany, NY
- TV: TBS
- Stream: March Madness Live
Miami Betting Trends
- Hurricanes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
- Hurricanes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
- Under is 5-0 in Hurricanes last 5 NCAA Tournament games.
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Drake Betting Trends
- Bulldogs are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
- Bulldogs are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
- Under is 6-0 in Bulldogs last 6 overall.
Miami vs. Drake Predictions
Drake has a very experienced starting five that averages 23.4 years of age. That’s older than five NBA starting lineups. In other words, this is not your run-of-the-mill small conference team that is just happy to be in the Big Dance. Drake has been building for this moment with players who are ready to take advantage.
Now, Miami is no slouch while ranking 12th in offensive efficiency (per KenPom) and 19th in effective field goal percentage. However, Drake can neutralize that while ranking 46th in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Bulldogs also rank third in defensive rebound rate, 19th in free throw percentage, and 30th in offensive turnover rate. That’s the sign of a strong team that will protect the ball, defend well, control the boards, and wins at the margins.
On top of that, Miami forward Norchad Omier is questionable for this game. Omier leads the team in rebounds and blocks while serving as the primary rim protector. If he is out or limited, then the Hurricanes could be compromised on the glass.
Despite checking in as the No. 12 seed, Drake seems to have the advantage in this matchup. Take the Bulldogs!
Prediction: Drake wins 73-70
Best Bet: Drake moneyline | +110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
