2024 NCAA tournament: Predictions, picks, odds for Washington State-Drake
Sixteen games on the first day of March Madness's first round wrap up with one final matchup in Omaha on Thursday night.
The No. 10 Drake Bulldogs face the No. 7 Washington State Cougars in what is projected to be among the most tightly contested first-round clashes. The Bulldogs took out America's sweethearts Indiana State in the Missouri Valley title game, 84-80. The Cougars fell to Pac-12 runners-up Colorado in a Pac-12 semifinal, 58-52.
Drake is the hotter team entering the matchup as not only their conference tournament's winner but as winners of their last five games. They made the NCAA tournament as a No. 12 seed last year but lost to Miami (FL) in the first round. This year marks their third appearance in the last four years.
The Cougars are making their first men's March Madness appearance since 2008, when they lost to eventual Final Four team North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen.
Here's everything to know about Thursday's round of 64 clash.
March Madness brackets: How to fill out your predictions for the best odds in NCAA Tournament
Drake vs. Washington State predictions
Sportsbook Wire: Washington State 74, Drake 73
It writes, "Drake is 18-15-0 ATS this season. Washington State is 17-15-1 ATS this year. The 80.5 points per game the Bulldogs score are 13.6 more points than the Cougars give up (66.9)."
VSiN: Washington State wins
Adam Burke writes, "Ultimately, I think Washington State’s advantages on the glass and better balance on offense and defense allow them to advance, but this should be an excellent 10/7 game between two very well-coached teams."
The Sporting News: Cougars are in position to advance to second round
Dan Treacy writes, "Both of these teams have arguably played down to competition at times but risen to the moment against tougher opponents, as each has a winning record in Quad 1 games. That shouldn't matter much here, unless Washington State is foolishly overlooking Drake."
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Drake vs. Washington State: Odds, spread and lines for March Madness
Drake are favorites to defeat Washington State in Thursday's March Madness matchup according to the BetMGM college basketball odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.
Odds as of Thursday morning.
Spread: Drake (-1.5)
Moneyline: Drake (-120); Washington State (+100)
Over/under: 138.5
How to watch Drake vs. Washington State: TV, streaming and schedule
When: Thursday, March 21 at 10:05 p.m. ET
Where: CHI Health Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Cable TV: truTV
Streaming: Watch March Madness on any device
How to watch March Madness: Catch all of the Madness with a subscription to fuboTV
Printable March Madness bracket
You can find a printable bracket for the men's tournament here.
A women's tournament printable bracket is available here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Washington State vs. Drake: Predictions, odds for March Madness game
