As the 2025 men's NCAA tournament heats up, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the thrilling round of 32, taking place on Saturday. This year's tournament has been nothing short of exhilarating, showcasing unexpected upsets, close finishes, and standout performances from players like Mark Sears and Sean Pedulla.

Kicking off at 12:10 p.m. ET, fans can expect a full day of nail-biting action. With the matchups set, let's dive into the betting opportunities that present themselves based on team trends, player injuries, and current momentum.

Saturday's Betting Breakdown

No. 2 St. John's vs. No. 10 Arkansas (2:40 p.m. ET)

Bet Recommendation: Over 143.5 St. John's may have struggled from beyond the arc with a 30.8% shooting rate throughout the season. However, they are on a hot streak, converting 21 of 51 attempts in their last two games. Meanwhile, Arkansas welcomes back Boogie Fland, who is crucial as their second-leading scorer with 15.1 points per game. With both teams embracing high-tempo play—St. John's ranking 43rd and Arkansas 73rd in Division I for possessions per game—expect a thrilling contest with plenty of scoring opportunities.

No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 14 Drake (6:10 p.m. ET)

Bet Recommendation: Drake +6.5 Drake boasts the slowest tempo in college basketball, which has proved effective in controlling games. With Texas Tech potentially missing key player Chance McMillian, who is recovering from an injury, Drake's versatility led by Bennett Stirtz—averaging 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists—gives them a solid shot at keeping it close or pulling off an upset.

No. 1 Houston vs. No. 8 Gonzaga (8:40 p.m. ET)

Bet Recommendation: Under 139.5 Gonzaga has impressed with their defensive prowess, ranking 16th in points allowed per possession. Houston boasts the tightest defense, allowing the fewest points per game in the tournament. With Gonzaga’s 3-point shooting significantly dropping when away from home and Houston's capability to minimize turnovers, expect a defensive showdown rather than a scoring spree.

No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 7 UCLA (9:40 p.m. ET)

Bet Recommendation: Under 132.5 Both teams excel in defense and showcase a slow pace of play. UCLA, in particular, has struggled on the road with points, while Tennessee's defense excels at limiting 3-point shooting. Expect a game filled with challenges on offense, leading to a lower scoreline than anticipated.

Sunday's Betting Highlights

No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 7 Saint Mary's