Top 3 Betting Picks for Saturday’s March Madness Games on March 22nd

• Saturday’s March Madness features a 10-game slate
• Our top 3 bets for March 22 include a player prop wager for Michigan’s Tre Donaldson
• Read below for Saturday March Madness predictions and picks for the 10-game slate on March 22

Following our perfect 3-0 Friday night, we’re back to break down three more March Madness games for Saturday, March 22. After carefully dissecting all 10 matchups, I’ve identified strong value in three games today. These best bets include a three-point prop, a game total, and a team giving less than 5 points.

Let’s dive into my Saturday March Madness predictions and tell you why you should consider adding these bets to your card.

Saturday March Madness Predictions & Picks

Odds courtesy of FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds current as of March 21, 2025. Browse the best sports betting sites for the tournament.

March Madness Pick: Trey Donaldson 3+ Three Pointers (+150)

Michigan’s Trey Donaldson has been on absolute fire from deep lately. The junior guard has drained multiple triples in 3 of his last 4 games, averaging a blistering 2.5 made threes over that span. He’s hoisting over 5 attempts from behind the arc per game in March, showing zero fear letting it fly.

The matchup sets up perfectly for another strong perimeter shooting game from Donaldson. Texas A&M ranks a dismal 306th nationally in 3-pointers allowed, surrendering a whopping 8.6 makes from deep per contest. The Aggies simply don’t defend the arc well, a major issue against a marksman like Donaldson.

At tasty plus-money odds, I’ll happily back the red-hot Donaldson to connect on at least a trio of treys. He just dropped 12 points against an elite UC San Diego defense, drilling 3-7 from distance. He should have an even easier time finding open looks against A&M’s shaky perimeter D. Trust the streak and ride the plus price.

March Madness Prediction: Gonzaga/Houston Under 140.5 Points (-115)

I’m loving the Under 140.5 in this unlikely 1/8 matchup. Houston plays at a snail’s pace, ranking 356th nationally in adjusted tempo. The Cougars’ grind-it-out style makes it extremely difficult for opponents to speed them up and generate easy transition opportunities. Expect a slow, methodical game.

All the metrics point to a low-scoring rock fight. Houston surrenders the 6th-fewest points per game (57.9 PPG) and ranks 1st in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency. Gonzaga’s high-powered offense is legit, but the Bulldogs managed only 58 points against St. Mary’s in the WCC title game. They’ve proven they can win ugly when needed.

It’s also worth noting the total has plummeted from 142 to 140.5, indicating sharp money on the Under. This number still feels a tad inflated in an intense tournament setting against an elite Houston defense. Expect long possessions, difficult shots and tough sledding for both offenses. Roll with the Under in a slugfest.

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March Madness Best Bet: Tennessee -4.5 (-110)

I’m laying the short number with the Volunteers against UCLA. Tennessee’s suffocating defense, which ranks 3rd nationally in efficiency, should absolutely smother a Bruins attack that sits outside the top 30 in offensive efficiency. The Vols excel at defending without fouling and will make UCLA grind for every single bucket.

Tennessee’s massive rebounding advantage is the key factor here. The Vols rank inside the top 10 nationally in rebounding rate and should thoroughly dominate the glass against a UCLA squad outside the top 150 in that category. Those extra possessions and second-chance points will prove critical in a tight, low-possession affair.

The betting market clearly agrees that Tennessee has the edge, as most books have moved this line up to 5.5. Grabbing the Vols at -4.5 at DraftKings is a major bargain. Rick Barnes’ experienced, defensive-minded crew is battle-tested after a grueling SEC schedule and should dictate the pace from the jump. Lay the short number before it climbs any higher.

Remember, you can always find the best real-time March Madness odds for every game with our live College Basketball Odds page.

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March Madness is in full swing, and with the Sweet 16 games set to take place on Saturday, March 22nd, basketball fans and bettors alike are gearing up for some exciting matchups. If you’re looking to place some bets on the games, here are the top three picks to consider:

1. Duke vs. Virginia Tech
The Duke Blue Devils have been a dominant force throughout the tournament, led by star player Zion Williamson. They will be facing off against the Virginia Tech Hokies, who have also been playing well and are coming off a big upset win over Liberty. While Duke is favored to win this matchup, Virginia Tech has the potential to pull off an upset. Keep an eye on the spread and consider betting on Virginia Tech to cover.

2. Gonzaga vs. Florida State
Gonzaga has been one of the top teams in the country all season, and they will be facing a tough test in the Florida State Seminoles. Florida State has a deep and talented roster that can give Gonzaga some trouble. This game is expected to be close, so consider betting on the underdog in this matchup.

3. North Carolina vs. Auburn
North Carolina has been playing at a high level in the tournament, and they will be facing off against the Auburn Tigers, who have been on a hot streak as well. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, so consider betting on the over in this matchup. North Carolina is favored to win, but Auburn has the ability to keep it close.

As always, it’s important to do your own research and consider all factors before placing any bets. Good luck with your March Madness picks!