High Stakes and High Scores: Colorado vs Marquette Clash in NCAA Tournament

Key Takeaways

• High-scoring teams, Colorado and Marquette, face off in the NCAA Tournament, promising an exciting match.
• Marquette aims to break its second-round curse, while Colorado seeks its first Sweet Sixteen since 1969.
• Betting odds and analysis suggest a close game, with Marquette slightly favored.

In the thrilling realm of the NCAA Tournament, scoring prowess often separates the contenders from the pretenders. As we dive into the second round, all eyes are on a South Region showdown that promises fireworks: Colorado vs Marquette in Indianapolis (12:10 pm ET, CBS). Both teams showcased their offensive might in the first round, with 14 teams hitting the 85-point mark, including these two powerhouses. But as they prepare to battle it out, the question looms: who will advance to the Sweet Sixteen?

Second-seeded Marquette (26-9) found themselves trailing at halftime in their opener against #15 Western Kentucky. However, a second-half surge saw them outscore the Hilltoppers 51-26, cruising to an 87-69 victory. Now, the Golden Eagles are on a mission to advance past the second round, a hurdle that tripped them last season, and reach the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2013.

On the other side, the tenth-seeded Buffaloes (26-10) are chasing history. Their last Sweet Sixteen appearance dates back to 1969, a time when the NCAA Tournament was a 25-team affair. They edged past seventh-seeded Florida 102-100 in a nail-biter, with KJ Simpson delivering the winning baseline jumper with 1.7 seconds on the clock.

Colorado vs Marquette Odds

Odds provided by BetOnline highlight a tight contest:

• Spread: Colorado +4.5 (-110) | Marquette -4.5 (-110)
• Over/Under: Over 149 (-119) | Under 149 (-101)
• Moneyline: Colorado +172 | Marquette -197

For those looking for more betting insights, our NCAA basketball picks page is brimming with predictions for today's action.

Betting Analysis and Prediction

Colorado's offensive explosion against Florida was a stark contrast to their First Four performance. Despite their impressive 63% shooting against the Gators, duplicating that feat against Marquette's stout defense, ranked 18th in Division I, seems a tall order. Yet, with both teams' offensive efficiency and shooting prowess, an early high-scoring affair is anticipated.

Marquette's flawless 16-0 SU and 13-3 ATS record when scoring 80+ points, alongside Colorado's 15-1 SU and 11-5 ATS in similar scenarios, underline the potential for an offensive showdown. However, Colorado's struggle as an underdog and in high-scoring games could tilt the scales in Marquette's favor.

Colorado vs Marquette Best Bets

Given Marquette's impressive 22-4 SU and 18-8 ATS record as a favorite, the smart money might be on Marquette -4.5 & Over 149. For those seeking an edge, consider Kam Jones (Marquette) Over 2.5 Made Threes. Jones, who lit up Western Kentucky, seems poised to exploit a Colorado defense that allowed 11 threes in its last outing.

More March Madness Betting Information

As March Madness fever sweeps the nation, the quest for the best betting platforms intensifies. BetOnline, alongside other highly recommended sportsbooks, offers a wealth of betting options for both the men's and women's NCAA tournaments. For those new to the scene or looking to maximize their betting strategy, our sportsbook reviews and betting guides provide invaluable insights.

As the tournament progresses, stay tuned to Betting News for more March Madness content, including expert picks, betting guides, and exclusive insights to help you navigate the madness and make informed wagers.

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