Griffin Warner and Big East Ben talk NCAA March Madness tournament. The guys talk through the entire MIDWEST Region and give out best bets.

In this episode of the Need for Seeds College Basketball Podcast, hosts Griffin Warner and Big East Ben break down the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament, discussing team performances, player statistics, tournament seeding controversies, and betting insights.

A major topic is North Carolina’s controversial inclusion in the tournament despite a 1-12 record in Quad 1 games. The hosts criticize the selection committee, particularly chairman Bubba Cunningham, who received a $104,000 bonus for UNC’s entry. They argue against expanding the tournament and question Oklahoma’s No. 9 seed placement after late-season struggles.

Game previews begin with Houston vs. SIUE, a matchup expected to be lopsided in Houston’s favor. Gonzaga, ranked ninth in KenPom, is a 6.5-point favorite over Georgia, which has struggled on the road. Big East Ben selects Gonzaga -6.5 as his best bet, citing superior bigs and Georgia’s inconsistency.

Clemson is favored by 7.5 against McNeese State, which lacks structure and defensive discipline. The hosts predict Clemson will advance. Purdue faces High Point as an 8-point favorite, with debates over whether High Point can pull an upset, though Purdue is ultimately picked to move on.

Xavier and Texas meet in a First Four game, where Xavier is favored by 2.5. The hosts discuss the game’s high-scoring nature and take over 149.5 points. They predict the First Four winner will beat Illinois, which is considered too high-variance.

Kentucky is favored by 10.5 against Troy, which struggles with turnovers (ranked 333rd nationally). Ben backs Kentucky to cover, while Warner leans toward Troy keeping it close. UCLA, a 4.5-point favorite against Utah State, is scrutinized for its defensive struggles. Warner selects Utah State +4.5 as his best bet, believing UCLA’s transition to the Big Ten has exposed weaknesses.

Tennessee is a 19-point favorite against Wofford, which relies heavily on three-pointers. The hosts expect Tennessee to dominate and suggest betting under 134 total points.

Final best bets: Big East Ben takes Gonzaga -6.5, and Griffin Warner backs Utah State +4.5.

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