San Diego State is back in the NCAA Tournament, looking to duplicate last year’s run to the national championship game. The fifth-seeded Aztecs will face 12th-seeded UAB in the first round of the East Regional on Friday (1:45 p.m. ET) at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Wash.
Read on as we break down both teams and give our best bets for this NCAA Tournament East Region opener. We also find the best ways to use our Round 1 March Madness betting promos.
📈 San Diego State vs. UAB Odds
SDSU-UAB lines were found at BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Moneyline: SDSU (-275), UAB (+220)
- Spread: SDSU -6.5 (-110), UAB +6.5 (-110)
- Total points: Over 139.5 (-110), Under 139.5 (-110)
San Diego State was one of six teams from the Mountain West Conference to make the Big Dance, earning a No. 5 seed. The Aztecs are sound offensively but truly make their mark on the opposite end of the floor, where they are ranked ninth in efficiency.
After losing three of their last five games, the Aztecs have slid to 24th in the AP poll. That their NCAA title odds are +9000 shows oddsmakers aren’t buying them as a legitimate contender.
Still, they are plenty capable of getting past AAC Tournament champion UAB, which will be challenged from the outset.
🔮 San Diego State vs. UAB Prediction
San Diego State 70, UAB 62
Sticking to its reputation as a menace on defense, San Diego State has held teams to just a shade over 66 points per game. Opponents are shooting just 40.5%, putting the Aztecs top 20 in field goal defense.
No. 12 seeds are typically a trendy pick in the first round, but bettors can find better options elsewhere.
UAB will have its hands full guarding Jaedon LeDee, who scored 81 points in three MWC Tournament games and is averaging 21.1 points on the season. That may wear the Blazers down on the other end, where scoring will be at a premium.
✅ San Diego State vs. UAB Best Bet
San Diego State -6.5 (-110)
BetMGM Sportsbook • 1 Unit
UAB wasn’t supposed to win the AAC Tournament, but it’s hardly shocking that it did. The Blazers had a knack for trumping expectations this season with a 20-12-1 mark ATS, including 11-2 as an underdog.
The Blazers averaged 77.8 points with a balanced offense that ranked top 60 in efficiency. They generally fared well against top non-conference opponents, losing by a point to Clemson before beating Drake in overtime.
That said, I’m not going to fall victim to temptation and pick this as my 12-over-5 upset.
Say what you will about the Mountain West Tournament, but the Aztecs are a tough, veteran-tested team that’s proven capable of playing deep into March. Ultimately, I think they’ll wear down UAB and cover the 7-point spread on DraftKings.
💰 San Diego State vs. UAB Betting Promos
There’s nothing quite like the first Thursday and Friday of March Madness. How can you beat watching 32 matchups in a 36-hour window? Try wagering some cold hard cash on some of these matchups using the awesome sportsbook promotions below.
BetMGM San Diego State-UAB March Madness Promo
BetMGM is offering a Bet & Get promo that gives new users $150 in bonus bets whether their first wager wins or loses. Use promo code LWOS.
Since you’ll get your bet back anyway if it loses, how about tossing a couple bucks on UAB to knock off San Diego State at +220?
To take advantage of this offer, sign up using the bonus code LWOS and make your first deposit of at least $10. Initial wagers must be at least $5 to qualify.
bet365 San Diego State-UAB Seed March Madness Promo
Bet365 Sportsbook is giving new users the opportunity to pick between the promo of their choosing for March Madness:
- Bet $5, Get $150
- $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
Bettors who select the first option will receive $150 in bonus bets when they place their first wager of $5 or more on any market. Like BetMGM, they’ll receive the bonus credits regardless of whether they win or lose.
Those who select the second option will receive a bonus bet up to $1,000 if their original wager loses.
Are you confident UAB can build off its success as an underdog and cover +7? Now’s a good time to take advantage of one of these bet365 promos. When you sign up, use bet365 bonus code LWOSBONUS and then choose the offer of your choice.
📋 How To Claim San Diego State vs. UAB Betting Promos
- Click one of the links here to find your preferred San Diego State vs. UAB March Madness sportsbook.
- Enter your personal information and bank account details.
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- Deposit however much money you want. Some sportsbooks require bettors to deposit a minimum of only $5 to qualify.
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