The wait is almost over, but the madness starts now. With Selection Sunday just days away, major-conference tournaments take center stage this week, shaping the final NCAA Tournament bracket. Some teams are fighting for seeding, others for survival.
Last year, UConn dominated the Big East before cruising to a national title, but most top seeds faltered in their conference tourneys. Could 2024 bring more surprises? From the SEC to the Big East, let’s break down the top contenders, best bets, and longshot picks for the biggest conference tournaments.
SEC Tournament: A Wide-Open Battle in Nashville
The SEC is as deep as ever, and while Auburn leads the pack, multiple teams have a shot to cut down the nets on Sunday.
Auburn enters as the favorite after a strong regular season, but recent losses to Texas A&M and Alabama raise concerns. Meanwhile, Florida has quietly been one of the hottest teams in the country, winning 9 of its last 10 games, including victories over Auburn, Alabama, and Mississippi State. The Gators’ size and rebounding edge could prove decisive.
- Best Bet: Florida (+320, FanDuel) – The Gators’ balanced attack and dominant rebounding give them a legitimate shot at the title.
- Best Longshot: Kentucky (+3000, FanDuel) – This number is too tempting. Even without Jaxson Robinson, the Wildcats’ deep offense can light it up.
Expect a chaotic few days in Nashville, where any of the top five teams could emerge victorious.
Big 12 Tournament: Can Anyone Stop Houston?
Houston ran away with the Big 12 regular season title, finishing 19-1 in conference play. Now, the Cougars look to complete the double.
Normally, taking a favorite in a conference tournament isn’t great value, but Houston’s defense is elite. The Cougars are listed at even money (+100, FanDuel), a solid price compared to the negative odds at other sportsbooks.
If there’s a team that can challenge them, it’s Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are the only team to beat Houston this season and have a legit star in JT Toppin. At +440, they’re a compelling underdog play.
- Best Bet: Houston (+100, FanDuel) – The Cougars’ defense and experience make them the safest pick.
- Best Longshot: Texas Tech (+440, FanDuel) – The Red Raiders already proved they can beat Houston and have one of the league’s top players.
Big Ten Tournament: A True Toss-Up
The Big Ten race is a mess—in the best way possible. With multiple teams bunched together in the standings, this tournament feels like anyone’s to win.
Michigan State holds the shortest odds, but the Spartans aren’t a runaway favorite. UCLA, despite early struggles, finished strong and looks like a real contender. The Bruins’ ability to force turnovers could be the difference-maker in a tournament with little margin for error.
Meanwhile, Oregon is a classic late-season riser. After starting 5-8 in Big Ten play, the Ducks have rattled off seven straight wins. They might be a longshot, but Dana Altman’s teams have a history of peaking in March.
- Best Bet: UCLA (+700, FanDuel) – The Bruins’ late-season surge makes them a sneaky contender.
- Best Longshot: Oregon (+2800, DraftKings) – The Ducks are hot and have a track record of March magic.
ACC Tournament: Is Duke Too Big a Favorite?
Duke is the overwhelming favorite to win the ACC, but with odds shorter than -300, there’s little value in betting on the Blue Devils.
Clemson, on the other hand, looks like a strong pick at +700. The Tigers were the only team to beat Duke in ACC play and have the experience to make a deep run. Ian Schieffelin and Chase Hunter were key pieces in last year’s Elite Eight run and could carry Clemson again.
North Carolina sits at a staggering +3000. While the Tar Heels haven’t had a great year, their underlying metrics are better than those of SMU and Wake Forest, making them the best deep-value pick.
- Best Bet: Clemson (+700, DraftKings) – The only team to beat Duke this season in ACC play, with experienced leaders.
- Best Longshot: North Carolina (+3000, DraftKings) – The Tar Heels may be inconsistent, but their talent is undeniable.
Big East Tournament: A St. John’s Storybook Ending?
The Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden always delivers, and this year could see a dream run for St. John’s.
Rick Pitino’s squad has been dominant, winning 16 of its last 17 games. The Red Storm’s size and defensive tenacity make them a tough out, especially at their home-away-from-home, MSG. At +155, they’re a smart bet.
UConn, the defending national champs, offer intriguing value as a longshot at +550. While they’ve struggled compared to last year, the Huskies still have experienced playmakers like Alex Karaban and freshman standout Liam McNeeley.
- Best Bet: St. John’s (+155, DraftKings) – Red-hot and playing in their backyard, they have the tools to win.
- Best Longshot: UConn (+550, Caesars) – The defending champs are worth a look at this price.
With Selection Sunday just days away, these conference tournaments will set the stage for the biggest event in college basketball. Expect chaos, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories to emerge as teams fight for automatic bids and better seeding.
Who will rise? Who will fall? Buckle up—this week is just the beginning.
