Texas Southern Tigers vs. N.C. Central Eagles: Odds, March Madness Betting Pick

North Carolina Central and Texas Southern aren't exactly college basketball powerhouses, but they've both been regular participants in the NCAA tournament as of late. The Eagles are back in the tournament for the third time in the last five seasons, the Tigers for the fourth time in the last five years.

Texas Southern is favored by a handful on the betting line for its First Four bout with N.C. Central Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio.

March Madness point spread: The Tigers opened as five-point favorites; the total is at 146, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark (line updates and matchup report).

March Madness betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 71.5-64.2, Tigers (March Madness picks on every game).

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Why Texas Southern can cover the spread

Amazingly, the Tigers find themselves in the NCAA tournament after starting 0-13 this season. But that brutal start included losses to Gonzaga, Ohio State, Syracuse, Kansas, Clemson and TCU.

Texas Southern then proceeded to go 12-6 in SWAC play this season, finishing with four straight wins. They then won three games in four days, capped off by an 84-69 victory over top-seeded Arkansas-Pine Bluff, to win the SWAC tournament and earn their fourth bid to the NCAA tournament in the last five years.

So Texas Southern rides a seven-game winning streak into this NCAA tournament, five of which came by 14 points or more. The Tigers played that Murderers' Row of opponents early this season and fared about as one might expect, going 0-6. But it sure toughened them up for the longer run.

Why North Carolina Central can cover the spread

The Eagles finished 9-7 in Northeastern Conference play this season, winning three of their final five games. N.C. Central then won four games in five days, capped off by a 71-63 upset of top-seeded Hampton, to win the NEC tournament and earn its third NCAA tournament bid of the last five seasons.

The Eagles shot 47 percent from the floor in that victory over the Pirates last Saturday and made nine of 10 free throws down the stretch as part of an 11-0 run that clinched the victory. N.C. Central has now held eight of its last nine opponents to under 50 percent field-goal shooting and out-rebounded seven of its last nine foes.

Smart betting pick

Texas Southern holds an edge offensively, but N.C. Central holds the edge on defense. And when the better defensive team is the underdog it's probably the better bet. 

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