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Oral Roberts will continue its historic run on Saturday night as the Golden Eagles will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sweet Sixteen. It’s time to continue the NCAA odds series and make an Abilene Christian-UCLA prediction and pick for this epic March Madness game.
As a 15-seed coming in, it's incredible that Oral Roberts is dancing into week two. The last time the Golden Eagles were in the Sweet Sixteen was back in 1974. The Razorbacks are making their first appearance in the Sweet Sixteen since 1996 and opened as a 12.5 point favorite in this one. The line has moved toward the Golden Eagles as they are 4-0 SU in their last four, having opened as a dog in each of those games. This game should be full of scoring and definitely won't disappoint.
Here is how the sportsbooks set the odds for this game.
NCAA Odds: Oral Roberts-Arkansas Odds
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles +11 (-105)
Arkansas Razorbacks -11 (-115)
Over 159 (-110)
Under 159 (-11o)
Why Oral Roberts Could Cover the Spread
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Oral Roberts is on a historic run and definitely won't let up now. They have been the aggressors in their first two tournament games and have looked like the better team against Ohio State and Florida. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The Golden Eagles ended the year on a 7-0 run, going 6-1 ATS in those games. Oral Roberts averaged 81.5 points per game in 2021, which was good for 16th in the nation. They have found great success in the tournament thanks to their consistent scoring and stingy defense.
The Golden Eagles are led by two superstars, Max Abmas and Kevin Obanor. Abmas is averaging 24.5 points and Obanor is averaging 19 points per game this season. They have been especially good in the tournament, going for 59 and 54 points combined in the teams first two wins respectively. Oral Roberts pulled off the upset against Florida as nine-point underdogs. In that matchup, the Golden Eagles forced 20 turnovers and have allowed just 12 made threes on 45 attempts in their first two games combined.
Why Arkansas Could Cover the Spread
The Arkansas Razorbacks have been one of the best teams in the nation behind a lethal offense. The Razorbacks average 82.5 points per game, which is good for 12th in the nation. They've found great success this season because of their depth and star power at the top. Freshman guard Moses Moody has been so good for Arkansas in 2021, averaging 17.2 points per game. The Razorbacks also possess a dominant front court with big man Justin Smith leading the way.
Smith went for 20 points in the second round win against Texas Tech. Arkansas squeaked by in that game, winning by just two points. Many will look at the tight game as a disadvantage. Arkansas isn't mad as they got their first taste of adversity in the tournament and overcame it. They are battle tested and ready for anything that comes their way going forward. They will share the ball and look to get open looks for their lethal shooters against the Golden Eagles. They're 9-2 ATS in their last 11 as the favorite and will look to take care of business in route to an Elite Eight appearance.
Final Oral Roberts-Arkansas Prediction & Pick
This is a tough game to predict. Arkansas has been the better team in 2021, but Oral Roberts is just playing too well right now to bet against. With that being said, I don't feel comfortable betting against the ‘Backs either. I am going with the under in this matchup because of the added energy and intensity that will certainly be present. The Golden Eagles have played stingy defense and will give Arkansas fits. The Razorbacks know what the Oral Roberts backcourt is capable of and will put an emphasis on slowing them down. I see Arkansas pulling out a single digit victory with double digit potential. Either way, this one won't be as high scoring as the total suggests.
FINAL ORAL ROBERTS-ARKANSAS PREDICTION AND PICK: Under 159 (-110)
