Vermont vs. Arkansas Prediction and Odds for NCAA Men's Tournament First Round

Arkansas basketball.
Arkansas basketball. / Wesley Hitt/GettyImages
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The Arkansas Razorbacks, fresh off a loss to the Texas A&M Aggies, will look to bounce back and advance in the NCAA Tournament. They drew the Vermont Catamounts in the Round of 64, creating the 4/13 matchup in the West Region.

Vermont will be looking for its first tournament win since 2012 and its first ever placement in the Round of 32. Will this be the year?

Here are the odds for the matchup via WynnBET.

Arkansas vs. Vermont Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Arkansas -4.5
  • Vermont +4.5

Moneyline:

  • Arkansas -220
  • Vermont +180

Total:

  • 140 (Over -110/Under -110)

Arkansas vs. Vermont Analysis

Arkansas

  • Overall Record: 23-9
  • ATS Record:13-18-1
  • Over/Under Record: 18-14
  • SoS: 25th
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 113.8
  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: 94.5
  • eFG%: 49.6%
  • FT%: 75%
  • 3PT%: 35.3%
  • Last Year’s Tournament Result: First Round
  • Odds to win National Championship: +7500

Vermont

  • Regular Season Record: 26-6
  • ATS Record:17-12
  • Over/Under Record: 16-13
  • SoS: 131st
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 107.8
  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: 97.7
  • eFG%: 52.2%
  • FT%: 69.3%
  • 3PT%: 33.0%
  • Last Year’s Tournament Result: N/A
  • Odds to win National Championship: +3000 (Field)

Arkansas vs. Vermont Prediction and Pick

Both of these defenses are capable of putting a lot of pressure on the offense, which I see turning this game into a barn-burner. Three of Arkansas' last five games have been decided by five points or fewer. The Razorbacks haven't been particularly dominant heading into the tournament and I think Vermont will make them work for a win.

Vermont is at risk of getting blown out if Arkansas capitalizes on the fact that the Catamounts can't shoot the three. I still think they will be able to keep this game close. Vermont has won 22 of its last 23 games and has a lot of momentum coming in.

If Vermont can weather the storm the Razorbacks will give it in the first half, it can definitely turn this into a free-throw contest at the end.

Pick: Vermont +4.5

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

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