UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech Odds, Prediction and March Madness Picks March 20

UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech March Madness Odds

One of the NCAA Tournament seeds that’s not a No. 1 that is getting a lot of play to beat the March Madness odds and make a run is Texas Tech. The Red Raiders, the third seed in the West Region, have the Big 12 Player of the Year and will try to start their run Thursday when they face UNC Wilmington in the first round.

The Seahawks won the Colonial Athletic Association tournament to earn a trip to the Big Dance, but they face some long NCAA basketball odds when facing the Red Raiders.

UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech Prediction Today March 20

My prediction

While everyone loves to bet March Madness because of the possible upsets, this game is not going to be one of those. Texas Tech was a possible No. 2 seed and has one of the top players in the tournament in sophomore forward JT Toppin (18.1 points, 9.2 rebounds).

The Red Raiders have a potent offense (third in Big 12 at 80.9 points per game), but it’s the team’s defense that makes it so dangerous. Opponents average just 67.6 points, per NCAA betting trends, and the Seahawks are going to struggle to get to that mark.

Top 3 UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech Betting Picks

My top picks

1. Texas Tech ATS -15.5
2. UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech Under 142
3. Texas Tech F JT Toppin Over 20.5 Points

My Analysis

As stated above, Toppin is the showcase player of the Red Raiders, and he’s going to be ready to bounce back after a disappointing showing (11 points, six rebounds) against Arizona in the Big 12 tournament. His versatile offensive game is going to be very hard for the Seahawks to stop, and his teammates will be feeding off his energy in this one.

JT Toppin was unreal tonight in @TexasTechMBB‘s thrilling win 🤯

His 41 points are the most scored by ANYONE in the @Big12Conference this season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FXXZPr0jOv

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 13, 2025

UNC Wilmington’s toughest opponent this season was Kansas, which beat the Seahawks by 18 early in the campaign. That’s the kind of result we should expect from this one as the Red Raiders live up to the March Madness predictions and move onto the weekend.

UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech March Madness Best Prop Bet

Texas Tech G Elijah Hawkins Over 5.5 Assists (-130)

With Toppin scoring, Elijah Hawkins will be racking up the assist numbers as well. The Big 12’s leader in assists ranks 13th in the category nationwide, and he runs the Texas Tech offense extremely well.

The Red Raiders should be able to get out into the open floor off turnovers against UNC Wilmington, giving Hawkins plenty of assist opportunities as well. One of the best March Madness picks you can make for the first round is Hawkins’ assists prop to be over.

Bet on Elijah Hawkins over 5.5 Assists (-130)

UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech How to Watch

• Game: UNC Wilmington (27-7) vs Texas Tech (25-8)
• Date/Time: Thursday, March 20, 10:10 p.m. ET
• Location: INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS
• UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech Live Stream: Fubo.Tv

Check UNC Wilmington vs Texas Tech stats here

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.