Just for the record—as a Houston Cougars and Iowa State Cyclones fan, Richie Saunders is sort of the bane of my Big XII fandom existence. Which is to say he’s become such a formidable name in college basketball on a national scale the last few weeks that he deserves the attention of the sports gaming public during this round of March Madness. I’ve already written up a preview, prediction, pick, and best bet for some of the Sweet Sixteen games—not Alabama vs. BYU, however—here. But, specifically, we’ll be looking below at Richie Saunders’s betting market for tonight. Lights are out tonight, Richie. They’re big. What’s he got for us?
Here’s how I’ll play Saunders tonight. I’ll also still be writing up predictions for individual games each round, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more to-the-minute, point-of-need analyses and plays throughout conference tournament week.
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Best Richie Saunders prop bet for Alabama vs. BYU
Richie Saunders 26+ Points + Rebounds + Assists
Richie Saunders is primed for a massive Sweet 16 performance against Alabama, and the 26+ points, rebounds, and assists line is certainly within reach for the BYU star. Let’s break it down: Saunders has been on fire all season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while shooting an elite 51.4% from the field and 43.9% from beyond the arc. His efficiency is remarkable, with an effective field goal percentage of 61.4%, which ranks among the best in the Big 12. And let’s not forget his free throw shooting—at a rock-solid 80.0%, Saunders converts from the line at a high rate, further bolstering his scoring potential.
Now, the matchup with Alabama presents an interesting opportunity. The Crimson Tide’s defense, while strong overall, has shown cracks in key areas. For one, they’ve struggled to defend without fouling. Alabama can get into foul trouble; just this month, they committed 19 fouls and allowed opponents to take 27 free throws. This could be a golden opportunity for Saunders to generate scoring chances at the line, especially since he’s adept at drawing fouls. On top of that, Alabama’s defensive efficiency (32nd nationally) means there are gaps to exploit for a skilled scorer like Saunders, who thrives in isolation and transition.
Given Saunders’ all-around scoring game, Alabama’s defensive vulnerabilities, and his proven ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, 26+ points, rebounds, and assists is well within his grasp tonight. He’s the go-to guy for BYU, and in a game with high stakes like this one, Saunders will rise to the occasion. Don’t be surprised if he hits that prop with ease.
Best bet: Richie Saunders 26+ PRA (-110)
Tail Saunders to show up big and stand tall against the Tide with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
Want to approach your March Madness Bracket with the same precision as the top 1% of bracket pool winners? Check out what the PoolGenius optimizer has to offer!
