About this episode
Griffin Warner and Big East Ben talk CBB betting for the Sunday March Madness card. March 22 “Need for Seeds” College Basketball Podcast with Griffin Warner and Big East Ben. The hosts began by analyzing Saturday’s Round of 32 losses and looking ahead to Sunday’s games. Griffin criticized Drake’s coach, McCollum, for failing to adjust to JT Toppin’s dominance against Texas Tech. Toppin shot 12-for-14, and Griffin mocked McCollum’s interview awkwardness and coaching rigidity. Ben echoed the criticism, pointing out McCollum ignored UNCW’s successful strategy. Both hosts agreed that Drake didn’t adapt defensively, and Griffin admitted only realizing in hindsight how stagnant their scheme was. Ben joked about BYU's Dawson Baker delivering an “all-time nut shot” and mentioned that the Badgers were too slow to capitalize. He then criticized how NIL and transfers have gutted mid-majors, shifting power toward elite programs and killing underdog stories. Griffin responded by saying the tournament is now a “favorites paradise,” and even good underdogs struggled to win outright. Both were frustrated by end-of-game scenarios and failed covers, especially in games like Gonzaga’s push, which involved pointless fouls and missed final shots. Griffin and Ben moved through Sunday’s betting card. On UConn vs. Florida, Ben confidently picked Florida -9, foreseeing a blowout and possibly a Danny Hurley ejection. Griffin leaned UConn +9 due to line value but acknowledged Florida’s strengths and UConn’s inconsistency. On Baylor vs. Duke, Griffin liked Baylor’s shooters and athletes but warned Duke’s size could overwhelm them. Ben thought the game total (143.5) was low and envisioned Duke pulling away late. Both agreed Baylor needed to slow the game to stay close. In Illinois vs. Kentucky, Ben leaned under 170, doubting either team’s consistency. Griffin took Illinois -2, citing Kentucky’s softness and reliance on threes. He admitted the pick wasn’t strong but viewed it as a better side. On Alabama vs. St. Mary’s, Ben said Alabama would “run them off the court,” calling St. Mary’s “slow as molasses.” He compared Alabama to a better version of Vanderbilt, who nearly beat St. Mary’s. Griffin backed under 149 instead, saying Alabama would control pace and St. Mary’s couldn’t score enough. The Colorado State vs. Maryland game had Ben predicting a blowout win for Maryland due to their size and physicality. Griffin was cautious but took over 143, sensing a closer game. On Ole Miss vs. Iowa State, both liked Ole Miss +5.5. Ben even predicted a straight-up win, noting Iowa State’s injuries and offensive issues. Griffin agreed, citing better health and shooting depth for Ole Miss. For New Mexico vs. Michigan State, Ben dismissed New Mexico’s reliance on offensive rebounds, which wouldn’t work against Michigan State’s bigs. He backed Michigan State -7.5. Griffin partially disagreed, saying Marquette’s Stevie Mitchell was a tougher defender than MSU’s guards. Still, he acknowledged that New Mexico’s lack of shooting and depth made them vulnerable and chose under 148.5. Player comments included praise for JT Toppin’s efficiency, criticism of Frederick King’s brief poor performance, and debates over players like David Joplin, Chase Ross, and Solo Ball. BYU’s Keita and Traore were highlighted for overpowering Wisconsin inside. The hosts also joked about coaching rumors, NIL finances, and players’ tournament trajectories. Ben cited his bracket ranking in the 99.9th percentile but attributed that to picking mostly favorites. Griffin reflected on how betting underdogs but picking favorites in brackets led to regret. They wrapped the show with their best bets: Ben took Alabama -5.5, while Griffin preferred the under in the same game. They offered a $25 promo code “survive to five” and teased their Sweet 16 coverage and tournament merch. Their contrasting picks reflect different philosophies—Ben trusting elite talent, Griffin seeking value against inflated lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices