NCAAB Sports Betting News
Kansas opens -4.5 against UNC; O/U 153
The Kansas Jayhawks opened as -4.5 point favorites over the North Carolina Tar Heels for Monday night's National Championship Game, with an O/U of 153 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
The Tar Heels enter Monday’s game winners of 17 of 20 and look to match the 1985 Villanova Wildcats as the lowest seed (No. 8 seed) to win a National Championship. Kansas makes its sixth appearance in the National Championship in school history and head coach Bill Self’s third. The Jayhawks have been favored in the National Championship only one other time in the last 60 years (-5 versus Syracuse in 2003) but lost that game outright. This would be the Jayhawks’ first championship since 2008, and they are looking to avenge a loss to Kentucky in New Orleans in the title game 10 years ago. North Carolina has covered the spread in all five NCAA Tournament games thus far and is 9-1 ATS in its last 10. The Jayhawks are 7-2 ATS in their previous nine, with the two non-covers coming in the tournament. The Over is 6-2 in North Carolina's last eight games as underdogs and is 6-1-1 in Kansas' last eight Monday games.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Good two-way action on the Duke-North Carolina Final Four matchup
DraftKings Sportsbook is reporting good two-way action on the Final Four matchup between the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels... View More
Betting Impact:
Per DraftKings, Duke's -4 point spread odds have received 54% of the bets and 55% of the money. Not only is this good two-way action, but suggests that there has been no significant sharp action to move this number. Similar to the point spread, the over/under has received good two-way action as well. The over of 151 points has attracted 44% of the bets and 55% of the money.
Categories: Public Betting
Villanova-Kansas Final Four matchup seeing good two-way action
At DraftKings Sportsbook, the Final Four matchup between the Villanova Wildcats and Kansas Jayhawks is receiving good two-way action to this point... View More
Betting Impact:
Per DraftKings, Villanova's +4.5 point spread odds have received 33% of the bets and 52% of the handle thus far. The slightly drastic betting splits suggest sharp action is on the underdog Wildcats. The betting splits are even more egregious with respect to the total, as the over 133 has attracted 55% of the bets and 81% of the handle. Thus, at this point the sportsbook does not have a rooting interest on the point spread, but will likely be rooting for a low-scoring game if the O/U splits remain similar before tip-off.
Categories: Public Betting
Villanova looks to continue success against Kansas as underdogs in the Final Four
The Villanova Wildcats have won four of their last five meetings with the Kansas Jayhawks dating back to 2013, with two of those wins coming in the NCAA Tournament (2016 Elite Eight, 2018 Final Four)... View More
Betting Impact:
Despite Villanova's dominance in this series, the Jayhawks are -4.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. This point spread is slightly up from an initial opening of -4, and the movement may be due to the verification that Wildcats second-leading scorer, Justin Moore, will miss the game after suffering a torn Achilles against Houston. Villanova has covered the spread in all four NCAA Tournament games thus far, and are 21-6 ATS in its last 27 tournament games overall. Kansas is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games, but has covered just two of its last seven NCAA Tournament games. The underdog has covered the spread in four of the last five meetings between these teams.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Duke-North Carolina point spread increases by a half-point since its initial opening
The Duke Blue Devils have been bet up from -4 to -4.5 point favorites for their Sweet 16 matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
North Carolina is making its 21st Final Four appearance, the most all-time. While North Carolina extends its record for most Final Four appearances, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski makes a record 13th Final Four appearance, passing John Wooden for the most all-time. Krzyzewski is also the tenth head coach to make a Final Four in his last season. The Blue Devils went 1-1 SU and ATS in two regular-season meetings against the Tar Heels. North Carolina has covered the spread in all four NCAA Tournament games, and Duke has covered its last three, which followed a span of seven consecutive NCAA Tournament games where it did not cover the spread. The over/under has much more volatility than the point spread, as some sportsbooks are as low as 150.5 points and as high as 151.5. The two regular-season meetings between Duke and North Carolina totaled 154 and 175 points, each cashing the over. The over is 5-2 in North Carolina’s last seven games as underdogs and 8-2 in Duke’s previous ten. The Duke-North Carolina game is likely to have the biggest handle of any college basketball game this season, and sportsbooks are likely expecting the majority of the betting public to back the Blue Devils.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Duke is the favorite to cut down the nets entering the Final Four
Leading up to Saturday's Final Four, the Duke Blue Devils have the best odds of all four teams to win the national championship... View More
Betting Impact:
Per DraftKings, each team's odds to win the national championship are as follows: Duke (+155), Kansas (+185), Villanova (+450), North Carolina (+500). The Blue Devils and Jayhawks have -195 and -180 ML odds, respectively, to win their Final Four matchups. If they do, it would set up a nostalgic rematch in Mike Krzyzewski's last game, as he beat Kansas in 1991 for his first-ever national championship.
Categories: Line Movements, Team Futures
Kansas opens -6 against Miami; O/U 147.5
The Kansas Jayhawks have opened as -6 point favorites for their Elite Eight matchup against the Miami Hurricanes, with an O/U of 147.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
The Miami Hurricanes earned their first-ever Elite Eight appearance with a dominating 14-point victory over Iowa State. Combined with Saint Peter’s deep run, their win makes it ten of the past 11 NCAA Tournaments where at least one No. 7 seed or lower has reached the Elite Eight. Kansas’ Sweet 16 victory over Providence was also historic, as it was the Jayhawks’ 2,354th win, breaking a tie with Kentucky for the most wins in Division I. This is now Bill Self’s 11th career Elite Eight appearance and ninth as Jayhawks head coach. As the lone remaining No. 1 seed, Kansas kept the streak alive that at least one No. 1 seed has made the Elite Eight in every NCAA Tournament since seeding began in 1979. However, this is the first time fewer than two No. 1 seeds have made the Regional Finals since 2013. Kansas has been favored in all but one of its 38 games this season. The Jayhawks have failed to cover their last two games, which followed a streak of five consecutive covers. Miami has covered four straight games and six of its previous seven.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Saint Peter's looks to continue historic run as underdogs against North Carolina
The Saint Peter's Peacocks are the first-ever No. 15 seed to advance to the Elite Eight, and will look to continue making history as underdogs against the North Carolina Tar Heels... View More
Betting Impact:
The Tar Heels are -8 point favorites with an O/U of 137 points, per BettingPros consensus odds. Before this year's Peacocks team, the lowest seed ever to make an Elite Eight was a No. 12 seed (2002 Missouri, 2021 Oregon State). Conversely, the North Carolina Tar Heels are making their 27th Elite Eight appearance and first since 2017. North Carolina advanced to the Elite Eight with a 73-66 win over UCLA. The victory was UNC's 17th straight over Pac-12 teams. While not as improbable as Saint Peter's run, North Carolina had to win two of three tournament games as underdogs to be in this position. The Tar Heels improved to 10-4 SU all-time as a No. 8 seed and reached the Final Four as a No. 8 seed in 2000. Hubert Davis is now the fifth head coach to make an Elite Eight appearance in his first season as a D-I head coach, and first since Stan Heath in 2002. Saint Peter's entered the NCAA Tournament as the best ATS team of any in the 68-team field, and now three straight wins and covers have improved its ATS record to 23-9. At most sportsbooks, Saint Peter's was 10,000:1 to win the national championship before the tournament. The Peacocks are the only team to win multiple games as a double-digit underdog in an NCAA Tournament since the tournament expanded in 1985. From 1985-2021, double-digit favorites in the Sweet 16 went 35-2 SU but went 0-2 this year after Saint Peter's win over Purdue and Arkansas' win over Gonzaga. Saint Peter's outright win over Purdue as +13 point underdogs was the biggest Sweet 16 upset since 1978.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Arkansas looks for continued success as underdogs in the Elite Eight against Duke
The Arkansas Razorbacks are 5-0 ATS (with three outright wins) in their last five games as underdogs, and look for similar success in their Elite Eight matchup against the Duke Blue Devils... View More
Betting Impact:
The Blue Devils are -4 point favorites with an O/U of 146.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds. For the first time since the 1994 National Championship Game, the Arkansas Razorbacks and Duke Blue Devils meet on the hardwood. The Razorbacks have not made a Final Four since consecutive appearances in 1994 and 1995. Meanwhile, this is Coach K's 17th Elite Eight appearance, and Duke's win over Texas Tech was his 100th NCAA Tournament win, both records. Duke is 2-7 ATS in its last nine NCAA Tournament games, though it covered the last two. The over is also 7-2 in Arkansas' last nine games, and 13-3 in Duke's last 16.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Houston looks to keep low-seed Final Four streak alive when facing Villanova
At least one team seeded fifth or lower has made the Final Four in every NCAA Tournament since 2013, and the No. 5 seed Houston Cougars will look to keep that streak intact with a win over the No. 2 seed Villanova Wildcats in the Elite Eight... View More
Betting Impact:
Houston opened as -1.5 point favorites, but were quickly bet up to -2.5, per BettingPros consensus odds. The Cougars have covered the spread in every game of their six-game winning streak, while Villanova is 4-1 ATS in its last five games and 20-6 ATS in its last 26 NCAA Tournament games. The Cougars search for a second consecutive trip to the Final Four and seventh in school history. The Wildcats are looking for a third Final Four appearance in the last six NCAA Tournaments. Houston's 72-60 win over Arizona in the Sweet 16 was its 60th over the last two seasons, which is the most in Division I. In addition, it was the Cougars' 32nd win of the season, which is tied for the second-most in school history with the 1983-84 team. With a win over Villanova, the Cougars would match the 2018-19 team's win total for the most wins in school history.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Iowa State looks to continue to defy preseason expectations as underdogs against Miami
The Iowa State Cyclones were picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason media poll, but are defying those preseason expectations and search for a trip to the Elite Eight when facing the Miami Hurricanes... View More
Betting Impact:
The Hurricanes are -2.5 point favorites in their Sweet 16 matchup with an O/U of 133.5, per BettingPros consensus odds. Miami did not have the loftiest preseason expectations either, as they were picked to finish 12th out of 15 ACC teams. Iowa State is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as underdogs, and Miami is 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight games overall. Something has to give with the total as well, as the under is 4-0 in Iowa State's last four neutral site games as underdogs, and is 5-0 in Miami's last five neutral site games as favorites.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Purdue opens -12.5 against Saint Peter's; O/U 136
The Purdue Boilermakers have opened as -12.5 point favorites for their Sweet 16 matchup against the Saint Peter's Peacocks with an O/U of 136 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Purdue is by far the biggest of all eight favorites in the Sweet 16, which has three No. 1 seeds also in action. The Peacocks are attempting to be the first-ever Sweet 16 team to advance to the Elite Eight, as the previous two teams that made the Sweet 16 (2013 Florida Gulf Coast, 2021 Oral Roberts) lost in the regional semifinals. Saint Peter's is the first school from New Jersey to reach the Sweet 16 since Seton Hall in 2000. The Peacocks are now 22-9 ATS, which is the best ATS record of any team in the tournament.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Texas Tech opens -1 vs. Duke; O/U 136.5
The Texas Tech Red Raiders opened as -1 point favorites in the Sweet 16 over the Duke Blue Devils, with an O/U of 136.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Texas Tech's Round of 32 win over Notre Dame was the Red Raiders’ 12th NCAA Tournament win since 2018, and they had just eight tournament wins total from 1939 to 2017. The Blue Devils are now appearing in their 28th Sweet 16 (second-most all-time), and the ACC is 8-2 in this tournament. If the sportsbooks get similar betting action the rest of the week to what they have received to this point, it will not shock many to see this line jump the fence. Duke has attracted 72% of the tickets and 64% of the money. The over is 6-1 in Duke’s seven neutral site games, while the under is 9-6 in Texas Tech’s 15 non-conference games.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends, Public Betting
Villanova opens -5 against Michigan in the Sweet 16; O/U 135.5
The Villanova Wildcats have opened as -5 point favorites over the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16, with an over/under of 135.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Villanova is the third-biggest favorite of all eight Sweet 16 games, as only top-seeded Gonzaga and Purdue (facing No. 15 seed Saint Peter's) are bigger favorites. Since 2001, No. 2 seeds have faced No. 11 seeds ten times in the Sweet 16. In that span, the No. 2 seeds are 8-2 SU and are 5-4-1 ATS. With Michigan's Round of 32 victory over Tennessee, it marked the first time it had won consecutive games since winning back-to-back games on February 8th and 10th. Villanova is 12-1 in its last 13 games, and seven of those victories have been by six or fewer points.
Categories: Line Movements
Houston is a rare underdog against Arizona in the Sweet 16
The Houston Cougars have been underdogs just once all season, but find themselves underdogs in their Sweet 16 matchup against the top-seeded Arizona Wildcats... View More
Betting Impact:
The Wildcats are -1.5 point favorites over the Cougars, per BettingPros consensus odds. The Wildcats have been three-point favorites or fewer on three occasions, and they are 2-1 SU and ATS in those games. Houston has been underdogs just once all season, covering as +3 point underdogs but losing outright to Alabama 83-82 on December 11th. This is the first-ever meeting in the NCAA Tournament between Arizona and Houston.
Categories: Line Movements
UCLA opens -2.5 against North Carolina, O/U 142.5
The UCLA Bruins opened as -2.5 point favorites for their Sweet 16 matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels, with the O/U set at 142.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
The Tar Heels improved to 45-0 when leading by double-digits at halftime in the NCAA Tournament, though they had to hold off a furious second-half rally by Baylor to do so. This is the Tar Heels' fifth Sweet 16 in the last six tournament appearances, and their 30th Sweet 16th appearance overall (most all-time). UCLA is looking to get back to the Final Four in consecutive years after beating Akron and Saint Mary's in the first two rounds. Bettors will want to monitor the injury status of Bruins star Jaime Jaquez, as he left their win against Saint Mary's in the second half with an ankle injury.
Categories: Line Movements
Kansas opens -8 over Providence; O/U 141.5
The Kansas Jayhawks have opened as -8 point favorites for Friday's Sweet 16 matchup against the Providence Friars, with an O/U of 141.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Providence has looked dominant through the first two rounds, easily covered as small favorites in wins over South Dakota State and Richmond. Kansas is 5-1 ATS in its last six games, and is 4-1 ATS in its last five games against teams with better than a .600 winning percentage. Providence has made its first Sweet 16 in the last 25 seasons.
Categories: Line Movements
Gonzaga opens -8.5 over Arkansas; O/U 154.5
The Gonzaga Bulldogs opened as -8.5 point favorites over the Arkansas Razorbacks for Thursday's Sweet 16 matchup, with an O/U of 154.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Both Gonzaga and Arkansas have failed to cover their first two games of the NCAA Tournament thus far, but will gladly accept their spots in the Sweet 16. Arkansas is an impressive 4-1 ATS in five games against ranked opponents this year, while Gonzaga is 4-3-1 ATS against ranked opponents. Arkansas has also covered its last four games as underdogs, while Gonzaga has failed to cover any of its last four NCAA Tournament games.
Categories: Line Movements
Arizona-TCU spread is the highest on Sunday's slate
The point spread for the No. 1 vs. No. 9 matchup in the South Region between the Arizona Wildcats and TCU Horned Frogs is the highest of any game on Sunday's slate... View More
Betting Impact:
The Wildcats are -10 point favorites with an O/U of 143.5, per BettingPros consensus odds. The high point spread has not stopped bettors from firing on the favorites, as 68% of the bets and 75% of the money has backed Arizona. TCU is 7-1-1 ATS in its last nine games against teams with a winning record, while Arizona is just 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight NCAA Tournament games. The under has also cashed in TCU's last six games, while the over is 6-1 in Arizona's last seven.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Purdue-Texas spread is the smallest of any of Sunday's Round of 32 games
Of all eight point spreads for Sunday's Round of 32 games, the smallest number is in the East Region's No. 3 vs. No. 6 matchup as the Purdue Boilermakers face the Texas Longhorns... View More
Betting Impact:
The Boilermakers are -3.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Both Purdue and Texas easily covered as favorites in its opening-round matchups. Texas' cover broke a streak of six consecutive games without covering a spread, while Purdue's cover was its first in its last 11 games. Both of these teams tend to play high-scoring games in the NCAA Tournament, as the over is 12-4 in Texas' last 16 tournament games and is 4-1 in Purdue's last five.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Good two-way action appears in the Auburn-Miami Round of 32 matchup
Sportsbooks have to love the early two-way action they are seeing on the Round of 32 matchup between the Auburn Tigers and Miami Hurricanes... View More
Betting Impact:
Per pregame.com, 53% of the bets and 52% of the early money has backed Auburn. The Tigers are -7.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Miami is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games, and is 6-1 ATS in its last seven neutral site games as underdogs. Auburn has covered the spread in its last five NCAA Tournament games.
Categories: Line Movements, Public Betting
Notre Dame looks to continue surprising tournament run as heavy underdogs against Texas Tech
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have gone from a First Four team to the Round of 32, and look to continue their stellar play as heavy underdogs against the Texas Tech Red Raiders... View More
Betting Impact:
The Red Raiders are -8 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Texas Tech is searching for its third trip to the Sweet 16 in the last four NCAA Tournaments. The Red Raiders are no strangers to deep NCAA Tournament runs recently, advancing to the Elite Eight in 2018 and the national championship game in 2019. Conversely, Notre Dame's first two wins in this NCAA Tournament were the school's first since 2017. Something about playing in the First Four has gotten teams' motors started well entering the Round of 64. Notre Dame became the tenth First Four team to advance to the Round of 32, doing so in convincing fashion as 78-64 winners over No. 6 seed Alabama.
Categories: Line Movements
Early money roughly 3/1 on Wisconsin over Iowa State
The Iowa State Cyclones are shaping up to be a big need across several sportsbooks today, as roughly three times the amount of early money has been bet on the Wisconsin Badgers... View More
Betting Impact:
The Badgers are -4.5 point favorites, up from an initial spread of -3, per BettingPros consensus odds. Per pregame.com, 63% of the tickets and 72% of the money has backed the favored Badgers. Reports came out a couple of days ago that Big Ten Player of the Year, Johnny Davis, was dealing with a sore ankle, but his status is not in jeopardy today. Iowa State has covered four of its last five games as underdogs, while Wisconsin is 0-4 ATS in its last four as favorites.
Categories: Line Movements, Public Betting
Michigan State and Duke meet in historic coaching matchup in the Round of 32
Tom Izzo and Mike Krzyzewski have combined for 151 NCAA Tournament wins, the most combined wins for two opposing head coaches in tournament history. The two meet for one last time in the Round of 32 as the Michigan State Spartans face the Duke Blue Devils... View More
Betting Impact:
The Blue Devils are -6.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Mike Krzyzewski is 98-30 all-time in the NCAA Tournament, and his .766 winning percentage ranks No. 1 among active coaches. Tom Izzo is fourth among coaches with at least 15 games coached in the NCAA Tournament with a 53-22 record (.707). While Tom Izzo is fourth among active coaches in overall winning percentage in the tournament, his .793 winning percentage in the second round and Elite Eight is an all-time best .793. Why is that significant? His 23-6 record came in games where there was a quick two-day turnaround, which means Izzo's teams are usually difficult to prepare for on short rest, especially in March. While Tom Izzo is a master in games on short rest, Mike Krzyzewski has owned Izzo in his coaching career, winning 12 of the 15 head-to-head matchups.
Categories: Line Movements
Public bets drive up Villanova-Ohio State point spread
The Villanova Wildcats are seemingly a very popular play against the Ohio State Buckeyes, as their point spread has increased 1.5 points since its initial opening... View More
Betting Impact:
Per pregame.com, Villanova has attracted 71% of the bets and 74% of the money thus far. That betting action has forced the Wildcats' point spread odds to increase from -3.5 to -5, with some sportsbooks as high as -5.5. The Wildcats are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 NCAA Tournament games, with all but one of those coming as favorites. Ohio State has covered its last four games as underdogs, but are just 2-10 in its last 12 NCAA Tournament games.
Categories: Trends, Line Movements
Two teams going in opposite directions ATS-wise meet in Houston vs. Illinois Round of 32 matchup
The Houston Cougars and Illinois Fighting Illini have gone in much different directions from an ATS perspective lately, and they meet in a No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup in the South Region today... View More
Betting Impact:
Houston is 4-0 ATS in its last four games while Illinois has failed to cover the spread in any of its last four. In addition, Houston is 20-7 ATS in its last 27 neutral site games as favorites while Illinois is 1-5 ATS in its last six neutral site games. The Cougars are -4.5 point favorites with an O/U of 133.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Gonzaga looks for yet another Sweet 16 berth against Memphis
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have made the Sweet 16 in six consecutive tournaments, and would earn a seventh with a win today against the Memphis Tigers... View More
Betting Impact:
The Bulldogs are -10 point favorites (-650 ML odds) with an O/U of 155 points, per BettingPros consensus odds. To put Gonzaga's Sweet 16 streak in perspective, no other team has made more than three consecutive Sweet 16 over the last six years. Since 2001, No. 1 seeds are 33-4 SU against No. 9 seeds, and are 20-16-1 ATS in those games. Memphis is attracting the slight majority of betting attention thus far, as they currently have received 65% of the bets and 66% of the handle.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends, Public Betting
New Mexico State looks to keep ATS streak going against Arkansas
The New Mexico State Aggies have covered the spread in each of their last four games, and look to continue that streak in today's Round of 32 matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks... View More
Betting Impact:
The Razorbacks are -6.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Not only is New Mexico State 4-0 ATS in its last four, but has covered each of its last five as underdogs. Meanwhile, Arkansas is 1-5 ATS in its last six as favorites in the NCAA Tournament. Since 2001, No. 4 seeds are 19-6 SU against No. 12 seeds, but the No. 12 seeds are 14-11 ATS in those matchups.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Saint Peter's looks to continue dominant ATS season against Murray State
The Saint Peter's Peacocks are 21-9 ATS this season, which is the best ATS record of any team in the NCAA Tournament. They look to improve upon that mark as underdogs in today's Round of 32 matchup against the Murray State Racers... View More
Betting Impact:
The Racers are -8.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Saint Peter's made history in its upset win over Kentucky, as it was tied for the fifth-biggest upset since seeding began in 1978. In addition, the Peacocks snapped Kentucky's 32-game winning streak against double-digit seeds in the NCAA Tournament dating back to 1986. Murray State is 5-1 ATS in its last six games against teams with a winning record.
Categories: Line Movements
UCLA looks to start new cover streak in tournament against Saint Mary's
The UCLA Bruins did not cover their opening-round game against Akron, which broke a six-game cover streak in the NCAA Tournament. They look to start a new streak against the Saint Mary's Gaels today... View More
Betting Impact:
The Bruins are -3 point favorites with an O/U of 126 points, per BettingPros consensus odds. UCLA is 7-3 ATS in its last ten games as favorites, while Saint Mary's is 2-0-2 ATS in its last four games as underdogs. However, the Gaels have failed to cover any of their last four NCAA Tournament games as underdogs.
Categories: Line Movements
Kansas-Creighton spread on the rise
After opening as -10 point favorites, the Kansas Jayhawks are currently favored by -11.5 points over the Creighton Bluejays in the Round of 32, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
This uptick in the point spread is likely due to the fact that Creighton big man Ryan Kalkbrenner is unlikely to play after suffering a knee injury in their opening-round win over San Diego State. Kalkbrenner's loss is massive considering he is a focal point of their offense and also won Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors. One positive for Creighton is that since February 1st, the Bluejays boast the 12th-best defensive eFG% and the 20th-best defensive 2-point field goal percentage defense. However, those metrics will not be the same without Kalkbrenner. With Kansas' win over Texas Southern, they have now won at least one game in 14 straight NCAA Tournaments, tied for the fourth-longest streak in history.
Categories: Line Movements
Baylor looks to follow up historic win in Round of 32 against North Carolina
The Baylor Bears are coming off their largest victory ever in an NCAA Tournament game, and look to follow up that performance with a victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Round of 32... View More
Betting Impact:
The Bears opened as -5.5 point favorites with an O/U of 149.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds. Baylor's 27-point victory over Norfolk State was its largest ever in an NCAA Tournament game, but North Carolina's win was perhaps more impressive, as they blasted No. 9 seed Marquette by 32 points. North Carolina is now 5-1 ATS in its last six games, while Baylor has covered each of its last six NCAA Tournament games.
Categories: Line Movements
Tennessee opens -5.5 against Michigan, O/U 136.5
The Tennessee Volunteers opened as -5.5 point favorites over the Michigan Wolverines in the Round of 32, with an O/U of 136.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Both Tennessee and Michigan easily covered as favorites in the opening round, beating their spreads by 14 and 10.5 points, respectively. MIchigan's win over Colorado State makes it seven consecutive NCAA Tournaments where at least one No. 11 seed won its first round game. Since 2001, No. 3 seeds are 19-13 SU against No. 11 seeds in the second round, but the No. 11 seeds are 17-14-1 ATS in those games. The Volunteers entered the tournament viewed as one of the most vastly underseeded teams, as many thought they could be in contention for a No. 1 seed. As such, they figure to be the more heavily backed team in this matchup.
Categories: Line Movements
Providence opens as small favorites once again against Richmond
For the second consecutive tournament game, the Providence Friars are less than three-point favorites over the Richmond Spiders in the Round of 32... View More
Betting Impact:
Providence opened as -2.5 point favorites over Richmond with an O/U of 134.5, per BettingPros consensus odds. Providence held off a 30-win South Dakota State team and ended up easily covering as -2 point favorites in the first round. That spread was historic, as the Friars were the shortest top-four seed favorites in their opening round game since 1985. Richmond is suddenly thought of as a dangerous team that has won five consecutive elimination games, as an A-10 Tournament Championship was its only path to an NCAA Tournament berth. Richmond has been underdogs in four of those games, and is now 6-5 ATS as underdogs on the season.
Categories: Line Movements
Arizona opens -21.5 over Wright State; O/U 155.5
The Arizona Wildcats opened as -21.5 point favorites for their Round of 64 game against the Wright State Raiders, with an O/U of 155.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Wright State earned its way to play Arizona after securing their first NCAA Tournament win in school history, beating Bryant on Wednesday night in a First Four game. The Raiders rebounded from a 2-7 start to finish 19-6 down the stretch entering the tournament. Since 2001, No. 1 seeds are 79-1 SU and 41-37-2 ATS against No. 16 seeds. Arizona is 29-16 SU and 23-20-2 ATS in its last 45 NCAA Tournament games, a stretch that spans the last 20 years. As of this writing, Wildcats point guard Kerr Kriisa's playing status is questionable after he suffered an ankle injury in the Pac-12 Tournament.
Categories: Line Movements
Alabama opens -4 vs. Notre Dame; O/U 152.5
The Alabama Crimson Tide opened as -4 point favorites for their Round of 64 game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with an O/U of 152.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Notre Dame is coming off its first NCAA Tournament win since 2017, after defeating Rutgers in the First Four. However, the fact that the game went to double overtime, and that the Fighting Irish had to travel from Dayton to San Diego and play in less than 48 hours is definitely factored into these numbers. Alabama is 8-8 SU and 6-9-1 in its last 16 NCAA Tournament games, a stretch that spans the last 20 years. Notre Dame is 13-12 SU and is 9-16 ATS in its last 25 tournament games, covering the same span. No. 11 seeds are 43-36-1 ATS against No. 6 seeds since 2001.
Categories: Line Movements
Kansas opens -21.5 against Texas Southern; O/U 144.5
The Kansas Jayhawks opened as -21.5 point favorites over the Texas Southern Tigers, with an O/U of 144.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
This line was posted early Wednesday morning, as oddsmakers had to await the result of Texas Southern’s First Four game against Texas A&M CC. The Tigers beat the Islanders 76-67, covering as -3.5 point favorites and cashing the over of a projected 136.5-point total. Kansas is playing in its 32nd consecutive NCAA Tournament, the longest active streak of any team in the country. The Jayhawks went 17-17 ATS this year, and were favored in all but one game. Texas Southern has covered three straight games entering this matchup against the No. 1 seed Jayhawks.
Categories: Line Movements
Saint Mary’s opens as slight favorites over Indiana
The Saint Mary’s Gaels opened as -2.5 point favorites for Thursday’s first round game against the Indiana Hoosiers, per BettingPros consensus odds. The Gaels-Hoosiers O/U is 126.5 points... View More
Betting Impact:
This line popped up early Wednesday morning as oddsmakers have to await the results of Indiana’s First Four game against Wyoming. Indiana looks to continue the success of many First Four teams before them. Since the inception of the First Four games in 2011, at least one First Four winner won its Round of 64 game in nine of the ten years. Saint Mary’s is 18-11-2 ATS to this point, and is 14-7-1 ATS as favorites. Indiana is 20-14 ATS and 5-6 ATS as underdogs.
Categories: Line Movements
Seton Hall-TCU opening-round game seeing good early two-way betting action
The Round of 64 game between the Seton Hall Pirates and TCU Horned Frogs is a near pick'em, and early bettors are seemingly torn on who to back... View More
Betting Impact:
The Pirates are -1 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Early bettors are narrowly siding with the underdogs, as 59% of the bets and 58% of the money has backed TCU. The Horned Frogs are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games, and the under has cashed in each of the last five. Seton Hall has failed to cover the spread in any of its last five neutral site games, while the over is 9-1-1 in Seton Hall's last 11 NCAA Tournament games.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Wisconsin looks to improve poor ATS record as favorites against Colgate
The Wisconsin Badgers are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games as favorites, and look to improve that poor ATS record in their first-round game against the Colgate Raiders... View More
Betting Impact:
The Badgers are -7.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Colgate has been a profitable ATS team lately, covering the spread in 14 of its last 20 games. Wisconsin tied for the regular-season Big Ten championship and finished the regular season with a 24-6 record and the 18th-ranked strength of schedule. Colgate makes its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The Badgers benefit from this game being played in Milwaukee, and should have the support of the local crowd.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Michigan State looks to continue cover streak against Davidson
The Michigan State Spartans have covered the spread in each of their last four games, and they look to continue that cover streak as slight favorites against the Davidson Wildcats... View More
Betting Impact:
The Spartans are -1 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Davidson is 4-1 ATS in its last five games as underdogs, and is 5-1 ATS in its last six neutral site games. Tom Izzo’s Spartans started the year off incredibly hot, going 14-2, but have since lost three of ten. The Wildcats are making their first NCAA appearance since 2018, and are a veteran team that has three of their five starters shooting better than 40% from 3-point range.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Early money is 4/1 on underdog UAB against Houston
The betting public has made the UAB Blazers a trendy underdog in their first-round game against the Houston Cougars... View More
Betting Impact:
Per pregame.com, UAB has received 69% of the bets and 80% of the money to this point. The Blazers are +8.5 point underdogs, per BettingPros consensus odds. UAB is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as underdogs, while Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last eight as favorites. Houston has dominated the AAC recently, as this was their third regular-season title in the last four years. UAB is led by Conference USA Player of the Year Jordan Walker, who averaged 21.6 points and 5.33 assists per game.
Categories: Line Movements, Public Betting
LSU plays its first game under a new head coach when facing Iowa State
The LSU Tigers recently fired head coach Will Wade, which means their opening-round game against the Iowa State Cyclones is their first under interim head coach Kevin Nickelberry... View More
Betting Impact:
The Tigers are -4 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Nickelberry previously served as Howard's head coach for nine years, so he knows how to manage a team. LSU is a top-five defensive team according to KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency and turn opponents over at the second-highest clip (25.3%) in the country. That is a significant issue for Iowa State, who ranks 300th in turnover percentage (20.4%). LSU is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 NCAA Tournament games as favorites.
Categories: Line Movements
Nearly all the early money has landed on the over in the Duke-Cal State Fullerton matchup
The overwhelming majority of the early betting action in the Duke Blue Devils vs. Cal State Fullerton Titans first-round matchup is on the over... View More
Betting Impact:
Per pregame.com, 77% of the bets and 98% of the money has backed the over. The O/U has risen from 145 to 146.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds. The under is 4-0 in the Titans' last four games as underdogs, while the over is 6-0 in Duke's last six games as favorites. In addition, the over is 5-2 in Duke's last seven NCAA Tournament games.
Categories: Public Betting, Line Movements
Chattanooga looks to once again revel in the underdog role against Illinois
Several trends suggest the Chattanooga Mocs will be comfortable in the underdog role in their first-round matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini... View More
Betting Impact:
The Mocs are +7.5 point underdogs, per BettingPros consensus odds. Chattanooga is 16-6-1 ATS in its last 23 games as underdogs, while Illinois has covered just one of its last five games as favorites. Chattanooga went 17-15 ATS overall this year, while Illinois has a 13-18 ATS record entering this matchup.
Categories: Trends, Line Movements
Sharp action drives the Texas-Virginia Tech total up
Despite the majority of the bets landing on the under in the opening-round matchup between the Texas Longhorns and Virginia Tech Hokies, the total has increased by 1.5 points since its initial opening... View More
Betting Impact:
The Texas-Virginia Tech O/U has increased from 122 to 123.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds. This increase happened despite 54% of the bets and 62% of the early money backing the under. The over is 4-1 in Virginia Tech's last five neutral site games, and is 11-4 in Texas' last 15 NCAA Tournament games.
Categories: Line Movements, Public Betting
USC looks to end coverless streak as favorites against Miami
The USC Trojans have failed to cover any of their last eight games as favorites, and look to end that coverless streak in their first-round matchup against the Miami Hurricanes... View More
Betting Impact:
The Trojans are -1.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. USC can build on its recent NCAA Tournament momentum, covering the spread in seven of its last eight tournament games. Conversely, Miami is 1-6 ATS in its last seven NCAA Tournament games, but is 22-8-1 in its last 31 games as underdogs.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Good early two-way action in the Villanova-Delaware matchup
The Round of 64 matchup between the No. 2 seed Villanova Wildcats and No. 15 seed Delaware Blue Hens has seen good early two-way action thus far... View More
Betting Impact:
Per BettingPros consensus odds, the Wildcats are -15.5 point favorites. Forty percent of the tickets but 55% of the money has backed the underdog Blue Hens. If the betting splits remain similar before kickoff, sportsbooks will not have much liability on this game. Villanova is not immune to early March upsets, as Jay Wright’s squad ominously had trouble advancing past the Round of 32 after its 2009 Final Four run. However, No. 15 seeds are a combined 9-132 against No. 2 seeds and have an 11.1% winning percentage since the field expanded to 68 teams in 2011.
Categories: Public Betting, Line Movements
Purdue looks to end coverless streak against Yale
The Purdue Boilermakers have failed to cover the spread in any of their last ten games, and look to end that coverless streak in their opening-round matchup against the Yale Bulldogs... View More
Betting Impact:
The Boilermakers are -16 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Yale played four NCAA Tournament teams this year and lost all four games by a combined 93 points. Purdue is 1-4 ATS in its last five neutral site games.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Texas Tech-Montana State total sees sharp increase
The over/under for the opening-round matchup between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Montana State Bobcats has increased by 3.5 points since its initial opening... View More
Betting Impact:
The Texas Tech-Montana State over/under has been bet up from 129 to 132.5 points, per BettingPros consensus odds. The betting public has weighed in heavily on the over to this point, with 80% of the bets and 97% of the money on the over. The over is 8-2-1 in the Bobcats' last 11 games overall, while the under is 7-2 in Texas Tech's last nine NCAA Tournament games.
Categories: Public Betting, Line Movements
Sharp money driving the Auburn-Jacksonville State total down
Despite the majority of the public bets landing on the over in the Auburn Tigers vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks matchup, the larger wagers have landed on the under and thus drove the total way down... View More
Betting Impact:
The Auburn-Jacksonville State over/under has been bet down from 141.5 to 138.5, per BettingPros consensus odds. The over has landed 73% of the bets but just 53% of the money, per pregame.com. Auburn's O/U record is 18-14 O/U, while Jacksonville State has an O/U record of 14-15.
Categories: Public Betting, Line Movements
Ohio State-Loyola Chicago point spread plummets in the Ramblers' favor
After the Ohio State Buckeyes opened as -1.5 point favorites, their opening-round game against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers is now down to a pick'em, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
Loyola Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last five games and 6-2 ATS in its last eight NCAA Tournament games. Conversely, Ohio State is 1-4 ATS in its last five games, and is even worse in its recent NCAA Tournament games. The Buckeyes have covered the spread in just one of their last 11 games in the NCAA Tournament. The winner of this game faces the winner of the matchup between No. 2 Villanova and No. 15 Delaware.
Categories: Line Movements
UCLA's point spread and total see dramatic decreases since their initial opening against Akron
The UCLA Bruins' point spread and O/U for their opening-round game against the Akron Zips have both decreased throughout the week... View More
Betting Impact:
Per BettingPros consensus odds, UCLA has been bet down from -14.5 to -13.5 point favorites. The total has plummeted even further, going from 130.5 to 128.5 points. Akron is 4-0 ATS in its last four neutral site games, and is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games overall. UCLA covered the spread in all of its NCAA Tournament games last year in their Final Four run.
Categories: Line Movements, Public Betting
San Francisco-Murray State line jumps the fence since its initial opening
The point spread for the opening-round matchup between the San Francisco Dons and Murray State Racers has jumped the fence since its initial opening... View More
Betting Impact:
After opening as +1 point underdogs, Murray State is currently -1 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. The line movement is a direct result of the public betting to this point, as 74% of the bets and 71% of the money has backed the Racers. The Dons are the much more profitable ATS team of late, covering four of their last five games compared to Murray State's 1-4 ATS record in that span.
Categories: Line Movements, Public Betting
Vermont looks to build on dominant conference tournament run in its opening-round matchup against Arkansas
The Vermont Catamounts obliterated its three opponents en route to an easy America East Conference Tournament championship, winning the three games by an average of 36.7 points. They look to ride that momentum in their first-round matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks... View More
Betting Impact:
The Razorbacks are -5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. While Vermont is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games, that have not fared as well in the underdog role, going 1-4 ATS in their last five games as 'dogs. Arkansas has been one of the most profitable ATS teams of late, going 14-3-1 ATS in its last 18 games, and covering eight of its last 11 as favorites.
Categories: Line Movements
Creighton-San Diego State O/U is the lowest of any games on Thursday's slate
The 119.5-point over/under (per BettingPros consensus odds) in the matchup between the Creighton Bluejays and San Diego State Aztecs is the lowest total of any NCAA Tournament game on Thursday's slate... View More
Betting Impact:
San Diego State is the second-best scoring defense in Division I this season, holding opponents to an average of just 57.7 ppg. In addition, the Aztecs do not allow teams to easily finish at the rim, allowing just 43.1% on shots inside the arc. Meanwhile, Creighton just completed several outstanding defensive performances in the Big East Tournament, holding three NCAA Tournament teams (Marquette, Providence, Villanova) to an average of 58.3 ppg. Creighton’s last six opponents are all tournament teams, and they have held them to 62.3 ppg in that span.
Categories: Line Movements
Saint Peter's looks to continue neutral site ATS success against Kentucky
The Saint Peter's Peacocks are 5-0 ATS in their last five neutral site games as underdogs, and are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 neutral site games overall. They look to continue that ATS success playing in Indianapolis as big underdogs against the Kentucky Wildcats... View More
Betting Impact:
The Wildcats are -17.5 point favorites, per BettingPros consensus odds. Kentucky has not fared as well at neutral sites recently, covering just one of its last six neutral site games. However, Kentucky is 6-2-2 ATS In its last ten NCAA Tournament games. Kentucky went 14-18-1 ATS with an O/U record of 16-17 this season. St. Peter’s covered 20 of 29 games this season, and had an O/U record of 11-19.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
New Mexico State is a popular underdog against Connecticut in the Round of 64
Based on the early wagers, the No. 12 seed New Mexico State Aggies are a trendy underdog against the No. 5 seed UConn Huskies in their opening-round matchup... View More
Betting Impact:
The Aggies are +6.5 point underdogs, per BettingPros consensus odds. Per pregame.com, 51% of the bets and 85% of the early money has backed the underdogs. New Mexico State has covered its last four games as underdogs, while UConn is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 NCAA Tournament games as favorites.
Categories: Line Movements, Public Betting
Marquette-UNC total sees sharp increase
After opening at 150 points, the O/U for the Round of 64 matchup between the Marquette Golden Eagles and North Carolina Tar Heels has been bet up to 152, per BettingPros consensus odds... View More
Betting Impact:
The 152-point projected total is something North Carolina is a lot more accustomed to than is Marquette. The Golden Eagles have played just three of its last 13 games with a projected total in the 150s, while UNC has had that high of a projection in three of its previous five. The more high-scoring a game projects to be, the more comfortable UNC usually is. The under has cashed in the Tar Heels' last two games, each with projected totals in the 130s. Before that, UNC had three consecutive games with projected totals in the 150s, and the over cashed in all three. In fact, the over is 6-0 in North Carolina's last six games with projected totals of 150 or higher, and UNC is 4-2 in those games. The under is 7-9-1 in Marquette's 17 games as underdogs and is 4-7-1 in games against ranked opponents.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends
Georgia State looks to continue ATS success against Gonzaga
The Georgia State Panthers are 8-1-1 ATS in their last ten games overall, and look to continue that ATS success as big underdogs against top overall seed, Gonzaga... View More
Betting Impact:
Gonzaga is a -23.5 point favorite over Georgia State, per BettingPros consensus odds. Georgia State struggled to a 6-9 start after the early part of its season was hampered by injuries and COVID-19. However, the Panthers finished strong, winning 12 of their last 13 games. Gonzaga is 1-4-2 ATS in its last seven games, and is 15-12-2 ATS overall this season.
Categories: Line Movements, Trends