The action is already underway, and teams are in pursuit of this year’s college basketball National Championship. Naturally, this is one of the busiest betting days of the year, with 32 teams vying for a spot in the second round.
BetMGM has released its latest data. Which games are bettors targeting? What are the biggest liabilities? And what totals are being targeted on Day 2 of March Matchups?
Most Bet Games
Every game is sure to garner its fair share of betting action. Still, bettors are gravitating toward a few key matchups on Friday’s slate.
Most notably, casual and sharp bettors alike are flocking to the 12 vs 5 matchup in the Midwest bracket. Fifth-seeded Texas Tech enters the showdown as -6.5 chalk, but many are counting on an upset, looking to the Akron Zips to punch their way into the next round. As it stands, Akron stands as the most bet team of the day, collecting an inordinate of tickets. While this is common place in 12 vs 5 matchups, the Zips’ pace scoring prowess could force the Red Raiders out of their comfort zone.
Every year, a Cinderella emerges, ready to go on a magical run. The Miami (OH) Redhawks are an early contender to ruin this year’s ball, and that’s reflected in the betting action. The second-most bet game, Miami takes on Tennessee in the Midwest. The Vols are prohibitive -12.5 chalk, but everyone is clamoring to get a piece of the Redharks in this one.
Finally, the Hofstra Pride are looking to extend their 9-1 run in their first-round showdown versus the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Crimson Tide are installed as double-digit favorites, facing a stiff challenge in getting past the Coastal Athletic champs. Hofstra relies on suffocating defense, which will be needed to keep Bama’s offense at bay. Bettors like the Pride’s chances, with Hofstra +11.5 becoming the third-most bet game of the day.
Today’s Betting Liabilities
Not surprisingly, these three underdogs also represent BetMGM’s biggest liabilities of the day. The sportsbook should be rooting against unexpected victories in all three contests.
So far, Akron +260 moneyline is the most common moneyline wager of the day. The Zips should play with their usual unrelenting pace, which is opposite of what we typically see from the methodical Red Raiders.
Miami (OH) is a close second. The Redhawks stunned SMU in the First Four, knocking off the Big 12 competitors in a convincing 89-79 victory as +6.5 underdogs. At +450, nobody is discounting their chances of getting past a beatable Volunteers squad.
Coming in third as the most-bet moneyline, the Hofstra Pride are meaty +525 dogs versus Alabama. The New York-based college torches opponents from distance, knocking down 36.8% of its three-point attempts for nearly 30.0 points per game. The victor in this battle will be determined by whichever program gets hot from three-point range. Clearly, bettors have a preference for Hofstra.
Bettors Want Points
No gambling analysis would be complete without a run through the totals. Of the remaining games, bettors are clearly targeting overs, expecting more offensive fireworks at the end of the first round.
The Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Clemson Tigers in the South bracket. While Clemson enters as the higher seed (eighth), the Hawkeyes are the betting favorites. With a modest total of 130.5, most action is coming in on the over. Defense is a strength for both teams, but Iowa is more efficient in the opponent’s end. If the Hawkeyes get hot, Clemson will be forced to keep pace. Assuredly, 130.5 points is well within reach.
The Arizona Wildcats saved their best basketball for the end of the season. The Big 12 champs have won nine in a row, averaging 82.8 points per game over their last four. Long Island University will do what it can, also putting this 148.5 total within reach.
Sandwiched between those overs is the most-bet under of the day. The Virginia Cavaliers battle it out with Wright State on Friday, and bettors expect the Cavaliers’ defensive acumen to shine through. For all of its offensive strengths, Virginia still prioritizes solid defensive basketball. Look for this one to stay under the total.
Keep an Eye on the Action
From now until the late hours of the night, our eyes will be glued to all of the college basketball action. Stay up to date and monitor live betting lines to ensure Day 2 of the college basketball tournament ends on a winning note.
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
