3/26 Best Bets
The wonders of these tournaments keep coming. The Connecticut women bow out in shocking fashion, while the Connecticut men curb stomp Gonzaga to establish themselves as the heavy favorites to win the championship. What more might be in store today? Take a look and maybe win some money while you’re at it
Men’s Elite 8
Yesterday’s Results: 1-0 (+0.9u)
Total Men’s Tournament Results: 24-35 (-8.88u)
The total may still look ugly and we may be running out of games to bet, but that doesn’t change the fact this is two winning days in a row. Perhaps the tide has changed? UConn won with ease to cover -2.5 and I only like one game on the slate today…
#2 Texas -4 (-110) vs. #5 Miami: 1u
This is the exact same spread as Texas’ win over Xavier in the Sweet 16. The Longhorns covered with ease in that one and I expect more of the same. This team, along with Connecticut, have been the two best teams in the field. Frankly, I think this Texas team has flown under the radar all tournament. I didn’t hear many talk about them as a Final Four contender, likely because Houston was in their region, but are sneaky good. I still don’t like Miami and will remain persistent. Surely, they have to come back down to Earth at some point, right? (See you in the Final Four, Hurricanes)
Women’s Elite 8
Yesterday’s Results: 3-2 (+0.7u)
Total Women’s Tournament Results: 12-12 (-0.18u)
Ahhh, so close to a perfect 5-0 day. I wanted to pick the Hokies and I guess I should have. That would have also clinched my teaser, but alas I will take profit no matter how big or small. UCLA, Maryland and Ohio State (Buckeyes ML would’ve been sweet 👀) all did their part. Just one game today, so it feels make or break.
#5 Louisville +5 (-110) vs. #2 Iowa: 1u
I know I just bet against Louisville in the last round, but the script has now flipped from them being the favorite to being an underdog. All the qualities you don’t want in a favorite, namely being too reliant on shooting, are exactly what you want in an underdog. Iowa is obviously one of the five best teams in the country, and it is scary to bet against them with a relatively small number, but if Caitlin Clark and Monika Czinano have an off night it can spell trouble. This has already been the most chaotic tournament in history, so Iowa isn’t safe by any means. Georgia kept a road game against these Hawkeyes within single digits and the Cardinals are better than Georgia (no offense to the Bulldogs). Go off, Hailey Van Lith.
And that’s it. Just one game for each tournament. It is really starting to hit home how close we are to crowning champions and the end of the college basketball season. It’s bittersweet, but let’s all enjoy the ride.