Posted on 3/22/2008 3:01:58 PM

2008 March Madness Tournament Odds - Kansas vs UNLV

By Charles Jay

BetUS NCAA basketball betting odds: Kansas -14.5, Total 136

In second-round NCAA tourament action, the Kansas Jayhawks (32-3 SU, 17-14-2 ATS) will be playing relatively close to home when they take on the UNLV Rebels (27-7 SU, 18-12-1 ATS) at the Qwest Center in Omaha, in a Saturday game that begins at 6:50 PM ET.

At BetUS Sportsbook, Kansas is listed as a 14.5-point favorite, with a total of 136 points.

Here are some of the NCAA college basketball betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* UNLV is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine games

* UNLV has won eight of its last nine games SU

* UNLV has played four of its last five games OVER the total

* KAN has covered five of its last seven games

* KAN has won its last eight games SU

* KAN has played five of its last eight games OVER the total

The Rebels were about as impressive as any team in its first-round game, holding Kent State to just ten first-half points in what was an unexpected cakewalk. But in that contest the usually sure-handed rebs (10.8 TO's per game) turned it over 19 times. That's the most they've coughed it up this season. UNLV's focus can't possibly be the inside game; there is no starter over 6'7" and one of those guys, forward Joe Darger, likes to fire from the outside (four 3-pointers vs. Kent State).

Kansas is good at making its opponents defend it all over the court. Darrell Arthur, a versatile 6'9" forward (13.4 ppg) was a pre-season All-American, and Brandon Rush, who was touted by some with the same designation but had an off-year, scored 18 against Portland State in the "ceremonial" opener. Throw in distributor Mario Chalmers and all the others and you have all the balance in the world.

A team is going to need a size edge or be able to play the bump-and-grind to be able to beat Kansas. UNLV doesn't really fit wither description. The Rebs will have a hard time controlling the pace against a Jayhawk team that averages 81.6 ppg.

I'll lay the points with the Kansas Jayhawks, the 14.5-point favorites in the BetUS NCAA college basketball betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: KANSAS

Go to the BetUS.com online sportsbook today to bet on NCAA basketball. We have the most current NCAA basketball odds and lines, as well as player and game props. Join BetUS.com to experience the best in online sports betting action!

(Charles Jay of http://www.eBookies.com gives it the old college try as a regular contributor to the BetUS Locker Room)