Posted on 3/14/2008 5:21:17 PM

March Madness Betting - Minnesota vs. Indiana

By Charles Jay

BetUS NCAA basketball betting odds: Indiana -5.5, Total 132

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (19-12 SU, 13-13 ATS) go after their 20th win of the year on Friday night when they take on the Indiana Hoosiers (25-6 SU, 13-15 ATS) in the quarterfinals of the Big 10 tournament, scheduled to get underway at 9 PM ET at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

In the BetUS Sportsbook, Indiana is listed as a 5.5-point favorite, with a total of 132 points.

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

* MINN has covered one of its last six games

* MINN has played seven of its last eight games UNDER the total

* IND has covered one of its last five games

* IND has played six of its last eight games OVER the total

* IND has won four of the last six meetings SU

* MINN has covered three of the last five meetings

* The last four meetings have gone UNDER the total

* IND has had the shooting and rebounding edge in each of the last three meetings

* IND has made more three-pointers in each of the last four meetings

Is their 55-52 win over Northwestern a sign that says we have to "buy" what the Gophers are selling? Don't think so, based on very poor shooting figures over the last three games and five pointspread defeats in their last seven. Indiana has not played well since Kelvin Sampson left the program, squeaking by Northwestern and Ohio State, getting blown out by Michigan State (to the tune of 103-74) and losing its regular season finale to Penn State.

However, the bright spot in all of that was a 14-point win over Minnesota, which came Indiana's way even though it shot less than 41%. But Eric Gordon attacked the basket and proved a defensive puzzle for Minnesota's young guards, getting to the line 14 times. The Hoosiers should be able to control the defensive boards (they have 25 per game) and don't forget that they have the two best players on the floor in Gordon and DJ White.

Certainly Indiana will want to bounce back with at least one credible performance in this tournament after suffering an upset loss to Penn State. This game will provide it. We'll lay the points with Indiana, the 5.5-point favorite in the BetUS NCAAB betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: INDIANA

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)