Posted on 3/22/2008 2:51:37 PM

March Madness Tournament Wagering - San Diego vs. Western Kentucky

By Charles Jay

BetUS NCAA college basketball betting odds: Western Kentucky -5.5, Total 131

For one team, the clock will strike twelve, while the other will get to dance on, as the San Diego Toreros (22-13 SU, 22-9 ATS) face off against the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky (28-6 SU, 18-13 ATS) in West Regional action in the NCAA tournament on Sunday. Game time is 2:40 PM ET at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

At BetUS Sportsbook, Western Kentucky is listed as a 5.5-point favorite, with a total of 131 points.

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

* SD has won its last six games SU

* SD has covered its last five games

* SD has covered 10 of its last 11 games

* SD has played five of its last six games OVER the total

* WKU has won its last seven games SU

* WKU has covered its last six games

Here we go again. San Diego, a team that likes to slow down the pace, encounters Western Kentucky, a team that wants to get the ball up the floor in a hurry. Both teams pulled off what could be considered upsets on Friday; WKU beat Drake at the buzzer in overtime when Ty Rogers hit a three-pointer, which highlighted a day where the 'Toppers made an incredible 14 of 28 from beyond the arc (54% overall). Tyrone Brazelton, who averaged 14 points a game on the season, exploded for 33 in this one, and Courtney Lee, headed eventually to the NBA, had 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots.

San Diego took a decisive lead against U-Conn, lost it, then went back-and-forth, into an overtime period, and came away with the 70-69 win. And one of the keys was Gyno Pomare continually stepping out for big shots (10-for-12 on the day). The Huskies made only 43% of their attempts, and San Diego won despite going to the free throw line only seven times (as opposed to 20 for Connecticut).

San Diego just continues to impress with its mental toughness. Bill Grier has been through this process before when he was an assistant at a then-emerging Gonzaga program. He knows how to push the right buttons. Brandon Johnson, a feisty clutch player, should be able to harass Lee a little bit, and opposing coaches now have something more to worry about from Pomare, who has expanded his range.

I expect San Diego to impose their will once again here, and continue to be double-tough as a dog. So I'm taking the Toreros, the 5.5-point underdog in the BetUS NCAA college basketball betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: SAN DIEGO

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)