Posted on 4/29/2008 6:03:58 PM

NCAA March Madness Basketball Betting Picks Wisconsin vs. Cal State-Fullerton

By Charles Jay

BetUS NCAA college basketball betting odds: Wisconsin -11.5, Total 136.5

Two conference champions collide in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday night when the Titans of Cal State-Fullerton (24-8 SU, 17-8-1 ATS), champions of the Big West Conference tangle with the Wisconsin Badgers (29-4 SU, 17-13 ATS), who won the Big Ten. The game is part of the Midwest Regional, and will tip off at 9:40 PM ET at the Qwest Center in Omaha.

At BetUS Sportsbook, Wisconsin is listed as an 11.5-point favorite, with a total of 136.5 points.

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

* FULL has won its last six games SU
* FULL has covered seven of its last nine games
* FULL has played four of its last six games UNDER the total
* WISC has covered seven of its last eight games
* WISC has won its last ten games SU
* WISC has played six of its last seven games UNDER the total

A stark contrast in approach, as Fullerton State scores 82.6 points a game, sixth in the country, while Wisconsin allows less points than anyone (53.8).

It would be a very intriguing matchup of styles, except that Wisconsin is so adept at imposing its own level of pace against the opponent.
The Badgers have held their last nine foes to an average of 49.6 points a game. And some of the totals have been ridiculous, like 34 from Michigan in the Big Ten tournament - the lowest figure ever for that event.

Sure, Scott Cutley (14.5 ppg, 52% FG's) and Josh Akognon (19.8 ppg) are potent scorers. But Michael Flowers, Wisconsin's defensive stopper, takes care of one of them in Deion Sanders-like fashion. And he is by no means the only talented defender on the Wisconsin roster, as evidenced by the "success" opposing teams have enjoyed (38%).

The smallish (no starters over 6'5") Titans will find their patience tested on the defensive end. and they haven't come up roses in that department either, allowing 47%. Brian Butch presents a unique big man who can go inside or shoot from outside. And Greg Stiemsma and Jon Leuer represent size coming off the bench. There is too complete a package for Cal State-Fullerton to deal with. The only question is, how motivated will Wisconsin be to run it up?

We'll side with the team we feel has important fundamental advantages. That's the Badgers, the 11.5-point favorite in the BetUS NCAA college basketball betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY:  WISCONSIN

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

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