Posted on
3/14/2008 12:38:40 PM
NCAA March Madness Odds - Miami-FL vs. Virginia Tech
By Charles Jay
BetUS NCAA basketball betting odds: Virginia Tech -1, Total 133.5
The Miami Hurricanes (22-9 SU, 14-6-3 ATS), who got some revenge in their first round ACC tournament game, advance to the next step, which is taking on the Virginia Tech Hokies (18-12 SU, 16-11 ATS), a team that finds itself very much on the NCAA bubble. The game starts at 2:30 PM ET on Friday and will be played at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
In the BetUS Sportsbook, Virginia Tech is listed as a one-point favorite, with a total of 133.5 points.
Here are some of the NCAA basketball betting trends as they relate to this matchup:
* MIA has won seven of its last nine games SU
* MIA is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine games
* VT has won four of its last five games SU
* VT has covered its last five games
* VT has played three of its last four games OVER the total
* VT has played 10 of its last 14 games OVER the total
* VT has won and covered four of the last six meetings
* VT has won eight of the last 12 meetings
* VT has had the shooting edge in five of the last six meetings
* MIA has had the rebounding edge in four of the last six meetings
* VT has made more three-pointers in six of the last eight meetings
What's somewhat worrisome is that Miami hasn't shot too well in its most recent games - 39% against Boston College, 37% against Florida State and 37% against North Carolina State. Since Virginia Tech is pretty stingy (40.8% FG's allowed), that remains a concern.
And the 'Canes had better hope for a more productive performance from Jack McClinton, who went just two-for-six from the field (0-for-3 from beyond the arc) with eight points in the win over N.C. State, because there is no guarantee Miami is going to dominate things on the glass as it did against the Wolfpack.
Virginia Tech had a big task in replacing its starting backcourt off last year's team, and the result was a sloppier bunch (14.8 turnovers a game). The Hokies are not loaded with three-point shooters, but they do have A.D. Vassallo, a first-year starter who was 41% from beyond the arc and burned Miami for 24 points in 74-71 loss on February 9.
Miami took a step toward an NCAA at-large berth with its win yesterday. Now it's Virginia Tech's turn to punch a ticket. We'll lay a point with the Hokies, the favorite in the BetUS NCAAB betting odds.
JAY'S PLAY: VIRGINIA TECH
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)