posted March 18, 2009 at 12:45 EST in March Madness Betting Trends
NCAA Tournament Betting - No. 1 Beasts in the Big East
by Robby Maddux
Ok folks, whether you’re a novice or college basketball betting guru and have yet to hear who's this year's No. 1 seeds (click here for your printable March Madness bracket), you're either living under a rock or have just returned from another planet. The Louisville Cardinals, Pittsburgh Panthers and Connecticut Huskies make up three of the four No. 1 seeds (ACC's North Carolina the fourth), showcasing the strength of the Big East as they became the first conference to ever earn three top-seeds in the NCAA tournament.
The Big East was the strongest conference in the country this season. Collectively, the Big East landed seven teams in the Big Dance. As the No. 1's, Louisville arguably has the easiest path to the Elite Eight in the Midwest. Pittsburgh's East Region route is nearly as smooth as is Louisville’s to the Elite Eight. Out West, Connecticut has the strongest case of having the toughest road to anywhere, especially considering their recent vulnerability minus Dyson.
If you bet college basketball online, you're probably aware that No. 1 seeds are a perfect 96-0 straight up in the opening round of the tournament's history, and its likely that trend will stay unblemished this season, though covering the spread is a different story as oddsmakers often over value No. 1's in preparation of the public heavily supporting top-seeds who receive the most hype, influencing bettors to laying tons of points versus No. 16's.
But keep in mind, once the top-seeds establish a commanding lead late, starters are pulled to get rest often leading to backdoor covers by the colossal Round 1 underdogs.
With less than 48 hours remaining until the action begins, be sure to visit the BetUS NCAA basketball odds, and while there checkout the $1,000,000 March Madness bracket contest which is underway.
