Up to NCAA B Betting Trends

posted April 3, 2008 at 16:40 in NCAA B Betting Trends

BetUS NCAA basketball betting odds: Ohio State -4.5, Total 149

One of these teams will have a great and satisfying finish to what might have otherwise been a disappointing season, as the Minutemen of U-Mass (25-10 SU, 17-15 ATS) take on the Ohio State Buckeyes (23-13 SU, 17-14-1 ATS) in the championship game of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) set for a 7 PM ET tipoff at Madison Square Garden in New York.

At BetUS Sportsbook, Ohio State is listed as a 4.5-point favorite, with a total of 149 points.

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

* MASS has covered eight of its last 11 games

* MASS has won 10 of its last 11 games SU

* MASS has played six of its last seven games UNDER the total

* OSU has covered five of its last six games

* OSU has won six of its last seven games SU

* OSU has played four of its last five games OVER the total

It may have come as a major surprise to many that U-Mass was able to win against Florida despite hitting only five of 24 shots from beyond the arc, and 42% from the field overall, but perhaps part of that was that Florida went cold from the free throw line (just 38%!!) and could make no better than 39% from the floor with just two three-pointers.

We recognize the experience and mental toughness of a U-Mass squad that was able to come back from a 19-point deficit at the half to win on Syracuse's home floor (its second win in the Carrier Dome this season), and can quickly open things up with its three-point accuracy. At the same time, however, Ohio State is one of the best teams in the country at guarding the perimeter, allowing less than 31% from beyond the arc. Truth be told, the Buckeyes have been stingy on defense all year long (38.5% FG's allowed) and since post-season play began, only UNC-Asheville, with 7-foot-7 Kenny George, has managed to reach 42% from the field against them.

Also, though they aren't necessarily characterized as a "power" team, there could be a significant edge for OSU on the inside, as Kosta Koufos and Othello Hunter combine for 13 rebounds and over three blocked shots per game. Koufos, who has now shot just a shade under 70% for the tournament, got more easy baskets against Ole Miss, hitting 8-for-13. The Minutemen have often been compromised under the boards (minus-18 rebound margin in the last three games), and that might also be exploited.

For several of the Buckeyes, including Hunter (eight blocks in the last two contests) and leading scorer Jamar Butler, they have been down a similar road in the drive to the finals of a national tournament (last year against Florida). This time around, they convert.

We'll lay the points with Ohio State, the 4.5-point favorite in the BetUS NCAA basketball betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: OHIO STATE

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)