Submitted by rsteel on
Obviously filling out a bracket is a different beast than handicapping individual games of the tournament with point spreads. Next week’s grapevine I will help you with your bracket this week we will deal with the spreads.
1) Forget about the conference tournaments underway. March madness is a different beast. There is no carryover of momentum for teams that performed well in those tournaments. In fact some coaches could care less about those tournaments and focus on getting their teams ready for the big dance.
2) March madness games are held on neutral courts or are they? Look for teams that are playing close to home where their supporters can easily get to games. In addition look for teams that have a number of players from that specific area so in essence it will be like going home for them.
3) Free throw shooting is what wins and covers spreads. Look for teams that have a decided advantage in free throw shooting %.
4) In all sports defense wins championships. Look for underdogs who play great defense going up against a flashy offensive team. The offense is what attracts the public money it is the defense which puts money in your pocket.
Teams that were overvalued or undervalued heading into the tournament tend to stay that way. Do not get caught up in the hype about seeding’s. We are sports bettors our concern is the point spreads. The public bets March Madness usually after never having bet a college basketball game all season. The public will gravitate towards favorites, big name schools and overs.
Let the MADNESS begin!