The Final Four betting odds are primed for an exciting weekend of NCAA Tournament thrills. So far the tournament has delivered some unexpected upsets and has given us a Final Four round with two new programs on the scene, Auburn and Texas Tech. Naturally, online sportsbook players will want to know if taking these newcomers will pay off of if there are better wagers on the horizon. To answer that question, we must first take a look at this weekend’s college basketball betting odds. Here we go.
Auburn Tigers vs. Virginia Cavaliers – Saturday, April 6th
Start Time: 7:09 pm ET
Venue: US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
TV Broadcast: CBS
Online Stream: CBS Sports
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | +5½ (-110) | 131 (-110) |  |
| Virginia | -5½ (-110) | 131 (-110) | |
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It comes as no surprise to see the Cavaliers pegged as heavy betting favorite here. After all, Virginia entered their bracket as the No. 1 seed in their region. However, is taking the Cavs really the best bet here? Or will bettors find better value in sticking with the underdog here? After all, Auburn has been upsetting top ranked opponents left and right. In fact, Tigers’ run this year might be one of the most impressive we’ve seen in recent years.
Although Auburn’s 78-77 win over New Mexico State was far from riveting, all their other victories have been shockers. Their second round 89-75 dominance was far from expected and their 97-80 pummeling of UNC took everyone by surprise. On top of that, Auburn managed to upset No. 2 Kentucky 77-71. That’s quite the resume, but to come out on top here the Tigers must score on one of the best defenses in the nation.
All in all both teams like to get the bulk of their points from beyond the arc. Virginia produces 35.4% of its points from this range while 43.4% of Auburn’s offense comes from three-point range. Nevertheless, the Cavs are a bit better nailing 69.4% of their shots from downtown while the Tigers’ hit 38.3%.
So does this mean that taking Virginia is your best bet here? All things considered, the best bet is to stick with Auburn straight up, as long as you think the Tigers can get the job done here. Taking the Tigers on the spread is a decent option as well as taking the OVER on the TOTALs.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Michigan State Spartans – Sat., April 6th
Start Time: 8:49 pm ET
Venue: US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
TV Broadcast: CBS
Online Stream: CBS Sports
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech | +2½ (-110) | 132½ (-110) | |
| Michigan State | -2½ (-110) | 132½ (-110) | |
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The college basketball betting odds are much more even-sided in this matchup. The Red Raiders are making their Final Four debut while it feels like just another Tuesday for the Spartans. Looking over the numbers, it’s clear that this will be a close matchup. After all, Texas Tech earns 73 points and gives up 59 points per game. Comparatively Michigan State is scoring 78.3 and giving up 65.1.
Unlike the other contest, fans should expect to see high versatility. Nevertheless, both teams like to get their points from the two-point range. But if one side is going to take a three it’s going to be Michigan State, who has a greater tendency to take the three.
As for the best bets here, there are a ton of options. The money line is favorable for whichever side you think will come out on top here. Additionally, the OVER on the TOTAL is looking like a great pick with very little vig on it. However, Michigan State to cover the spread is arguably the best pick here.
