For fans that are looking for betting lines NCAA basketball bargains that can actually play Cincinnati rates a look. Champions of the American Athletic Conference they are tough as nails. Head coach Mick Cronin has built a team that plays smothering defense. And as the saying goes “Defense wins championships.” However also lurking is top seed and Big East champ Xavier. Any team that can beat out Villanova for a regular season title ranks top consideration. Offensively there are few teams more potent than the Musketeers. And Injury battered Missouri is now healthy at the most important time.
2018 NCAA Tournament from Nashville
Date and Time: March 16 and March 18, 2018
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click here!
2018 NCAA Tournament TV Coverage: TBS
Matches and Schedules
Friday action at Nashville opens with #15 Georgia State vs. #2 Cincinnati. Next will be #10 Texas vs. #7 Nevada. Evening betting lines NCAA basketball action opens with #1 Xavier vs. a First Four winner. Nightcap play will be #9 Florida State vs. #8 Missouri. Winners will meet up on Saturday in the second round at Nashville.
Missouri
Missouri was star-crossed in the regular season after opening as a sportsbook favorite. Highly touted forward Michael Porter Jr. missed most of the season with injury. Porter’s return potentially changes the dynamics. Cuonzo Martin did a remarkable job as coach with their top player missing. Mizzou beat Kentucky handily last month as evidence of their tenacity and skill. Bargain hunters will be shopping the Tigers.
Florida State
Florida State faded badly down the stretch with just one payout in their final eight games. Perhaps the culprit for the red ink was a defense that ranks 234th in the country. And that lack of defense could be a problem against Mizzou. Texas was a questionable selection that lacks star power and identity. Perhaps it is TV eyeballs that mattered most to the committee. Finishing with just four payouts in their final ten games the Horns offer little.
Xavier
Xavier lights it up like few other teams in the land. The Musketeers ranked 11th nationally for scoring offense. Of concern is a defense that ranked 235th for points permitted. Sharpshooting asset Trevon Bluiett led with 20 points per game. Most relevant is that that Xavier was a profitable 21-12 vs. the line this year.
Cincinnati
Using defense instead of offense for success is Cincinnati. Ranking second in the country for points allowed they are a tough out. Betting value down the stretch was an issue with only three covers in their final nine games. Scoring depth is also problematic for UC. Under the total paid 20 of 31 times for the Bearcats.
Matchup to Watch
Nashville’s bracket could offer a top sleeper for betting lines NCAA basketball. Missouri built up toughness and character while playing through key injuries all season. Drawing a poor betting value vs. Florida State in the first round only enhances the Tigers chances.
2018 NCAA Tournament from Nashville Betting Odds Picks
In conclusion Missouri makes for a great pick on Friday and all the way through the weekend. Now healthy the Tigers are primed to surprise.
NCAA Betting Online Pick: Missouri Tigers
NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Tigers 81, Seminoles 73