Betting Day 1 NCAA Tournament

The first day of tournament yields unbelievable excitement and that is before the games even start. Lines at sportsbooks in Las Vegas and the state of Nevada are long with players giddy and anxious, certain they are going to make a killing. Those that use online services find certain sites so slow it feels like back when it was pre-Pentium days. It’s also quite a day for bookmakers, thrilled to take all the action, but a little nervous too many favorites will come in.

The opening day has everybody pumped, as even some companies will let employees watch games or have extended lunch (in many cases not much to do these days) and if you’re an AIG employee, probably snacking on filet and jumbo shrimp on the company. (Wink Wink) Let’s start taking a look at all the early contests that set the table for the first day of action. Lines courtesy of BetJamaica.com.

LSU vs Butler 12:20 E Line –LSU -2.5, 127.5

CBS trots out the A-Team to start the tournament for this 8 vs 9 matchup with Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg. LSU surprised a lot of people in winning 26 games, but lost focus after winning SEC, losing three of last four and not shooting over 40 percent. This group has experience with Marcus Thornton, Tasmin Mitchell and Garrett Temple, part of team that went to Final Foul. The Tigers have had issues with teams that control tempo and are 1-8 ATS versus teams averaging 53 or less shots a game. Remember how important veteran experience is in tournament in backcourt, Butler starts two freshman as guards and three altogether. What is intriguing about the Bulldogs is no seniors in top nine players, how will they hold up against vets like Thornton? Butler is 13-1 ATS as an underdog over the last three seasons.

Memphis vs. Cal-State Northridge 12:25E Line – Memphis -19.5, 130.5

CS-Northridge has scored under 60 points just five times this season in averaging 73.7 points per game. The Matadors are likely to feel like they have had a cape thrown over them, probably struggling to reach the 60 barrier against Memphis defense. The Tigers aren’t as talented as last year’s group that was about a second from national championship, however they are every bit as good as the prior two John Calipari squads and convert almost 70 percent from the charity stripe. Memphis leads the nation in field goal percentage defense at 36.2 percent. What has been amazing for backers is the Tigers haven’t been overvalued all season and are 17-6 ATS as a favorite of 10 or more points. The Matadors could have expected to make a better showing, but their leading scorer was suspended and top point guard was in auto accident last month, meaning backups are facing Memphis pressure, yikes.

BYU vs Texas A&M 12:30E Line – BYU -2, 139

This is a rare rematch from last year’s tournament, which was essentially unavoidable, with BYU not available for Friday/Sunday contests because of religious beliefs. The Cougars are favored this time around and are 10-3-1 ATS off a loss. BYU has excellent shooters, both deep and around the lane. Despite lacking height, the Cougars have a gang mentality for rebounding and are +4. What hurts BYU is lack of athleticism, which is a strength of Texas A&M. The Aggies were flying towards the end of the regular season, until second half collapse against Texas Tech in Big 12 tourney. The Aggies had won six in a row and looked like a threat to the top teams. Texas A&M has to play to their strengths and let point guard Donald Sloan run the show. The Aggies are 9-2 ATS in all neutral court games recently and are 8-1 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 this season.

Purdue vs No. Iowa 2:30E Line – Purdue -8, 125

Just like using the Clapper, the light went on for Purdue, winning the Big Ten tournament. Like most teams, coach Matt Painter’s squad needed continuity and Robbie Hummel returning to health made everything blossom. The Boilermakers hold teams to 38.9 percent shooting, playing fundamental defense, yet would not be characterized as being a physical team. Purdue is 7-2 ATS this season when favored by 7 to 12.5-point range. Northern Iowa was seeing a successful season floating away, losing four of five in the middle of February; however they regained their swagger and doubled as Missouri Valley regular and postseason champions. Lead announcer Kevin Harlan has been practicing since Sunday night how to say Kwadzo Ahelegbe and Ali Farokhmanesh, two-thirds of UNI’s guard tandem. What made the Panthers so tough is 7’0 Jordan Eglseder and rugged Adam Koch. Northern Iowa’s playing as well as Purdue and is 12-6 and 11-7 on the road, catching this many points.

North Carolina vs Radford 2:50E Line – North Carolina -25.5, 163

Even if Ty Lawson is a no-go, North Carolina should have enough firepower, before what will be a very partisan crowd in Greensboro. The Tar Heels average 90.2 points per game and Tyler Hansbrough, Danny Green, Wayne Ellington and Lawson didn’t come back to Chapel Hill to make the NCAA Tournament, they came back to win it. North Carolina was shabby 11-19 ATS this season, however is 28-10 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite. Radford won 17 of last 19 games in being Big South champs. They play good defense in giving up just 39.7 percent, yet are vulnerable to three point shooting, surrendering eight a game.

California vs Maryland 2:55E Line – Cal -1, 140

California being in the tournament was a surprise, having a new coach and losing Ryan Anderson from last year. Coach Mike Montgomery is a proven commodity and he molded this group into a good unit that values possessions and takes good shots. The Bears led the nation in three-point accuracy at 43.4 percent and are 12-3 ATS when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season. Maryland often plays like a gang of one with guard Greivis Vasquez, as do-everything performer. It’s funny how coach Gary Williams is receiving so much credit for maximizing the talent on hand with not much there, didn’t he recruit them? The Terps are 13-4 ATS in road games when playing against a team with a winning record past the midpoint of the season the last two years and are benefiting from the play Adrian Bowie and Dave Neal late in the season.

Connecticut vs Chattanooga 3:00E Line –UConn -20.5, 145

Connecticut doesn’t figure to have any problems with Chattanooga, but might down the line. If guard A.J. Price isn’t hitting three’s, not many options to prevent teams from packing it in around the lane against the Huskies. Connecticut will want to be able to go to its potent frontcourt players; however are 3-12 ATS as a neutral court favorite of 12.5 or more points. Chattanooga benefited from playing conference tournament at home and the three wins put them over .500 (18-16) for the season. The Mocs too often were sloppy in ball-handling, which helped contribute to opposing teams to scoring 76 points against them. Chattanooga has failed to cover 15 of last 22 times they were underdogs.

Washington vs Mississippi State 5:00E Line – Washington -6, 148.5

Washington won Pac-10 title for the first time in 56 years and prefers to play fast, with diminutive guards Justin Dentmon and Isaiah Thomas. Both can really scoot and help Huskies score easy transition points. Jon Brockman is a double-double waiting to happen and Quincy Pondexter is now the player most expected out of high school. Washington is 7-0 ATS after one or more consecutive losses this season and got to the free throw line more than any other conference team. How far can Mississippi State go on three days rest, having to travel to Portland, after winning four games in four days in SEC tourney? We’re about to find out and the ball will be in the hands of freshman Dee Bost. The Bulldogs aren’t bashful about jacking up long range shots, averaging 23 per game beyond the arc, making eight per outing. Mississippi State is 5-1 ATS as neutral site underdogs, with the human eraser Jarvis Varnado guarding the rim.