Tag: BetFTW

March Madness: Will Saint Peter’s momentum carry them through the Sweet 16?

They’re Peacocks! You’ve got to let them fly.

Can Saint Peter’s keep the momentum going as they prepare to face off against Purdue in the Sweet 16? We break it down.

All odds via Tipico.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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How to bet Kansas-Providence in the Sweet 16 of the 2022 NCAA Tournament

Looking at how to bet on the Sweet 16 matchup between Kansas and Providence.

What are you looking for when it comes to the NCAA Tournament? Madness, probably. But what else? Quality teams, perhaps. Elite college basketball players that you may potentially see in the NBA someday. Or maybe you come to see a competitive game between teams.

If this is you, you’re likely going to be glued to the television on Friday for this Sweet 16 matchup between No. 1 Kansas and No. 4 Providence on Friday. But will you also be invested financially? Of course, you will. That is why you’re here.

We’ll give you the rundown of how to bet Kansas-Providence ahead of the Friday matchup.

All odds via Tipico Sportsbook as of publish time

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Duke tore apart Texas Tech’s top defense when it mattered most

Texas Tech could not stop Duke from making it rain.

It looked like Texas Tech had Duke’s number on Thursday night in the Men’s NCAA tournament.

For the most part, the Red Raiders held Duke’s prolific offense in check during the first half. Thanks to a defense that ranked in the top-10 in the country in almost every relevant category, Texas Tech (who came into the game as 1-point underdogs) put Duke in a vise grip and refused to let go. A 33-29 first-half lead was nowhere near indicative of the Blue Devils’ offensive struggles. Surely no one in Durham imagined Mike Krzyzewski’s formal farewell tour ending at the hands of a defensive masterclass.

Folks, that’s why you play two halves in college basketball.

With their season on the line, Duke punched back at Texas Tech and found an answer to the gritty, disciplined, athletic Red Raider defense … to the tune of a lights-out, 17-of-24, shooting performance second half.

I shouldn’t have to tell anyone this secret, but 70.8 percent shooting in the clutch against a defense that locks almost everyone down while throwing away the key is ridiculously good. We know Paolo Banchero and Wendell Moore will get theirs for Duke. Thursday night was the sort of offensive performance where even Jeremy Roach found a way to make his mark by putting the ball in the basket. A 78-73 win was well-earned with good defense beaten by a better offense.

Texas Tech brought its A-game to the Sweet 16. In another year, against another team, they might have been on the verge of the Final Four. But not this version of Duke. This version of Duke was firing on all cylinders and looked unstoppable with their backs against the wall. As Texas Tech learned, sometimes it’s just not your year.

As for the Blue Devils, they suddenly look national title worthy. They can thank the Red Raiders for awakening the sleeping offensive giant inside.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Jeremy Roach saved Duke, Coach K, in thriller win over Texas Tech

Duke has an unexpected ace in their sleeve.

On Thursday night, it certainly looked like Mike Krzyzewski’s swan song with Duke was coming to an end. Behind its physical, grimy defense, Texas Tech had knocked the Blue Devils (favored by a point heading into the contest) down to the mat over and over. More importantly, they showed no signs of letting up.

This was it. A 42-year legendary run in men’s college basketball, over, in the Sweet 16. Not the way anyone had envisioned Coach K leaving the game. Oh well. Happy endings are rare, and you shouldn’t expect them.

But Duke wasn’t finished. Far from it. Krzyzewski had hope of his final run continuing. All thanks to sophomore guard Jeremy Roach.

As Duke responded in this back-and-forth battle, Roach was instrumental. Beginning at the 10:07 mark of the second half, it seemed like he was in on every play. A layup. A free throw here and there. A steal. A layup. A jumper in the face of a tenacious Red Raider defender. Another jumper.

When the Blue Devils finally started to take control in the closing moments, Roach potted what felt like a dagger in an eventual 78-73 Duke win.

Onions, ice in your veins, and every hallmark of a clutch play. A classic “Duke” moment in March, in one of Coach K’s last March moments with Duke, delivered by a guard like Roach, who was ready for the March stage.

All in all, Roach chipped in 15 points (13 in the second half), five assists, and four boards. It’s the guard’s third straight tournament game in double-figures scoring. Considering Duke was on the ropes, that’s not bad for a guy who averaged just over eight total points a game during the regular season.

In the coach’s last ride, Duke is on to the Elite Eight against Arkansas. Even better, they have their X-Factor.

His name is Jeremy Roach. Remember it.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Houston’s terrifying defense just put the college basketball world on notice (again)

The Houston Cougars just ended Arizona’s national title hopes.

Surprise, surprise! Houston just locked down the Arizona Wildcats for 40 minutes and sent them back to the desert with a 72-60 loss.

Why is this surprising to many? Houston’s defense has been frightening all season long. It only allowed an average of 59.0 points per game to its opponents throughout the season. We didn’t see this coming?

Likely not.

For further context — Arizona entered this Sweet 16 matchup with the third-best scoring offense in the nation (84.6 ppg) and field goal percentage (49.6 percent). The Wildcats didn’t even sniff those numbers.

So, how did Houston grind this well-oiled offense into dust?

Physicality, toughness, and will.

From the jump, Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars were locked in. They held Zona to just 60 points (second-lowest of the season) and 33.3 percent shooting(!) while forcing 14 turnovers that turned into 24 points on the other end.

The Wildcats looked uncomfortable throughout the game and never led at any point. They joined Gonzaga as the second No. 1 seed to come up short on Thursday night.

As for the Cougars? They’ll make it back to the Elite 8 for the second time in as many years.

What an upset.

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Villanova beat Michigan and their fans were overjoyed about another deep March run

There’s nothing quite like a win in a big game in March.

By now, Villanova’s fans expect success during the Men’s NCAA tournament. Under Jay Wright, the Wildcats have advanced out of the first round in each of the last nine tournaments, winning the national title in 2016 and 2018. Still, even with such consistent excellence, it doesn’t mean their fans can’t revel in the good times when they come.

On Thursday night, Villanova (-4.5) beat Michigan, 63-55, to advance to the Elite Eight. (Note that the last two times the Wildcats advanced to the Regional Final under Wright, they ended up winning the whole thing.)

Collin Gillespie was predictably great. Jermaine Samuels was dynamite, as usual. All in all, it was a night for the team and the Nova faithful to remember.

As the game started to wind down, fans who were at the arena in San Antonio made sure to celebrate appropriately.

Your alma mater making a run into March Madness doesn’t happen every year. Villanova’s fans have done well to remember that, even if it now sometimes seems like they’re playing deep into this month each season.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Chet Holmgren fouled out on a questionable call and college hoops fans weren’t happy

Look how they messed with Gonzaga’s boy.

This year’s Men’s NCAA tournament was supposed to be the year Gonzaga finally broke through. With freshman Chet Holmgren in the fold, a likely NBA lottery pick, the Bulldogs would avenge their defeat in last season’s national championship game, and everything would be sunshine and rainbows.

You know what they say: The best-laid plans of bulldogs and men often go awry.

On Thursday night, Arkansas upset Gonzaga, 74-68. A shame because the impeccably talented Holmgren was supposed to take Zags (-8.5) over the top, but that’s only when he plays the entire game. With Arkansas leading 62-56 and smelling blood in the water late in the second half, J.D. Notae drove down the baseline toward Holmgren.

When Holgrem went up to challenge him, Notae managed the unthinkable — he got the big man to foul out.

As is often the case in big games, college hoops fans took exception to the controversial call on Holmgren that unofficially ended a Gonzaga comeback attempt. They didn’t agree with a few of the previous foul calls on Holmgren, either.

Arkansas deserves credit for the shocking upset, but given the circumstances, this one will sting a long time for Gonzaga. While the Bulldogs could’ve defended better, especially on Notae (23 points), Holmgren fouling out didn’t help their chances at victory. It’s another March and another year where Gonzaga disappoints.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Almost everyone bet on Gonzaga. Almost everyone lost money

Almost everyone bet on Gonzaga. Almost everyone lost money.

Thursday night was not only a loss for Gonzaga, it was a loss for its fans, the refs, and most importantly, the betting public.

Entering Friday’s contest, 65 percent of bets placed against the spread took Gonzaga (-8.5) while 84 percent of the money was wagered that same line, according to Action Network.

What’s worse? A whopping 99 percent of bets and 85 percent of the money wagered on the moneyline was backing Gonzaga.

The Zags did that thing where they play below standard in the first half and then try and flip the switch in the second half. In the first two NCAA Tournament games, it worked out nicely for them. They led No. 16 Georgia State in the first round by just two at the break before finishing +19 in the second half and trailed No. 9 Memphis by 10 at the break before outscoring them by 14 in the second half of their second-round win.

Instead, Eric Mussleman’s Arkansas Razorbacks captured a 28-27 lead towards the end of the first half and never relinquished it.

Shoutout to the few bettors who never doubted the Razorbacks to cover the spread. And shoutout to the even fewer bettors who were brave enough to take Arkansas at the moneyline; you’re a little richer today.

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How to bet Iowa State-Miami in Sweet 16 of the 2022 NCAA Tournament

Iowa State’s offense will need to be better to take down Miami.

Playing its usual slow, methodical and gritty style of basketball, Iowa State has been able to keep scores low through the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, beating No. 6 LSU and No. 3 Wisconsin without having to score more than 59 points against either school.

That may have to change Friday, however, when the No. 11 Cyclones meet No. 10 Miami in the Sweet 16. The Hurricanes are favored by 2.5 points and have an offense unlike any Iowa State has played to this point in March. They have four players averaging double-digit points, led by senior guard Kameron McGusty and sophomore Isaiah Wong.

On the other end, Iowa State struggles to score but has survived sub-40% shooting in the tournament thanks to a lineup that ranks fifth in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency. So the Cyclones will be up to the challenge Miami presents.

No. 10 Miami vs. No. 11 Iowa State Odds

Spread: Miami -2.5

Moneyline: Miami (-115), Iowa State (+125)

Point Total: 132.5

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Even with good defense, however, Iowa State will likely have to shoot better than they have — as No. 2 Auburn found out in a 79-61 second-round loss to Miami. Iowa State’s best and most efficient scorer, senior guard Izaiah Brockington, has to carry a large load, but the good news is he can only play better than he has after mostly struggling in postseason play. Especially against a Miami team that got torched for 48% shooting in a two-point win over USC, Brockington is due for a big game.

He’ll need help, so it’s a good sign that teammate Gabe Kalscheur came alive for 22 points against Wisconsin and Tyrese Hunter led the team with 23 against LSU. If they all put it together at once, that makes for an intriguing game that could come down to the final possession. In that scenario, Iowa State covers the small spread, but Miami holds on for the win in a game that falls under the 133.5 point total.

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Chris Paul rejoins Suns after 15-game absence to make a postseason push

The Suns are scorchers at full strength.

Amidst an incredible season where the Suns have primarily sat in the West’s driver’s seat, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Cornerstone guard Chris Paul — the man who often turns the Suns into an actual gigantic ball of fire — broke his thumb right before the All-Star Break. An utter disaster. As long as Paul was out, the Suns’ ongoing reign in the West appeared to be coming to an end.

Instead, Phoenix went 11-4 over their next 15 games. They even gained ground on the Grizzlies and Warriors (who have since switched places in seeding). Uh-oh. It turns out the Suns are still scorchingly good even without their floor general.

Thursday night couldn’t be a better time for Paul to return on the road against the Nuggets (-1.5).

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns Odds

Spread: Nuggets -1.5

Moneyline: Nuggets (-115), Suns (-105)

Point Total: 223.5

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As much as I like Denver in its mountainous home digs, Paul changes the equation. MVP candidate Nikola Jokic might be an incredible talent capable of taking over any game, but I’m not about to give an edge to any team playing a full-strength Suns squad.

Sure, Paul will probably be a bit rusty in his first game back. He’ll need time to get into a groove, and the Nuggets might take advantage. Given his absence, his conditioning is probably lacking, making it a less-than-ideal time to play in Denver. I don’t know about you, but my lungs have “burned” whenever I’ve visited Denver. I can’t imagine what it’d be like to run around against some of the greatest athletes in the world.

That said, Paul is a pro. He doesn’t need to go full throttle to control a game. Look for him to facilitate Phoenix’s offense well in his customary CP3 fashion. More importantly, look for the other Suns to pick up the slack and help their leader ease back in against a potential playoff opponent.

Betting against the Suns was already a sketchy prospect. It’s even less advisable when they have all of their horses in the stable.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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