The Jacksonville Dolphins (21-9) face the Bellarmine Knights (19-13) Tuesday in the ASUN Conference championship game. Tip-off from Freedom Hall in Louisville is at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Jacksonville vs. Bellarmine odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Dolphins have picked up victories against Central Arkansas (79-69 Thursday) and Jacksonville State (54-51 Saturday) to position themselves for the league’s automatic bid. Jacksonville has been to the Big Dance five times, but it has had zero appearances since 1986.
The Knights made the transition from Division II to Division I to start the 2020-21 season, and are eligible for an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time this season. Bellarmine went 1-1 in the CBI last season.
Bellarmine dumped three-time defending champ Liberty 53-50 Saturday in the ASUN semis to get into the title game. The Knights closed the regular season 4-4 SU/2-5-1 ATS in the final eight games, but they’re 2-0 SU/ATS in the tourney so far.
See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville vs. Bellarmine odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:36 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Jacksonville +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Bellarmine -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Jacksonville +2.5 (-107) | Bellarmine -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 123.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Jacksonville vs. Bellarmine odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Jacksonville 67, Bellarmine 64
Money line
JACKSONVILLE (+125), the second-seed in the East Division, edged Bellarmine, the second-seed in the West Division, when these teams met earlier in the season.
The Jan. 22 meeting resulted in JU falling 76-73 in overtime. Look for the Dolphins to exact a little revenge here.
Against the spread
JACKSONVILLE +2.5 (-107) is a better play straight up, but catching a bucket and a half is the next best thing if you’re not comfortable playing the Dolphins straight up.
JU covered as a six-point ‘dog in the first and only meeting in this very same venue. This could be a typical March Madness, buzzer-beater situation.
Over/Under
The OVER 123.5 (-107) might be the best play on the board.
The Over easily cashed in Bellarmine’s OT win in the only meeting this season, but there was much less on the line. You can expect some nerves and a slow start. JU is looking to snap a lengthy tournament drought, while Bellarmine is looking to dance for the first time. However, once these teams shake out the nerves, you can expect plenty of offense between two decent shooting teams.
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