Real Time Tournament Betting News and Notes For Thursday

Here is an updated look on some key news and notes for upcoming conference tournament games compiled by the staff of OffshoreInsiders.com  

Thursday, March 8, 2007

TCU-BYU

The big dog Horned Frogs are in a defensive groove and could keep this game close.  Their last four opponents Air Force, Wyoming, San Diego State and New Mexico shot a combined 38 percent including just 27.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Arizona-Oregon

There are a lot of similarities in form and motivation.  Both have responded to slumps with three-game winning streaks to likely earn a birth in the Big Dance even if they lose. Totals players note the Oregon has turned it up defensively allowing just 64.3 points per game in their last three after allowing 76 points per game in the three games before that. Even head coach Ernie Kent said they are “playing at our peak right now”.

LSU-Tennessee

Sports online bettors who like riding streaks will want to look at Tennessee’s betting odds. They have won 7-of-8 SU after losing 6-of-8.  It’s no coincidence their return to form coincides with the return of the conference’s leading scorer Chris Lofton.  They went 1-3 with him out of the line-up.

North Carolina-Duke

Says Brian Gould of CasinoBettingNews.com, “When a big spread is involved early in a tournament, the first thing to look at is motivation.” One would think heavily favored Duke has something to prove as their seventh seed is the lowest they’ve had since 1995.

On the other hand, the Blue Devils will be without suspended center Gerald Henderson.  He is off his two best games of the year scoring 15 and a season high 16. r Duke has allowed a season high in points each of its last two games. However, for the year their defense allows just 60.7 points per game.

Maryland-Miami

Miami has only four conference wins, but perhaps their most impressive was at Miami 63-58 on Jan. 10.  They have since lost 11-of-13, but two losses were in overtime.

With revenge possibly a factor, Maryland is also on fire. They have won seven straight including versus Duke and UNC.

Utah-UNLV

The Rebels have an unfair advantage as hosts of the tournament. They are 16-1 SU at home this year and that includes 10 straight wins to the conference. However their closest call was double OT win to the Utes on Jan. 3.  The Utes should be playing with extra momentum as head coach Ray Giacoletti resigned under heavy pressure.

For free sports betting picks, check out OffshoreInsiders.com throughout March Madness and beyond. Joe Duffy’s sports betting selections are at www.GodsTips.com.