College Basketball Conference Tournament Betting Edition: 3-14-24
If you are a college basketball fan, this is the time for you. The season shifts into high gear amid conference championship week. Automatic bids will be earned and hearts will be broken. I’m going to break down the title odds in the five best conferences this season.
Big East Tournament
The defending National Champions reside in the Big East, the UConn Huskies, and they are the clearcut favorite to win the conference title. Two teams could win that honor this season, however.
UConn (-135): They set a record for conference regular season wins this season and are marching toward a #1 seed in the Big Dance. Can they be stopped this weekend?
Creighton (+425): The Bluejays possess the traits needed to beat the Huskies, size and 3-point shooting. They trounced them at home two weeks ago and stand as the Huskies’ biggest threat.
Marquette (+500): The Golden Eagles may be less worried about the Big East Tournament and more worried about getting healthy for the NCAA Tournament. Still, the defending champs deserve respect.
The Winner: Creighton
The Bluejays seem to have flipped a switch once again and are now playing at the top of their game. UConn can be forgiven if they are already looking ahead toward defending their national championship.
ACC Tournament
It has been a down year for the ACC this year with only Duke and North Carolina playing to their usual form. Still, there are a few teams capable of stealing the crown.
Duke (+175): The Blue Devils are the defending conference champs and they always seem to get up for the ACC Tournament.
UNC (+175): This whole season seems to have been about redemption for the Tar Heels.
Clemson (+1000): The Tigers are a dangerous team. They have size and three-point shooting. They are also inconsistent. They could win the tournament or lose in their first game.
Pitt (+1000): Like Clemson, it feels like Pitt has underperformed this season. They have all the tools to make a deep run.
The Winner: Clemson
I’m banking on the Tigers getting hot and running the tables in the tourney. They have a good test today against a BC team that has length and can shoot.
Big 10
The Big Ten has always provided an exciting tournament full of surprises. Ohio State advanced to the tournament final last year despite a losing record. Can anyone stop the favorite Boilermakers this season?
Purdue (+100): Something always seems to get in the Boilermakers' way from claiming the big prize. Will this be the year they get it done?
Illinois (+300): The Fighting Illini are balanced and have superior guards to Purdue. This could be their year.
Northwestern (+1600): Looking for a dark horse? Why not the battle-tested and experienced Wildcats? They gave Purdue two tough battles this season.
Indiana (+6000): Look, the Hoosiers could fall tonight, but is there any denying that they’re playing their best basketball of the season? Be wary.
The Winner: Purdue
The Boilermakers, like North Carolina, have something to prove after falling short both in the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament last season. They need to start here.
Big 12
Arguably the deepest and most talented conference in America, the Big 12 could have any number of champions this year. It all starts with the #1 team in the nation, however, the Houston Cougars. Can anyone slow them down?
Houston (+100): The Cougars are just built differently. Relentless on the glass and unafraid to take big shots, the team is oozing with confidence. A hot shooting team could get them, however.
Iowa State (+430): The Cyclones are coming into the tournament hot and have the tenacity to hang with anyone.
Baylor (+600): The Bears have a championship pedigree and top-notch guard play. If their inexperience in the paint can shine, the Bears could come out as conference champs.
Kansas (+1100): The Jayhawks are always a threat to win this tournament. They have a great starting five but do they have the depth to hold up?
The Winner: Houston
The Cougars have not let up all season and I don’t think they will in this tournament. Again, if a team like Iowa State or Baylor heats up from downtown, they can be upset but I’m not banking on that.
SEC
The SEC is right there with the Big 12 for the deepest conference this season. They have any number of potential conference winners including last year’s champion, Alabama.
Tennessee (+180): The Vols have the defense and experience and are battle-tested after an excellent non-conference schedule. They are the deserved favorite.
Auburn (+240): The Tigers have seemingly flown under the radar all season despite having all the tools to make a championship push.
Alabama (+500): They play fast and a bit reckless but this is the most dangerous team in the tournament. On any night, they can shoot the opposition out of the gym.
South Carolina (+4500): Such an intriguing option given their odds despite winning 25 games this year. Something tells me its just not their time yet.
The Winner: Auburn
The Tigers have all the intangibles and the motivation to pull this off. They could be the most complete team that no one talks about this year.
There you have it. My guide to all the exciting action to come this weekend. Stay tuned next week for my NCAA Tournament Edition!
In parenthesis, the odds to win the National Title in 2024. All odds Courtesy of Draftkings.com.
By Mark Ruelle