Early Season NCAA Tournament Betting
by Brian Hansen
November is here and that means it's time for college hoops! The early part of the college hoops schedule includes NCAA Tournaments and there is often good line value to be had in these tournaments. The key is understanding how a team has changed from one season to the next. Also a team/coach's philosophy is another key in finding the right "play on" and "play against" spots. Some teams may be motivated to win the whole tournament while others are still trying to figure out the proper player rotation they should be using.
The action starts with the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic and with both UCLA and Duke involved this one deserves some extra attention! The Bruins lose three starters from last season's but they've still got a core group of veteran players. Also, UCLA is bringing in some talented young players as usual (with the freshman influx) and they are very well coached.
Duke, also in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic is very strong as usual but they also tend to be overvalued in the betting arena. Also, the Blue Devils are strong on the perimeter but their size inside is a legitimate concern. If they match-up with UCLA in this tournament finale look for the size and strength of the Bruins to challenge Duke.
While the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic field includes Duke and UCLA, two top teams getting all the attention, the NIT season tipoff includes a number of solid teams in the tournament field. Respectable programs like Oklahoma, Purdue, Boston College, and Arizona are included this season! Look for teams like UAB and Davidson to give this tournament field all it can handle!
Just as in March Madness, tournament upsets do happen and Davidson once again looks capable of making a run in this tourney! As for UAB, they lost some forwards up front but they are so deep in the backcourt that they can run up and down the court all game long and yet still have fresh legs. That will make the Blazers a team that could provide it’s backers with some solid value early this season in a tournament setting.
With coach Mike Davis leading the way plus the Blazers having a lot of talent on the floor and many feel they could even challenge Memphis in the Conference! Keep an eye on the Blazers in this early season tournament as the right pieces are in place with a veteran team wanting to build confidence early in the season.