Basketball Betting Odds and Matchups Capsules: March 17
Atssportsline.com
Here we are. Get your March Madness Bracket out and check all the sports betting resources. There are still some tournaments that end today including the SEC, ACC and Big 10 finals. If you are looking for assistance, ATS Sportsline has the best betting resources. Don't forget to check all the updated betting odds throughout the day before you make your selection.
Gear up for some great tournament action!
Miami-Florida Hurricanes (26-6 SU, 19-9-1 ATS) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (24-9 SU, 20-11 ATS)
Intangibles:
North Carolina is playing the final in their home state.
Miami-Florida already defeated one team from North Carolina (NC State)
Miami-Florida has owned both matchups this season against the Tar Heels.
Keys to Success:
North Carolina needs to control the boards and senior guard Durand Scott, who had a career-best 32 points in the Hurricanes' 81-71 victory over NC State. Miami needs another big game from Shane Larkin, who had 43 points, eight assists and 10 rebounds in the first two games. Miami has to defend the three-point line as North Carolina shoots 37 percent from beyond the arc.
Last game: (2/9/13) Miami-Florida (-7.5) over North Carolina, 87-71. North Carolina defeated Maryland, 79-76 on Saturday giving 4.5. They nearly blew a 13-point second half lead. Miami-Florida defeated North Carolina State, 81-71 on Saturday, giving 2. Will North Carolina win their 17th ACC title or will the Hurricanes win their first? North Carolina is 7-21 ATS last 28 Sunday games. College Basketball Odds: Miami-Florida is a 2.5-point betting odds favorite. Total: 140.5.
Ole Miss Rebels (25-8 SU, 16-12 ATS) vs. Florida Gators (26-6 SU, 16-13 ATS)
Intangibles:
Ole Miss is playing as if they are still on the bubble.
Florida allows just 53.3 points per game and teams to shoot just 37.4 percent.
Florida has won five straight in this series, but has covered only one of those.
Keys to Success:
Ole Miss has wins over Vanderbilt Saturday and Missouri on Friday. The Rebels are led by guard Marshall Henderson, who has averaged 25 points in the first two tournament games. He never met a deep shot he didn't like. The Gators haven't really been tested in this tournament late in the second half. If they shut down Henderson, Ole Miss has to find another source for points.
Last game: (2/2/13) FLORIDA (-17.5) over Ole Miss, 78-64. Mississippi has gotten hot at the right time. They came back to rout Vanderbilt, 64-62 on Saturday, giving 3.5. Florida has won two straight including a 61-51 win over Alabama on Saturday, but didn't cover the 11.5. Ole Miss is 4-1 ATS last 5 in series. College Basketball Odds: Florida is an 11.5-point betting odds favorite. Total: 136.5.
Ohio State Buckeyes (25-7 SU, 18-11-1 ATS) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (23-10 SU, 13-17-1 ATS)
Intangibles:
Ohio State is going for their third Big Ten title in four seasons.
Wisconsin dominated Ohio State on February 17, 71-49.
Wisconsin beat Michigan and Indiana to get to the title game.
Keys to Success:
Wisconsin has controlled the tempo and defended two very talented teams to get here in Michigan and Indiana. Junior point guard Aaron Craft scored 20 points and dished out nine assists and four steals against Michigan State. He's been playing like an All-American. Wisconsin point guard Traevon Jackson has to up his game even more. The Badgers need another strong game from Jared Berggren, who leads in blocks with 68 and has 15 points and eight rebounds in the last matchup.
Last game: (2/17/03) Wisconsin (-4) over Ohio State, 71-49. Wisconsin defeated Indiana, 68-56, holding them to their lowest point total of the year. Ohio State has won seven straight since losing to Wisconsin. They edged Michigan State, 61-58, giving 1.5 on Saturday. Favorite is 7-1 ATS last 8 in series. College Hoops Odds: Ohio State is a 1-point betting odds favorite. Total: 118.