Basketball Betting Odds and Preview Capsules: March 14
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We're just four days away from selection Sunday and some teams are still on the bubble. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 10 tournaments begin with first-round matchups. There is a huge schedule today with many betting opportunities so take your time and select wisely. If you need assistance for March Madness, check out one of the hottest programs in the nation at ATS Sportsline.
Good luck today with your basketball picks!
Syracuse Orange (24-8 SU, 15-13 ATS) vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (24-7 SU, 12-12 ATS)
Intangibles:
Syracuse has revenge on their minds after losing by 10 in February.
Pittsburgh has won four in a row and has quietly put together a nice run.
Pittsburgh has an extra day of rest since they had a bye in the opening round.
Keys to Success:
Syracuse is looking to get back at Pittsburgh, who has won 14 of the last 18 in this series. Michael Carter-Williams dished out 14 assists in Syracuse's win over Seton Hall on Wednesday. They need better ball movement against a tough Pittsburgh defense. Pittsburgh also outrebounded Syracuse by 16 in their last matchup and the Orange can't afford to get dominated like that again. Pittsburgh needs to defend James Southerland, who made six three-pointers yesterday and didn't play in the first matchup.
Last game: (2/2/13) Pittsburgh (-3.5) over Syracuse, 65-55. Syracuse defeated Seton Hall, 75-63 on Wednesday as a 14-point betting odds favorite. They advanced to face a team that did have to play on Wednesday. The Panthers defeated Depaul on the road, 81-66 giving 11.5 last Saturday. Will Southernland be the difference for Syracuse or will the Panthers have too much inside strength? Pittsburgh is 15-3 ATS last 18 in this series. College Hoops Lines: Pittsburgh is a 2-point betting odds favorite. Total: 122.
Villanova Wildcats (20-12 SU, 19-9-1 ATS) vs. Louisville Cardinals (26-5 SU, 17-14 ATS)
Intangibles:
Villanova may still be on the bubble. A win here should put them in.
Louisville has revenge on their minds after losing on the road in January.
Louisville has won seven straight since that epic five-overtime loss at Notre Dame
Keys to Success:
Villanova has to protect the ball against one of the top defenses in the nation. Louisville lost by nine on the road, partially due to poor foul shooting (12-of-24). Villanova won't be intimidated as they are 3-0 against top five opponents this seaosn.
Last game (1/22/13) Villanova (+11.5) over Louisville, 73-64. Villanova is coming off a 66-53 win over St. John's on Wednesday, giving 4.5. Louisville defeated Notre Dame, 73-57, giving 11 last Saturday, to get revenge for their five-overtime loss. Can the Wildcats get one more upset win? Villanova is 10-3 ATS following a SU win. College Basketball Odds: NL. Total: NT.
Oklahoma State Cowboys (23-7 SU, 15-12-2 ATS) vs. Baylor Bears (18-13 SU, 12-14 ATS)
Intangibles:
Baylor is probably in a must-win situation. They could still be on the bubble.
Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart is one of the best guards in the nation.
Oklahoma State has won four of the last five. They are the hotter team coming in.
Keys to Success:
Baylor averages 74.5 points per game and Oklahoma State allows just 62.4 per game. The Bears lost in the championship game last year to Missouri (now in the SEC). This could be their chance to finally win a Big 12 Tournament, but they have to limit star freshman guard Marcus Smart (15.1 points per game) and forward Le'Bryan Nash (14.2 points per game). Oklahoma State must slow down guard Pierre Jackson, who leads the BIg 12 in scoring.
Last game: (2/6/13) Oklahoma State (-6.5) over Baylor, 69-67ot. Baylor is coming off their best win of the year, routing Kansas at home, 81-58 last Saturday as a 4.5-point betting odds underdog. Oklahoma State defeated Kansas State at home, 76-70 last Saturday as a 4.5-point betting odds favorite. Favorite is 11-2 ATS last 13 in series. College Hoops Odds: Oklahoma State is a 2.5-point favorite. Total: 135.