NCAA basketball betting - exciting weekend games kick off the New Year
Posted on 1/2/2009 12:26:36 PM
By Washington Tucker
NCAA basketball betting: Big East clash highlights Saturday action
- Hoyas host Panthers in Big East showdown
- Buckeyes head to Minnesota in Big Ten action
- Vols visit defending national champions in Kansas
Offshore sportsbooks are giving the Big East the best shot of catching North Carolina in the race for the national title, as three teams from the conference (Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Louisville) are the only teams close to the Tar Heels in terms of NCAA basketball odds. Online sports betting players will have the chance to bet on a Big East showdown on Saturday as Georgetown hosts unbeaten Pittsburgh, while two more ranked conference rivals face off as Ohio State heads to Minnesota in the Big Ten. Finally, Kansas is the reigning national champion, but it’s currently unranked as it hosts Tennessee.
Pittsburgh vs Georgetown odds
The No.3 Panthers (13-0) and No.11 Hoyas (10-1) are two of the best defensive teams in the nation, as both give up around 56-57 points per game. The Hoyas would like to avenge a sweep at the hands of the Panthers last year, but they will have their hands full with Pittsburgh’s forward duo of Sam Young and DaJuan Blair. The Hoyas will be flying high after their big win at Connecticut, but the Panthers were the last team to win at the Verizon Center. Bet online with the Pittsburgh Panthers, who should be NCAA basketball betting underdogs on the road, to prove they’re the real thing.
Ohio State vs Minnesota odds
The No.24 Buckeyes (10-1) should be NCAA basketball betting underdogs on the road against the No.21 Golden Gophers (12-1), even though they have won six of their last 10 against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are coming off their first loss of the year at home against Michigan State, while the Buckeyes rebounded from their first loss against West Virginia with a victory over Iowa at home. The Buckeyes have already beaten ranked teams this season (Miami, Notre Dame), while the Golden Gophers look to be struggling under high expectations. Bet online with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Tennessee vs Kansas odds
The No.14 Volunteers (9-2) have been inconsistent this season, getting walked on by Temple and struggling to beat Belmont, while handling Georgetown and Marquette. The Jayhawks (9-3) beat that same Temple team, but that was sandwiched between losses to UMass and Arizona. This is, strangely, the first meeting for these storied programs, and Kansas will be the NCAA basketball betting favorites with an 8-0 mark at home. The Volunteers could be without Wayne Chism, who is their main offensive weapon in the post. This should create space for Cole Aldrich to dominate down low, so bet online with the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday.
For more NCAA basketball picks and analysis, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com for your one-stop sportsbook shop.
Washington Tucker was practically raised at Rucker Park. Though a freak knee injury cost him a major college basketball scholarship, his “sixth-sense” on the hardwood has translated into a spectacular career in basketball handicapping. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
