March Madness betting is all the rage nowadays, and online betting players should pay specific attention to the always-dangerous ACC, which could have seven teams in the Tournament come March. Here is a close look at a few of those teams that will be a factor when considering your offshore sportsbook odds, led by the March Madness betting favorite, North Carolina.
North Carolina
Many thought the Tar Heels were in trouble after losing their first two conferences games, but talent and hard work prevails, and North Carolina are still the March Madness betting favorite at -150. The Tar Heels are romping through the ACC, and they lead the nation in scoring margin, and are second in points scored. Reigning Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough has been his usual efficient self after coming back for his senior year, while junior Ty Lawson is arguably the best point guard in the country. Two knocks on the Tar Heels is a lack of depth, with some key injuries hurting the bench, and their defense is inconsistent. Still, North Carolina fans should prepare for a deep run into March, and possibly April for the championship game.
Duke
The Blue Devils are still a solid college basketball betting pick with odds of +1000, but a late-season slide threatens their momentum heading into the Tournament. Kyle Singler has improved immensely in his sophomore year, while junior swingman Gerald Henderson can compete with anyone when he’s on. However, the Blue Devils are still a bit small inside, and the three-pointers will dry up eventually, as proven by an 8-for-24 performance in their home loss to UNC. This lack of an inside presence could hurt the Blue Devils in March.
Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons join the Blue Devils with NCAA basketball tournament odds of +1000, and in sophomore guard Jeff Teague, Wake Forest has one of the most versatile weapons in the nation. The Demon Deacons had an inevitable letdown after winning their first 16 games of the year, but they look to be in good shape as we head into March. Freshman Al-Farouq Aminu and sophomore James Johnson form a monstrous frontcourt, and this could bode well for the Demon Deacons. They are bigger than a lot of teams, and when the game slows down in the Tournament, it’s great to have low-post scorers. Wake Forest is a team that no one will want to face in the Tournament.
Clemson
The Tigers are looking to continue their ACC ascent after making the Tournament last year for the first time since 1998. Clemson would be a great value pick with March Madness odds of +5000, led by the inside-outside combo of senior guard K.C. Rivers and junior forward Trevor Booker. Sophomore guard Terrance Oglesby adds a solid three-point threat for the Tigers, who will need this production as they don’t get much from the bench. Clemson is one of the feel-good stories in college basketball after years of futility, and they could surprise some people.
Florida State
The Seminoles are a March Madness betting longshot at +15000, but they will be happy just to make it to the Tournament since they haven’t been to the “Big Dance” since 1998. Offensively, Florida State is a one-man show consisting of senior guard Toney Douglas, and not much else. The rest of the team basically plays tough defense, and tries to hit open shots when afforded to them. This is a system that won’t work in March, but as we said before, Florida State will just be happy to be there.