Betting On March Madness

Some powerful college basketball teams may not be able to work their way into the NCAA tournament.

Schools like Kentucky, Florida, Arizona, Maryland, Syracuse have all won NCAA tournament titles in the past decade. People who bet on College basketball know that these teams have plenty of talent. They have the ability to get on unexpected rolls but they can also burn out fast the way Seton Hall did 2 years ago after losing by 20 points to Wichita State after coming in as a potential Cinderella 10 seed from the Big East. Experienced sportsbook enthusiasts don't bet on teams like these. Experts say that the following teams are most likely to make it to March Madness.

In December, the Wildcats were 7-9. Since then, they've had 11 wins in 13 games. They're hoping that will be enough to get them into the tournament. The Wildcats are most capable of putting up a good fight because they're playing like they belong in the tournament and have been consistent. They beat Tennessee twice and Vanderbilt once. After losing 4 games in December, they've dropped back to back games only once. If they don't get upset in the SEC tourney, they should make it to the tournament.

The Gators have won back to back championships but lost some top players after last year's title run and are expected to be in the bottom of the SEC this season. They're 1-7 against opponents with an RPI rating in the top 50 which might be the key figure heading into Selection Sunday. Their loss to Kentucky reduces their chances of an at large bid. Unless they have a good run in the conference tournament, the Gators won't be an option to three-peat when sports betters fill out their March Madness bracket.

Arizona has lost to UCLA, USC, Washington State and Stanford, all of which are headed for the NCAA tournament. If the Wildcats don't make the tournament, it will end a great run of 23 straight years in the Big Dance. A strong presence in the Pac-10 tournament will probably get the Wildcats in.

The Maryland Terrapins have been extremely inconsistent. After beating North Carolina earlier this year, they won four games their after. Then, they lost 3 games. In addition, they didn't cover the point spread in their last 3 home games. You can trust Gary Williams' team to make you money about as much as you can bank on a Wall Street broker these days. It's reasonable to assume that they won't be making it to the tournament.

Syracuse Orange began the year on a good note because of some talented freshmen recruits. Johnny Flynn and Donte Greene played well but not as good as Carmelo Anthony did in his first year. They lost 5 of their last 8 games. Between injuries and loses, their bubble will likely burst for the second straight year.

The Orange's March Madness odds are at 100/1. However, after upsetting Marquette, there may still be hope because Syracuse is usually a tough out in the conference tournament at Madison Square Garden. A run to the Big East final could put Orange in the position to get in as a 9 or 10 seed.