2014 March Madness Prop Bets and Predictions
by George Monroy - 3/19/2014
Now that March Madness is only a few hours away and most people have already filled out their brackets, the only thing left to do is place a few last-minute bets and enjoy the ride. And while there are an endless number "regular" bets to make on the games- the spreads and totals-a great and fun way to mix things up a bit during this year's NCAA Tournament is to try wagering on a few March Madness prop bets.
Most sportsbooks will have pages full of prop bets ranging from the number of points a player will score to the number of wins the Big Ten Conference will have in the tournament. Prop bets are a great way to stay in action without having to wager on every game and, at times, can be more fun to follow than wagering on straight up on a certain game. Let's jump right in a take a look at a few props from the 2014 NCAA Tournament. odds coming from Sportsbook.ag and BookMaker.
ACC Tournament Wins (Duke-North Carolina-NC State-Pittsburgh-Syracuse-Virginia)
"Under" 9.5 wins: -115
"Over" 9.5 wins: -155
There are six teams representing the ACC in the 2014 tournament, with the lowest seed being No. 12 NC State and the highest No. 1 Virginia. The under feels like the best picks to make on this wager because following the bracket logic where the favorite wins every time the ACC would have 10 wins and Virginia in the Final Four. However, that would require no upsets and for the weakest No. 1 seed to make a deep run.
SEC Tournament Wins (Florida-Kentucky-Tennessee)
Over 5.5 wins: -120
Under 5.5 wins: -110
The SEC has only three teams in the tournament but do have a No. 1 and a No. 8 seed in the field. Tennessee already lost during the first round of the tournament, so it would be up to Florida and Kentucky to get the wins on its own. The Gators are expected to make the title game, which is why this wager is still on the board. Take the over on this one as both squads end up making a deep run.
Largest margin of victory in any second-round game
Under 34.5: -115
Over 34.5: -115
There are some huge mismatches and great defensive squads in the second round of the tournament, so at first glance the over feels like the way to go. And taking a closer look at last year's tournament, we see that there were two 40-point or more blowouts during the second round. Expect the same this year and take the over.
No. 1 Seed Tournament Wins (Arizona-Florida-Virginia-Wichita State)
Under 11: -155
Over 11: +125
This is one of the most interesting props on the board and depends on how you feel about each seed. If a No. 1 seed wins the tournament, that is six wins and would only require six more from the other top seeds to win the bet. Arizona probably has three wins in them, while Wichita State could tap out at one-its third-round matchup could be against Kentucky-and Virginia has two or three wins in them. If Florida wins the national title, the No. 1 seeds would 12 to 13 wins in this scenario. Take the over.
No. 1 Seeds to reach the Final Four
Under 1.5: -200
Over 1.5: +165
Florida might be the only No. 1 seed that most fans and experts believe will make the Final Four. Many people are expecting Virginia and Wichita State to fall somewhere along the line, and Arizona will have a tough regional final matchup against Wisconsin if there are no upsets along the way. I think Virginia and Wichita State are much better than people are giving them credit for-take the over.
Arizona to make the Sweet 16
"Yes": -240
"No": +190
Arizona would have to beat Weber State and then either Gonzaga or Oklahoma State. The no odds at only +190 are not enough to justify picking an upset, so taking the yes feels like an excellent value play. The Wildcats have been one of the best teams all season and should be able to make a deep run.
Creighton to make the Sweet 16
Yes: -165
No: +135
Creighton would have to beat UL-Lafayette and then the winner of Baylor versus Nebraska. The no wager has solid value at +135 since a matchup against a very good Baylor squad will be a stiff test for Creighton. The Bluejays, however, played in a tough Big East and beat the East region's No. 2 seed Villanova twice during the regular season. Take the yes on this wager.
Want free sports betting picks? Doc's Sports has you covered - get $60 worth of picks free from any of Doc's Sports expert handicappers. Click here for free picks (new clients only).
Read more articles by George Monroy
Most Recent March Madness Betting
- Final Four Prop Bets and Predictions for March Madness
- MOP Betting Odds and Predictions for the Final Four Most Outstanding Player
- March Madness Handicapping: Vulnerable No. 1 Seeds in the Sweet 16
- Free Sweet 16 Betting Picks and Best Bets
- Best Underdog Wagers for Sweet 16 Upset Picks
- Sweet 16 Bracket Picks: Mapping Out the Eventual National Champion
- 2024 March Madness Bracket Predictions: Midwest Region
- 2024 March Madness Handicapping: Teams with Geographical Advantages and Disadvantages
- March Madness Upset Predictions for 2024 NCAA Tournament
- 2024 March Madness Bracket Predictions: East Region