NCAA Tournament Betting Surges Despite Lack of Upsets,Clark’s Absence
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Betting on the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments saw an increase this year at major sportsbooks like BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook,despite a lack of major upsets in the men’s bracket and the absence of Caitlin clark in the women’s.
Men’s Tournament Sees Betting Boost Fueled by Top Seeds
BetMGM reported an 18% surge in betting on the men’s tournament, which saw all four No. 1 seeds reach the Final Four for the first time sence 2008. This led to a series of competitive games, culminating in Florida’s narrow 65-63 victory over Houston in the championship game, securing their third title.
According to BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee,many fans placed bets on Florida; the Gators ranked second in betting handle and ticket numbers,only behind Duke.Duke’s semifinal loss to Houston proved crucial, as “30 of the 50 largest futures wagers on the champion were on Duke.”
Caesars Reports “Robust” Betting Activity
Caesars college basketball head Rich Zanco described the betting activity at his sportsbook as “robust,” attributing it to the performance of the top seeds and intriguing matchups throughout the tournament. He cited the game between Rick Pitino’s St. John’s and John Calipari’s Arkansas as an example.
Women’s Tournament Betting Up Despite UConn’s Dominance
While the women’s Final Four lacked some drama, with UConn’s dominant 82-59 victory over South Carolina, betting on the women’s side at BetMGM increased by 10% this season. Paige Bueckers, along with Southern California’s JuJu Watkins, have taken the spotlight in women’s college basketball, following in the footsteps of WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Michigan, Michigan State Add Talent Via transfer Portal
Michigan and Michigan State have bolstered their rosters with key additions from the transfer portal. Michigan secured commitments from guard Elliot Cadeau, a former North carolina starter, and forward Morez Johnson Jr. from Illinois. Cadeau averaged 9.4 points and 6.2 assists last season,while Johnson contributed 7 points and 7 rebounds. Michigan State added forward Kaleb Glenn, who previously played at Louisville and Florida Atlantic.
Louisville Extends Coach Pat Kelsey’s Contract After successful Season
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Following a successful first season that saw Louisville regain national relevance, the University of Louisville Athletic association’s board approved a one-year contract extension for basketball coach Pat Kelsey. The extension keeps Kelsey under contract through the 2029-30 season.
College Basketball Coaching Carousel: Louisville Extends Kelsey, Creighton Hires Huss as ‘Head Coach-in-Waiting’
Major moves are underway in the college basketball world as Louisville women’s basketball coach Jeff walz secures a lucrative contract extension, and Creighton welcomes back alumnus Alan Huss in a unique “head coach-in-waiting” role. Meanwhile, Cleveland State introduces Rob Summers as their new men’s basketball coach.
Louisville Invests in Jeff Walz After Historic Turnaround
Louisville women’s basketball coach jeff walz has been rewarded with a significant contract extension, increasing his salary from $2.3 million to $3.3 million. This comes after Walz orchestrated one of the most notable turnarounds in college basketball last season. After a dismal 8-win season in 2023-24, Walz rebuilt his roster and led the Cardinals to a 27-win season, a No. 10 national ranking, and an NCAA Tournament berth as a No. 8 seed – their first appearance as 2019. Walz was also named ACC Coach of the Year.
Alan Huss Returns to Creighton as Successor to Greg McDermott
Alan Huss, formerly the head coach at High point, is set to return to his alma mater, Creighton, as the “head coach-in-waiting.” This arrangement positions Huss to take over the reins of the Bluejays programme whenever current head coach Greg McDermott decides to step down or retire.
McDermott, 60, is entering his 16th season at Creighton and has amassed a 350-171 record. He surpassed Dana Altman as the program’s all-time winningest coach in November. Huss, a Creighton player from 1997-2001, previously served as an assistant under McDermott for six seasons prior to his stint at high Point.
“Returning to Creighton, my alma mater, to work alongside Coach McDermott and contribute to the future of this program is an extraordinary chance and, honestly, my dream job,” Huss stated.
Cleveland State Names Rob Summers Head coach
Rob Summers has been named the new men’s basketball coach at Cleveland State. Summers, who previously served as an assistant coach at Cleveland State from 2019-2022, was part of the staff during the Vikings’ most recent NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021.
NBA Playoff field Set: Top Teams Gear Up for Postseason Battle
The stage is set for the 2025 NBA Playoffs, with all 20 teams now locked in and preparing for a fierce battle for the championship title.
Mbappe’s legal Team Takes Action Amidst Ongoing Dispute
in other sports news, Kylian Mbappe’s legal representatives are actively pursuing a resolution to an ongoing legal dispute. Details surrounding the dispute remain limited, but the legal team is reportedly taking an aggressive approach to find a solution.
Braves Await Acuna’s Return: Star Outfielder’s Knee Injury Update
Meanwhile, Atlanta Braves fans are eagerly awaiting the return of star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. He is recovering from a left knee injury and is scheduled for a reevaluation next week. The Braves are hoping for a positive update that will allow Acuna to rejoin the lineup soon.
NCAA Betting sees Surge in Popularity
Betting on NCAA games has experienced a notable increase, reflecting its growing popularity within the sports wagering landscape.
What strategies can bettors use to capitalize on the popularity of highly-seeded teams,considering the recent Final Four outcome?
NCAA Tournament Betting Surges Despite Lack of Upsets,Clark’s absence: Q&A
This Q&A section dives into the key takeaways from the recent sports article,offering insights into the NCAA tournament betting surge and other related updates.
NCAA Tournament Betting
Q: why did NCAA tournament betting increase this year, despite the absence of major upsets?
A: Betting increased because of the performance of top-seeded teams in the men’s tournament and intriguing matchups. While upsets are often a talking point,competitive games and strong performances by high-ranking teams also draw bettors.
Interesting fact: The presence of all four No. 1 seeds in the Final Four for the first time as 2008 may have fueled interest, leading to more betting on the favorites.
Q: Which teams were the most popular for betting in the men’s tournament?
A: Duke was the most popular,followed by Florida. Florida’s victory in the championship game, despite being the second most wagered-on team, resulted in significant winnings for the sportsbook.
Tip: When betting, consider both the popularity of a team and the potential payout based on their odds. Sometimes, a less popular team can offer a better return.
Q: Did the women’s tournament see a similar betting increase?
A: Yes, betting on the women’s tournament at BetMGM increased by 10% this season. The rise in popularity of stars like Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins kept fans engaged.
Coaching Carousel & Contract Extensions
Q: What’s the significance of Louisville extending Coach Pat Kelsey’s contract?
A: The extension highlights Kelsey’s triumphant first season, where he turned around the team’s performance and helped them regain national relevance. It signals the university’s confidence in him.
Trivia: After a dismal 8-win season in 2023-24, Walz rebuilt his roster and led the Cardinals to a 27-win season, a No. 10 national ranking, and an NCAA Tournament berth as a No. 8 seed – their first appearance as 2019.
Q: What is the “head coach-in-waiting” role at Creighton?
A: Alan Huss is returning to Creighton as the designated successor to current head coach Greg McDermott. This allows for a smooth transition when McDermott decides to retire or step down.
Actionable Advice: Keep an eye on coaching changes, these can significantly impact team performance and betting opportunities.
Other Sports Updates
Q: what other sports news was mentioned?
A: The article also touched on:
- The NBA Playoff field being set.
- Kylian Mbappe’s legal team’s actions.
- Ronald Acuna Jr.’s return from injury for the Atlanta Braves.
Takeaway: The surge in NCAA tournament betting highlights the dynamic nature of sports wagering. Betting interest is driven by a combination of factors, from team performance and exciting matchups to the rise of new stars. Stay informed, do your research, and enjoy the games!
