By Charles Jay, TotalActionExtra.com http://betanysports.eu/hh30/
There are some great contrasts in style when it comes to NCAA Tournament betting, and customers at BetAnySports will encounter one this Friday night when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hook up with the Iowa State Cyclones in a West Regional game in Dayton, O. The tip-off is scheduled for 9:45 PM ET, with this particular game being carried by CBS.
Here is the setup:
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (25-9 SU, 15-15 ATS) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (22-11 SU, 15-13 ATS)
NCAA Tournament – West Regional
Friday, March 22 – 9:45 PM ET
UD Arena – Dayton, O.
Iowa State, a #10 seed, some into this one buried beneath some better teams in the Big 12, while Notre Dame may have been something of an also-ran in the Big East but spent a lot of time in the Top 25 this season, with a #23 position in the Associated Press poll.
This is expected to be a highly-competitive game, and that much is reflected in the line put out by the people at BetAnySports, which has it at a near-pick’em:
Iowa State Cyclones -1
Notre Dame Fighting Irish +1
Over 139.5 Points -110
Under 139.5 Points -110
The respective agendas for each of these teams would seem to be clear, and clearly they are in conflict. Iowa State, which averages 79.6 points (fourth in the nation) and hits 9.8 three-pointers per contest (more than anybody) wants to move at a swift pace, whether it is on the fast break or in a half-court set, and get open shots quickly. They are coached by former NBA guard Fred Hoiberg, who BetAnySports customers may remember was once one of the top three-point shooters in the pro ranks.
There is no doubt that the Cyclones can throw a lot of weaponry at the opponent, especially with people like Tyrus McGee on board. McGee nailed 2.7 treys per game, and shot lights out (45.7%). This is a team with a lot of balance (six players with between 9.3 and 15 ppg) and they move it around well (15th nationally in assists).
Here’s a factor, though, as we look at NCAA Tournament betting; Notre Dame has seen great teams with great athletes quite a bit in the Big East, and the Irish has often done a great job of slowing the tempo down. If they could do it against teams like Cincinnati (allowed 41 points), Pitt (42) and Kentucky (50), they stand a decent chance of at least getting Iowa State out of its rhythm. That’s what they really want to do, and Mike Brey has been able to improvise some frustrating defensive looks in the past.
Notre Dame is no slouch itself when it comes to presenting some three-point artists. Even without Scott Martin (46% from arc), whose career was ended with knee surgery, they’ve got Jerian Grant, Pat Connaughton and Eric Atkins, who combine for over four and a half triples. And they also have the benefit of the best inside scoring threat on the floor in Jack Cooley (57% FG’s, 10.3 rebounds / game). And Notre Dame won’t fumble away too many chances (just 11.1 turnovers per game).
What makes us a little apprehensive is the fact that Notre Dame has a poor recent track record in this tournament, covering just two of its last ten games. But we do think they can impose their style and pace on Hoiberg’s crew, enough to move forward in the tourney. In the $1 Million Charles Jay / BetAnySports March Madness Challenge (a simulation), we’re making this a $20,000 play on the Irish.
Grab the absolute best in March Madness odds, whether it’s the NCAA, NIT, CBI or CIT, at BetAnySports – then get basketball winners at TotalActionExtra (http://www.totalactionextra.com)!
Wager on College basketball right now at BetAnySports, and for hoops winners, turn to TotalActionExtra http://betanysports.eu/hh30/