Now that the First Four are officially in the books, sportsbook players can turn their attention to the NCAA basketball tournament lines that truly matter. Thursday marks the day that bettors can plunge into the bracket and make some real decisions about who will get eliminated early, and who will be able to advance.
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Tuesday’s March Madness betting action brought with it the final two contests of the First Four. In the first match of the night, UC Davis was able to overcome NC Central despite the fact that the NCAA basketball tournament line had ruled them out. Later on that evening, USC was able to overcome the Friars, proving that the sportsbook odds aren’t always incorrect.
Thursday will feature 6 different matchups for fans to choose from, each one offering different odds. In some matchups, the odds are predicting a rather devastating blowout. In others, a much more heated contest. Let’s take a look at one of the most competitive matchups on the schedule, the game between Xavier and Maryland.
Xavier vs. Maryland – Thursday, March 16th
When: 6:50 pm ET
Where: Amway Center
TV: Live NCAA Stream
NCAA Basketball Tournament Line:
Xavier Musketeers +1 ½ (-110) 142 ½ (-110) +105
Maryland Terrapins -1 ½ (-110) 142 ½ (-110) -125
Xavier Musketeers
Coming off a 28-6 season, the Musketeers were eager to get back out on the court and find similar success. Unfortunately, Xavier wasn’t able to match last year’s success, but they were still able to find their way into the NCAA Tournament once again. Last year, the Musketeers weren’t able to advance past the second round, but they have bigger things in mind this time around.
The Musketeers come into Thursday’s matchup sporting a 21-13 record that includes a less than spectacular 9-9 record in Big East play, which ranks Xavier 7th in the conference. In the Big East Tournament, Xavier was able to advance to the Semifinals were they were stopped short by Creighton 72-75.
The March Madness betting underdogs will turn to leading point-scorer Trevon Bluiett to lead them in their contest against Maryland. Bluiett is currently averaging 18.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. Second in points for the Musketeers is Edmond Sumner who is putting up 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per contest.
Maryland Terrapins
Maryland comes into this contest sporting a 24-8 record that includes a 12-6 record in Big Ten play. With that conference record, the Terrapins were able to tie for 2nd place in the Big Ten. Maryland wasn’t able to find too much success in the Big Ten Tournament, where Northwestern defeated the Terrapins in the quarterfinals.
The March Madness betting favorites will turn to Melo Trimble to lead them in Thursday’s contest. Trimble is averaging 17.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Second in points for Maryland is Anthony Cowan who is putting up 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
