Odds makers are not in the business of ranking college basketball teams, but gamblers do. Odds makers set betting lines according to how they feel the public will bet, and adjust those lines to maintain a balance. Legitimate rankings like Associated Press and USA-Today/ESPN, do not reflect futures betting odds, and at times a highly ranked team is left off the betting board altogether; case in point – San Diego State – ranked sixth in the major media polls with a RPI computer rating of second, but left off the futures board. When making your daily NCAA BASKETBALL SPREADS picks, be sure and check for updates before finalizing your wagers.
The first two rounds of the 2011 NCAA Tournament will begin about two months from now, March 15-20, at various venue across the country culminating with the Final Four at Reliant Stadium in Houston, April 2-4.
The Duke Blue Devils, Ohio State Buckeyes and Kansas Jayhawks are the favorites as schools head into conference play. Losing a game or two has no great significance in picking a champion. A good rule of thumb followed by many is – don't pick the favorites. Look under the rug for a lurker like George Mason a few years ago. There are a couple of those out there like San Diego State or No. 23 Central Florida. While their odds are not posted, they can still be wagered under – Field – at +1700. An other tasty temptation is Texas at +2000.
Listed below are a list of the top-25 betting odds and teams . Make note, this is not a top-25 ranking.
1. Duke +170
2. Ohio State +500
3. Kansas +800
4. Michigan State +1400
5. Washington +1800
6. Kentucky +2000
7. North Carolina +2000
8. Pittsburgh +2000
9. Purdue +3000
10.Syracuse +2000
11. Texas +2000
12. Villanova +4000
13. Wisconsin +4000
14. Kansas State +4500
15. Louisville +4500
16. Missouri +5000
17. Notre Dame +5500
18. Tennessee +6000
19. UCLA +7500
20. Memphis +9000
21. Washington State +9500
22. West Virginia +9500
23. Michigan +10000
24. Texas A&M +10000
