College basketball betting, or more specifically March Madness betting, takes center stage today as the NCAA tournament gets underway.  The first round is always the most entertaining and potentially profitable from a wagering standpoint since you’ve got good teams that no one has heard of that play in low profile conferences facing overrated teams from power conferences–and usually as underdogs.

We’ll be adding plays throughout the day so check back and stay with us all weekend long.  This game is being played at the HP Pavilion in San Jose and starts at 11:30 AM Pacific.

MURRAY STATE VS. VANDERBILT:

Real tough matchup for SEC also ran Vanderbilt as they play Murray State from the Ohio Valley Conference.  Murray State lost only four games this year, only one by more than 6 points and none by more than 11.  Vanderbilt does a lot of things well–they shoot at a high percentage from both the field and line primarily–but they’re too much of a jump shooting team for my taste.  They’re not exactly a ‘rugged’ team and teams figured out later in the season that the best way to play Vanderbilt is to contest everything and play ‘in your face’ defense.  Jermaine Beal isn’t a great ball handler, and Vandy often looks to him to pace the offense instead of playing a more team oriented game.

That’s exactly what Murray State will do.  Mid-majors and teams from outside the power conferences like the SEC and ACC frequently have an over reliance on one or two key players.  That’s not the case with the Racers who have very good depth and productivity across their lineup–4 of them average in double figures and 10 players average more than ten minutes per game.  They’ve got the depth to play the perfect style to beat Vandy for the full 40 minutes.  Commodores will be in a fight throughout to advance, and don’t be surprised if Murray State pulls the outright upset.

PLAY MURRAY STATE +3 OVER VANDERBILT