Although NCAA tournament Final Four Odds are the hottest topic of the sports betting world, the College Basketball Invitational is also coming to a close this week. Featuring some of the top teams not invited to the NCAA tournament, the College Basketball Invitational is now entering the championship round. Out of the elimination rounds, the Virginia Commonwealth Rams and Saint Louis Billikens have emerged to vie for the CBI championship. Here is a preview for game two of the CBI championship series between VCU and Saint Louis.

VCU Rams vs. Saint Louis Billikens

Wednesday, March 31, 8PM (ET)

Sportsbook Point Spread: VCU -1.5

After winning the first game of the best 2 out of 3 CBI championship series, Virginia Commonwealth is looking to put a close to the Saint Louis Billikens in game 2. The Saint Louis Billikens enter this game with a 23-12 record while VCU enters with a 26-9 record. Played at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, the hometown crowd might be an advantage for the Billikens and VCU has struggled on the road all season. In game one of the series, VCU defeated Saint Louis 68-56 and will look to capture the CBI title Wednesday.

What the Saint Louis Billikens need to do to win

Basketball Betting Odds: VCU -1.5

Open up the game: All season, the Saint Louis Billikens have played a low scoring, defensive style of basketball. Averaging only 64.3 points for and 59.9 points against, the Billikens will need to open up their offense to compete with VCU.  Forwards Willie Reed and Cody Ellis will be expected to increase their offense in this CBI championship rematch along with guard Kwamain Mitchell. Mitchell and Ellis managed only 10 point apiece in game 1 and will both need to significantly up that mark to even the series. VCU has averaged over 76 points per game this season and loves to play a flashy offensive game. If Saint Louis wants to even this series, they will need to play a more offensive style of game.

What the VCU Rams need to do to win

Sports Betting Odds: VCU -1.5

Quiet the Saint Louis fans: Thus far this season, VCU has been a sad 5-7 on the road. Facing Saint Louis in front of a hostile road crowd won’t help this record unless the Rams can quiet the Saint Louis crowd early. To make matter worse, each of the past two CBI championship series’ has gone to a third game.

Let their big scorers control the game: Led by scorers Larry Sanders, Joey Rodriguez, and Bradford Burgess, the VCU Rams have looked dominant in the CBI tournament to this point. Rolling through Boston University and the first game of the final series against Saint Louis, these three players have carried the play. Sanders has helped his team at both ends of the court all season averaging close to 10 rebounds per game, while Rodriguez scored a game high 22 points in the first game of the CBI championship. If these three players continue their dominant play, the VCU Rams will be raising the CBI tournament trophy sooner rather than later.

Online betting fans had a rough opening to the first round of the NCAA Tournament as they saw their brackets and March Madness picks go up in flames.

With seven upsets on the first day and more pouring in on the second, there were lots of brackets being put through the shredder recently.

One team that didn’t disappoint was the Kentucky Wildcats, who as the No. 1 seed in their region, had no problems dropping East Tennessee State.

The Wildcats are supposedly a young team that needs experience and they got their feet wet in the opening round.

Meanwhile, Wake Forest needed some miracles to get past Texas. The Longhorns had a chance to hit the game-winning free throw at the end of regulation, but slipped up. Then they also had a chance to take a two point lead as the end of the first overtime was nearing, but they missed the shot again. Then, Wake Forest took advantage and scored the game-winning shot.

Now they find themselves in a tough second-round matchup with Kentucky, who will likely send them packing.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Kentucky Wildcats

BetPhoenix Odds (BetPhoenix Reviews): Kentucky -9

The Wildcats have been one of the best teams in the nation all year long and they are going to get a shot against a team that is limping into their matchup.

The Demon Deacons lost five of six prior to the tournament and needed some missed free throws from Texas just to even get to this point. They are going to be loose and relaxed, but they simply don’t have the talent to compete with Kentucky.

The big matchup will be inside between Patrick Patterson and Al-Farouq Aminu, both of whom could be lottery picks in the 2010 NBA Draft.

The main difference between Wake Forest and East Tennessee State – in Kentucky’s eyes – should be the fact that there is a much smaller margin of error in this game. Kentucky is the far better team talent-wise once again they have the advantage almost everywhere against Wake Forest, but they can’t afford to be sloppy in any way. If they leave an opening, Wake Forest will be competitive but if Kentucky isn’t half asleep, they are going to run away with this one. Wake Forest is simply overmatched.

March Madness Betting Pick: Kentucky -9

The big dance is only days away and sports fans across the globe are discussing College Basketball Betting. The NCAA tournament is almost here, but basketball fans are also watching the opening round of the NIT. Traditionally thought of as a consolation tournament, the NIT often offers games that equal if not eclipse the excitement level of the big dance. March Madness is here whether you’re watching the NCAA Tournament or the NIT. Here is a preview for the NIT game between the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and the Kent State Golden Flashes.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Kent State Golden Flashes

Wednesday March 17, 12:00PM (ET)

Sportsbook Point Spread: NO LINE YET

In a game featuring the number 4 versus number 5 seeds, you can be sure it will be a heated matchup. Kent State finished first overall in MAC standings this season sitting 13-3 in conference play and 24-9 overall. Many believed Kent State was an NCAA tournament team, not a mid level seed in the NIT. Tulsa, who played in the tougher C-USA finished the season 10-6 in conference play and 23-11 overall. Both teams enter this NIT game with something to prove and you can expect an intense game from tip off to finish.

What the Tulsa Golden Hurricane need to do to win

Sportsbook Reviews Odds: NO LINE YET

Force Kent State to double team: Tulsa features three legitimate scoring threats in Ben Uzoh, Jerome Jordan, and Justin Hurtt. All three are averaging a minimum of 14 points per game and can dominate on any given night. If one of these players steps up, Kent State might be forced to double team, which would open up the court for the other two Golden Hurricanes scorers. Behind these three, Tulsa features a deep line-up of contributors, although no one likely has the ability to break a game open.

The key to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane offense is definitely Jerome Jordan. Tulsa can expect Kent State defenders to zero in on Jordan not only because of his 15 points per game, but because Jordan leads all players entering this game with 9 rebounds per game. Tulsa needs to box out the opposition and let Jordan get to the basket.

What the Kent State Golden Flashes need to do to win

March Madness Bracket: NO LINE YET

Rely on solid team play: With a name like the “Golden Flashes,” you would expect more flash from Kent State. Not the case. Kent State has consistently won games all season using a balanced team attack and solid defence. The NIT tournament is no time to change this strategy. Kent State has allowed an average of less than 65 points per game all season. Not only that, but Kent State has performed well on the road this season, which should bode well for their neutral location against Tulsa.

Up front, no player on Kent State averaged more than 14 points per game this season. Bench scoring has been a strength for this team. If Kent State can continue to get balanced scoring from their top 6 players and keep the score low, this will be their game to lose.

After almost a full week of Champions Week, the games are starting to heat up. Saturday, two of the top teams in the American East Conference tip off. With potential bids to the NCAA tournament on the line, this game is monumental for both teams. March Madness Betting is a hot topic across the globe this week as March Madness heats up and each game becomes more important. Here is a preview for Saturday’s game between the Boston University Terriers and the Vermont Catamounts.

Boston University Terriers vs. Vermont Catamounts

Saturday March 13, 12:00PM (ET)

American East Conference rivals meet Saturday in what should be a close game. The Vermont Catamounts finished second in the Am. East Conference with a 12-4 record and a 24-9 record overall. The Boston University Terriers finished 11-5 in conference play and 19-12 overall. Although Vermont ended up higher in the standings, the BU Terriers enter this game riding a six game winning streak. Boston University and Vermont have played twice already this season with the Catamounts winning both 76-75 and 78-58.

What the Boston University Terriers need to do to win

US Sportsbook Review Odds: NO LINE YET

Utilize a balanced scoring attack: Although star John Holland can dominate a game by himself, the Terriers are capable of wearing down defenders by using a balanced offence. Five Terriers including Holland, Corey Lowe, Jake O’Brien, Carlos Strong, and Tyler Morris are all averaging around 10 points per game or more. If Vermont decides to double team Holland, Lowe and O’Brien can easily pick up the scoring slack. If the big five for Boston University can put up close to 10 points each, the Terriers will be a very difficult team to beat, especially considering their recent hot streak.

Play with confidence: When you’ve only lost 5 conference games all year and 2 of them came against your playoff opponent, confidence can be an issue. The Boston University Terriers need to forget their previous two meetings with Vermont and build off of their strong finish to the season. Although both losses to the Catamounts came in the second half of the season, the Terriers have great reason to feel like the favorites entering this game.

What the Vermont Catamounts need to do to win

March Madness Odds: NO LINE YET

Dominate the rebounding game: The Vermont Catamounts haven’t won too many games this season by playing flashy. This hard working team pulls down a lot of rebounds and generates offensive opportunities from their strong work under both baskets. Margus Blakely needs to continue his strong play as he has averaged over 9 rebounds per game this season. As well, Evan Field has been solid for the Catamounts pulling down more than 6 boards per game. The key to winning this battle for Vermont will be to box out BU’s John Holland and Jake O’Brien.

Wednesday marks day one of the 2010 Big 12 Conference Tournament. The Big 12 has been strong this year and features seven 20-win teams. The first round of conference play begins with some intriguing matchups and a group of likely blowouts.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (14-17, 2-14 in Big 12) @ Missouri Tigers (22-9, 10-6 in Big 12)

NCAA Basketball Betting (*note lines are approximations as they have not been posted at the time of writing)

Spread: Missouri -8

Over/Under: 130

Money Line: Missouri -380, Nebraska +270

The good news for the Cornhuskers was that they were 12-3 out of conference this year. The bad news, well they were the whipping boy of the Big 12 going 2-14. Nebraska is nothing more than a pesky team with no shot against the powerhouses of the conference.

Missouri is led by sophomore guard Kim English in scoring with over 14 points a game. Missouri spreads the ball around well and has a strong eight man rotation with senior leadership and talented underclassmen.

Prediction: Missouri won the season’s first two meetings by 17 and 15, expect more of the same.

Final: Missouri 69 – Nebraska 53. Take the Tigers in a rout.

Oklahoma Sooners: (13-17, 4-12 in Big 12) @ Oklahoma State Cowboys (21-9, 9-7 in Big 12)

Bookmaker Review: (*lines approximated)

Spread: Oklahoma State -7.5

Over/Under: 149

Money Line: Oklahoma State: -350, Oklahoma +225

Oklahoma has struggled through a tough season a year after All-American power forward, Blake Griffin left for the NBA. G Willie Warren has had a disastrous sophomore campaign and has dropped from being a lottery pick to most likely needing to come back for another year of college if he wants to be anything but a second round pick at best.

Oklahoma State has had an up and down end of their season as shown by their 9-7 conference record. On February 27^th, the Cowboys knocked off the number one team in the country, Kansas and had destroyed Oklahoma by 21 a couple of weeks prior to that. Junior guard James Anderson is third in the NCAA in scoring with 22.9 points per game to go with six rebounds and 2.4 assists.

Prediction: Look for another Sooner blowout with Anderson leading the way for the Cowboys.

Final: Oklahoma State 82 – Oklahoma 66. Take OK State and the under.

Iowa State Cyclones (15-16, 4-12 in Big 12) @ Texas Longhorns (23-8, 9-7 in Big 12)

Odds on NCAA Basketball (*lines approximated)

Spread: Texas -7

Over/Under: 142

Money Line: Texas -280, Iowa State +200

After a short time of being the number one team in the country, the Texas Longhorns have fallen off significantly. Losing both of their starting ball handlers (Varez Ward, Dougas Balbay) to injury early and late in the season respectively, the Longhorns have sputtered down the stretch going 5-5. Big man Dexter Pittman can be a force on the boards and F Damion James is one of the best power forwards in the country. Texas however, doesn’t have a point guard to run an efficient offense.

Iowa State knocked off Kansas State last week likely thwarting their effort to gain a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Cyclones had a terrible season otherwise, but can get into postseason play with a win against the Longhorns. A .500 record would qualify them for lesser postseason events as wins against Kansas State and Texas and playing in a power conference would likely give them some kind of berth.

Prediction: Texas should be able to handle Iowa State on neutral court as they are a vastly inferior team and the K-State game was likely a fluke.

Final: Texas 81- Iowa State 57. Take Texas and the under.

Also in Action: Texas Tech vs. Colorado.

All NCAA basketball betting players can respect the place that Louisville’s Freedom Hall has when it comes to the great college basketball arenas in the country, but it’s preparing to close its doors for the final time this weekend. The Cardinals will get to host the No.1 team in the country, Syracuse, who has nothing left to play for this weekend, and Louisville would love nothing better than to get a famous victory on closing night at Freedom Hall.

Syracuse vs Louisville odds – Saturday, March 6, 2:00 PM ET

The No.1 Orangemen (28-2, 15-2) extended their winning streak to four with an 85-66 rout of St. John’s on the road, and Arinze Oruaku had game highs of 21 points and eight rebounds. Oruaku has stepped up his game with the offensive struggles of Wes Johnson, who notched 13 points against the Red Storm. Johnson has had a tough time shooting the basketball lately, but he’s still contributing in other ways, and he had three blocks at St. John’s. The Orangemen shot 51.7% from the floor, and they’re already in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament as the No.1 seed.

The Cardinals (19-11, 10-7) have lost two of their last three after falling 69-48 at Marquette, but due to their win at Syracuse, a sweep of UConn and wins over teams like Notre Dame and Cincinnati, they should be in the big dance. Still, it’s never good to play like this late in the season, and Edgar Sosa was their high man with nine points as the Cardinals shot 37% from the field, and they went to the free-throw line just two times, making one of their shots.

Odds in your sportsbook (beted reviews) should have the Cardinals as the favorites at home, where they are 14-4 this year. The Orangemen are winless in four trips to Freedom Hall since 2000, and three of the four losses were in double figures. The Cardinals pulled out a 66-60 upset of the Orangemen at Syracuse on Valentine’s Day, getting 12 points from Sosa and Mike Marra, but Louisville held the potent Syracuse offense to 41.4% from the floor.  Even though they were just 9-of-17 from the foul line, they made them down the stretch. This game will be massive, as it’s the last game at Freedom Hall, it’s senior night for Sosa, Reginald Delk, Chris Brickley and Jerry Smith, and it’s the No.1 team in the nation. Syracuse just has revenge left to play for, but this will be Louisville’s night. The Orangemen may get another shot at them in the Big East tournament, but until then, the Cardinals have their number.

College basketball odds pick: Louisville

This Wednesday three are two matchups that pit the top two teams of major conferences square off. In the ACC, The Duke Blue Devils will try to clinch the regular season title when they travel to Maryland to take on the Terrapins. In the Big 12, Kansas and Kansas State will renew their rivalry as K-State makes a late season push for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Duke Blue Devils (25-4, 12-2 1^st in ACC) @ Maryland Terrapins (21-7, 11-3 2^nd in ACC)

NCAA Basketball Odds: (*note lines are approximations as they have not been posted at the time of writing.)

Spread: Duke -1.5

Over/Under: 131

Money Line: Duke -135, Maryland + 110

Duke ran the Terrapins out of Cameron Indoor Arena on February 13^th 77-56. Coach K’s kids held the Terps to 37% shooting from the field including 2-13 from three point land. Maryland can’t afford to shoot that bad again if they want to come away with a win at home.

Maryland is led by senior guard Grevis Vasquez who averages 19.5 points, 6.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds a game. The Terps go as Vasquez goes. Freshman PF Jordan Williams has impressed (9.1 points, 8.4 rebounds) but was shutdown the last times these teams met.

Duke has three players averaging over 17 points a game. Senior guard Jon Scheyer leads the way for the Blue Devils with 18.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists a game. Juniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler are the other high-scoring Blue Devils and all are three point sharpshooters. Senior center Brian Zoubek had an incredible 16 points and 17 rebounds in the last meeting and will have to use his 7’1” size to his advantage again if Duke is to dominate.

Look for the Blue Devils to come away with the win as they are the class of the ACC in a down year for the league.

Final: Duke 78 – Maryland 71. Take Duke and the over.

Kansas Jayhawks (27-2, 13-1 1^st in Big 12) @ Kansas State Wildcats (24-4, 11-3 2^nd in Big 12)

Sportsbook Review : (*lines approximated)

Spread: Kansas -1

Over/Under: 148

Money Line: Off

The last time these two teams met it was a home game for the Jayhawks. Kansas needed overtime to finally put away the Wildcats 81-79 on January 30^th. This game has a lot of bearing on whether or not Kansas State will receive a #1 seed come tournament time. Currently they are on the outside looking in; however a win over Kansas would greatly improve their chances.

Kansas State is led by junior guard Jacob Pullen who is averaging 18.5 points and 3.8 assists a game. Pullen has 11 20+ point efforts this year. Senior guard Denis Clemente is a Puerto Rican import to the heartland of the United States and the former transfer student from the University of Miami is averaging 15.8 points and 4.1 assists a game. Red-shirt sophomore Jamar Samuels and UConn transfer Curtis Kelly are both averaging over 11 points and 5 rebounds a game (6 for Kelly). Kansas State has won seven straight since that OT loss at Kansas.

The Kansas Jayhawks are coming off a loss at Oklahoma State 85-77. It was Kansas first loss since January 10^th against Tennessee. Kansas is led by junior center Cole Aldrich (11.4 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks a game) and senior guard Sherron Collins (15.3 points, 4.3 assists). Freshman guard Xavier Henry has showed why he was the number one ranked freshman coming into the NCAA ranks this year with his 14 points and 4.2 rebounds a game not telling the whole story. Henry is a 6-6 athletic guard with great range and 40% 3PT shooting. Henry doesn’t turn the ball over a whole lot (2 per game) and has scored in double figures the last six games.

Expect to see another battle in this in state rivalry. Kansas needs to right the ship after losing to Oklahoma City and Kansas State is looking to make a statement and improve their seeding. I like K-State to get some revenge.

Final: Kansas State 78 – Kansas 73

Bet College Basketball:  Take K-State and the over.