NCAAB Forum: The Ultimate Guide to Covers and Betting

The Art of Covering Spreads in NCAAB Betting

NCAAB, or National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball, is a highly competitive and unpredictable sport, making it a popular choice for sports betting enthusiasts. Covering spreads is one of the most common ways to wager on college basketball games, and it can be a lucrative way to profit if you understand the dynamics of the market.

What is a Point Spread?

A point spread is a number assigned by oddsmakers that represents the predicted margin of victory for one team over another. For example, if Team A is favored by 6.5 points over Team B, Team A would need to win by 7 points or more for a bet on them to cover the spread.

How to Calculate Coverages

To calculate a cover, you simply need to determine the difference between the final score and the point spread. If the favored team wins by more than the spread, they have covered. If the underdog team wins outright or loses by less than the spread, they have covered.

Favorite vs. Underdog

In NCAAB betting, the team with the lower point spread is considered the favorite, while the team with the higher point spread is the underdog. Favorites are typically expected to win, while underdogs are expected to lose. However, upsets are common in college basketball, so it's important to do your research before placing a bet.

Types of Spreads

There are different types of spreads that you can bet on, including:

• Standard spreads: The most common type of spread, where the favorite is given a certain number of points.
• Teaser spreads: A type of spread where you can adjust the point spread in your favor for a reduced payout.
• Reverse spreads: A type of spread where you are betting on the underdog to win or lose by less than the spread.

Tips for Covering Spreads

Here are some tips to help you cover spreads in NCAAB betting:

• Do your research: Study the teams, their recent performances, and the betting trends.
• Understand the market: Know how oddsmakers set spreads and how they adjust based on public betting.
• Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your bets and stick to it.
• Don't chase losses: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of betting, but it's important to stay disciplined and avoid chasing after losses.

Betting on Over/Under Totals

Another popular way to wager on NCAAB games is to bet on the over/under total, which is the total number of points that both teams will combine to score. You can bet on whether the actual score will be over or under the total set by oddsmakers.

How to Calculate Over/Under Totals

To calculate over/under totals, you simply need to add the total number of points scored by both teams. If the actual score is higher than the total, the over has won. If the actual score is lower than the total, the under has won.

Tips for Betting on Over/Under Totals

Here are some tips to help you bet on over/under totals in NCAAB betting:

• Study the teams' offenses and defenses: Teams with high-scoring offenses and weak defenses are more likely to produce over totals, while teams with low-scoring offenses and strong defenses are more likely to produce under totals.
• Consider the pace of play: Teams that play at a fast pace are more likely to produce over totals, while teams that play at a slow pace are more likely to produce under totals.
• Look at the weather: Inclement weather can slow down the pace of play and make it more difficult to score points, which can lead to under totals.

Moneylines vs. Spreads vs. Totals

When it comes to NCAAB betting, there are three main types of bets you can make: moneylines, spreads, and totals. Here is a comparison of the three:

Each type of bet has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences before you place a bet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Betting on NCAAB

If you're new to NCAAB betting, here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose a sportsbook: There are many different sportsbooks available online, so it's important to do your research and choose a reputable one.
2. Create an account: Once you've chosen a sportsbook, you'll need to create an account and deposit funds.
3. Study the lines: Before you place any bets, it's important to study the lines and understand the odds.
4. Make your bets: Once you've studied the lines, you can start placing your bets.
5. Track your results: It's important to track your results so you can learn from your mistakes and improve your betting strategy.

Tips and Tricks for NCAAB Betting

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you improve your NCAAB betting:

• Follow the sharps: Sharp bettors are professional bettors who are consistently profitable. Following their bets can help you improve your own betting strategy.
• Use a betting system: A betting system is a set of rules that you follow when making your bets. Sticking to a betting system can help you stay disciplined and avoid making emotional bets.
• Manage your bankroll: It's important to set a budget for your bets and stick to it. Don't bet more than you can afford to lose.
• Don't chase losses: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of betting, but it's important to stay disciplined and avoid chasing losses.

NCAAB Betting Resources

Here are some useful resources to help you with NCAAB betting:

• Covers: Covers is one of the leading sports betting websites, providing news, analysis, and odds for all major sports, including NCAAB.
• Vegas Insider: Vegas Insider is another popular sports betting website, providing odds, picks, and analysis for all major sports, including NCAAB.
• Basketball Reference: Basketball Reference is a comprehensive database of basketball statistics, including NCAAB data.
• NCAAB Bracket Challenge: The NCAAB Bracket Challenge is a popular annual event where you can fill out a bracket and compete for prizes.

Additional Information about NCAAB Betting

• According to a study by the American Gaming Association, over $10 billion was bet on NCAAB games during the 2021-22 season.
• The NCAAB tournament is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States, attracting over 90 million viewers each year.
• College basketball is a popular sport to bet on because of its high level of unpredictability. Even the best teams can lose to an underdog on any given night.

Conclusion

Betting on NCAAB games can be a fun and exciting way to add some excitement to the games. However, it's important to approach betting with a realistic understanding of the risks involved. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can improve your chances of success and have a more enjoyable betting experience.