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College Basketball Over/Under Betting Strategy Guide

College Basketballintermediate 10 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Pace of play is one of the most important factors to consider when betting on college basketball totals.
  • Offensive and defensive efficiency are also important factors to consider.
  • Three-point shooting and free-throw shooting can have a big impact on the total of a game.
  • Look for mismatches in pace of play and bet the under in games between two good defensive teams.

College Basketball Over/Under Betting Strategy Guide

Understanding Over/Under Betting

Over/under betting, also known as totals betting, is a type of bet where you wager on whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be over or under a certain number. The sportsbook will set a total for the game, and you can bet on whether the final score will be higher or lower than that number.

For example, if the total for a game is 145.5 points, you can bet on the over or the under. If you bet on the over, you are betting that the combined score of both teams will be 146 points or more. If you bet on the under, you are betting that the combined score will be 145 points or less.

Key Factors to Consider When Betting on College Basketball Totals

1. Pace of Play

The pace of play is one of the most important factors to consider when betting on college basketball totals. Teams that play at a fast pace will have more possessions, which will lead to more scoring opportunities. Teams that play at a slow pace will have fewer possessions, which will lead to fewer scoring opportunities.

2. Offensive and Defensive Efficiency

Offensive and defensive efficiency are also important factors to consider. Teams with efficient offenses will be more likely to score, while teams with efficient defenses will be more likely to prevent their opponents from scoring. You can use websites like KenPom to find advanced stats on offensive and defensive efficiency.

3. Three-Point Shooting

Three-point shooting can have a big impact on the total of a game. Teams that shoot a high percentage from three-point range will be more likely to score a lot of points. On the other hand, teams that struggle to shoot from three-point range will be more likely to be involved in low-scoring games.

4. Free-Throw Shooting

Free-throw shooting is another important factor to consider. Teams that get to the free-throw line a lot and shoot a high percentage from the line will be more likely to score a lot of points. Teams that struggle to get to the free-throw line or that shoot a low percentage from the line will be more likely to be involved in low-scoring games.

Strategies for Betting on College Basketball Totals

  • Look for Mismatches in Pace of Play: When a fast-paced team plays against a slow-paced team, it can create a good opportunity to bet on the over. The fast-paced team will try to push the tempo, which will lead to more possessions and more scoring opportunities.
  • Bet the Under in Games Between Two Good Defensive Teams: When two good defensive teams play against each other, it is often a good idea to bet on the under. These teams will make it difficult for their opponents to score, which will lead to a low-scoring game.
  • Consider the Over in Games with a Lot of Three-Point Shooters: When two teams that shoot a lot of three-pointers play against each other, it can be a good idea to bet on the over. These teams will be looking to score from long range, which can lead to a high-scoring game.

Conclusion

Betting on college basketball totals can be a profitable way to wager on the sport. By considering the key factors of pace of play, offensive and defensive efficiency, three-point shooting, and free-throw shooting, you can increase your chances of success.

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