Simple Strategies for Betting on NCAA Basketball

NCAA Basketball is one of the most exciting basketball leagues to watch in recent years. Because of its popularity, there are already thousands of people that are betting on certain NCAA teams to do well in each season or tournament, and some of them are even creating brackets to predict who will advance in the NCAA Finals.

If you are betting on NCAA Basketball for the first time in trusted betting sites like Omada College Sport, you may be overwhelmed with the amount of information that you need to know about the league. But don't worry, as we are here to help make the process of NCAA Basketball betting easier. Here are the simple strategies for betting on NCAA Basketball.

The Terms You Need to Know About NCAA Basketball Betting

If you’re new to betting on NCAA basketball, the terminology that experienced bettors use can be confusing. Here is a breakdown of the commonly used terms so that you can be familiar with them:

• Moneyline: This is a straightforward bet where you pick the team you think will win the game outright. The odds are expressed as positive or negative numbers, reflecting the likelihood of each outcome.
• Point Spread: The point spread evens out the playing field by giving one team a handicap. You’ll bet on whether a team will win by more than the spread or if they’ll lose by less than the spread.
• Over/Under (Total): In this type of bet, you wager on whether the total number of points scored by both teams will be over or under a set number.
• Parlay: A parlay is a bet that combines multiple wagers into one. All the bets in a parlay must win for you to collect a payout. The more bets you combine, the higher the potential payout, but the risk also increases.
• Prop Bet (Proposition Bet): This is a wager on specific events within the game that aren’t directly related to the final score. Examples include betting on which player will score the first basket or how many points a certain player will score.
• Futures Bet: A futures bet is placed on an event that will happen later in the season, such as picking the team you think will win the NCAA championship.
• Teaser: A teaser allows you to adjust the point spread or total in your favor by adding or subtracting points. While it improves your chances, it also reduces the payout.
• Live Betting (In-Game Betting): Live betting lets you place wagers during the game. Odds and lines change in real time based on how the game unfolds.

Now that you are more familiar with these commonly used betting terms for NCAA Basketball, you should now find a trusted betting website that will provide you with the best betting experience. For beginners and university students that want to get into betting, we highly recommend Omada College Sport, a risk-free sports betting application that utilizes virtual currency for bets.

Strategies for Betting on NCAA Basketball

To be successful in NCAA Basketball betting, you need a solid strategy. Check out these effective approaches to betting on your favorite teams in the NCAA:

Focus on Home Court Advantage

Home-court advantage has a big role in college basketball. Teams often perform better when they’re playing at home, as this is where they’re more comfortable and supported by their fans. Look for opportunities to bet on home teams, especially when they’re playing against teams with poor road records.

However, don’t blindly bet on every home team. Consider the strength of the opponent and the specific circumstances of the game. Some teams excel on the road and may be able to overcome the challenges of playing away from home.

Study Team Matchups

Not all teams match up well against each other. Some teams have a strong inside game, while others rely heavily on outside shooting. Understanding how teams’ strengths and weaknesses align with each other can give you an edge. For example, a team with a dominant big man might struggle against a squad with excellent perimeter defense.

Look at how NCAA teams have performed in previous matchups against similar opponents. This can give you clues about how they might fare in their upcoming game. Pay attention to recent injuries or lineup changes that could affect a team’s performance.

Monitor Betting Lines

Betting lines often move leading up to a game, and these reflect where the money is going. Sharp bettors, also known as professionals, often place large bets that cause the lines to shift.

If you notice a line moving significantly in one direction, it might indicate that the sharps see value on that side. However, don’t blindly follow the line movement. Do your research to understand why the line is shifting and decide if it aligns with your analysis.

Bet on Underdogs in Conference Play

Conference play in NCAA basketball is highly competitive. Teams are familiar with each other’s styles and tendencies, which can lead to closer games than expected. Betting on underdogs in these situations can be profitable, and this is true when the public is heavily backing the favorite.

Underdogs often cover the spread or even pull off upsets in these matchups. Look for teams that have been improving throughout the season or that match up well with their opponent. Betting on underdogs doesn't mean taking unnecessary risks but finding value where others might not see it.

Manage Your Bankroll

No strategy is complete without proper bankroll management. Set aside a specific amount of money for betting and stick to it. Don’t chase losses by placing larger bets to try to recover your money. This can lead to a downward spiral and quickly drain your bankroll.

Divide your bankroll into units and bet a consistent percentage on each game. Remember, betting is a long-term game, and managing your bankroll is key to staying in it.

Conclusion

Betting on NCAA basketball is more about strategy than luck. So, you should follow the strategies we have provided above so that you will be able to win more bets. The mentioned strategies can also be applied to other leagues and sports, so don't hesitate to try them outside of NCAA Basketball. These straightforward approaches give you a strong foundation for enjoying the game while making better bets.