March tournament season is underway, and the betting board is heating up right along with it. After hitting four of five plays on Wednesday, the momentum is on our side as more conference tournaments tip off on Thursday. That means plenty of chances to find value before the Big Dance arrives.
This article highlights three college basketball bets with real cash potential, including games from the MAAC and Patriot League tournaments. The focus is on teams carrying momentum into the postseason and taking advantage of the familiar conference matchups that often create great betting spots.
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.
Iona Gaels -2.5 (-110)
Iona enters the MAAC Tournament in strong form and has already proven it can handle Sacred Heart. The Gaels beat the Pioneers by double digits as an underdog in December and have finished the regular season well, covering their last four games and five of their last six. Sacred Heart, meanwhile, is struggling, losing five of its last eight and posting a 5-13 record away from home this season. Iona’s perimeter offense gives it a clear edge, averaging 9.6 made three-pointers per game while shooting about 35.5 percent from deep. That shooting ability should help the Gaels cover.
Loyola Maryland Greyhounds +6.5 (-105)
Loyola (MD) has already proven it can compete with Colgate, covering the spread in both meetings this season despite losing the games. Beating a team three times in the same season is never easy, and Colgate enters the Patriot League Tournament struggling. The Raiders have lost four of their last five and failed to cover in six straight games. Their defense has also been shaky, allowing 74.5 points per game, which ranks outside the top 200 nationally. Loyola, meanwhile, has covered four of its last six games and comes in with momentum to keep this matchup close.
Prairie View Panthers +3.5 (-112)
Prairie View has already proven it can beat Texas Southern, winning 85-78 as a home underdog on Jan. 31. The Panthers enter this matchup playing their best basketball, winning four of their last five and covering the spread in all five. Prairie View has also been strong on the road with a 10-5 against the spread (ATS) record. The Panthers lead the SWAC in scoring at 80.3 points per game (PPG) and create problems defensively with 8.6 steals and 4.6 blocks per game, both near the top of the conference. Texas Southern has played well late but is just 9-17 ATS this season and allows 78 PPG.