NomadicPlay
Member
For those of us who live and breathe college basketball betting, UCF basketball just gave us something fresh to work with. Instead of heading to the NIT, the UCF Knights men’s basketball squad has accepted an invitation to the inaugural College Basketball Crown in Las Vegas.
This might not be March Madness, but when a brand-new postseason tournament is introduced, there’s betting value to be found. Oddsmakers don’t have years of data on how teams respond to this setup, and that means we might just have an edge.
The UCF game to watch first? April 1 against Oregon State at MGM Grand Garden Arena. If they win, they move on to face the winner of DePaul vs. Cincinnati on April 3. If they keep rolling, they’d head to the T-Mobile Arena for the semifinals on April 5, with the championship game set for April 6.
It’s a packed college basketball schedule, but these neutral-site games in Vegas tend to favor teams that can control tempo and play solid defense—two things the UCF basketball roster does well when locked in.
A 17-16 record isn’t flashy, but let’s not ignore how close UCF basketball was to making a deep Big 12 Tournament run. They pushed Kansas to overtime in the second round before bowing out. That’s a sign they can compete at a high level.
Here’s what I’m looking at for betting angles:
First-Round Spread vs. Oregon State
Totals (Over/Under)
Futures to Win the Tournament
One thing to keep in mind—the transfer portal opens March 24, meaning some players might leave before the tournament even tips off. This could impact the UCF basketball roster and other teams in the field. I’d wait until game day to place any big bets in case any surprise roster changes happen.
While the UCF women’s basketball squad isn’t part of this new tournament, keep an eye on them in the women’s NIT bracket 2024. They’ve been scrappy all year and could be a sneaky bet in early-round matchups.
Who’s betting on UCF basketball in Vegas? Let’s hear your picks.
This might not be March Madness, but when a brand-new postseason tournament is introduced, there’s betting value to be found. Oddsmakers don’t have years of data on how teams respond to this setup, and that means we might just have an edge.
UCF Basketball Schedule & Their Path in the College Basketball Crown
The UCF game to watch first? April 1 against Oregon State at MGM Grand Garden Arena. If they win, they move on to face the winner of DePaul vs. Cincinnati on April 3. If they keep rolling, they’d head to the T-Mobile Arena for the semifinals on April 5, with the championship game set for April 6.
It’s a packed college basketball schedule, but these neutral-site games in Vegas tend to favor teams that can control tempo and play solid defense—two things the UCF basketball roster does well when locked in.
Betting on UCF – Value or Trap?
A 17-16 record isn’t flashy, but let’s not ignore how close UCF basketball was to making a deep Big 12 Tournament run. They pushed Kansas to overtime in the second round before bowing out. That’s a sign they can compete at a high level.Here’s what I’m looking at for betting angles:
First-Round Spread vs. Oregon State- Oregon State finished the season 13-19, and UCF has a clear talent edge. If the spread is anything under -5, I’m backing UCF.
- UCF’s defense should suffocate Oregon State’s offense, which has struggled all year.
Totals (Over/Under)- UCF games tend to be grind-it-out affairs, and neutral-court games in Vegas often start slow.
- The under might be the best bet if the total is set too high.
Futures to Win the Tournament- UCF isn’t a favorite, but if they get past Oregon State and Cincinnati/DePaul, they’re a real contender.
- I’ll be checking odds once they drop, but anything above +1000 is worth a look.
The Transfer Portal Wildcard
One thing to keep in mind—the transfer portal opens March 24, meaning some players might leave before the tournament even tips off. This could impact the UCF basketball roster and other teams in the field. I’d wait until game day to place any big bets in case any surprise roster changes happen. What About UCF Women’s Basketball?
While the UCF women’s basketball squad isn’t part of this new tournament, keep an eye on them in the women’s NIT bracket 2024. They’ve been scrappy all year and could be a sneaky bet in early-round matchups.Final Thoughts
This new College Basketball Crown could be a goldmine for bettors who do their research. UCF vs. Georgia basketball was an early-season highlight, showing that the Knights can hang with solid teams. Now, with a fresh postseason slate in Vegas, there’s money to be made if you play it right.Who’s betting on UCF basketball in Vegas? Let’s hear your picks.