I probably should have posted the
Sharps Report before the games started, but I forgot.
DAYTON VS. FLORIDA (in Memphis): This line opened at Florida -10.5 in the earliest shops. Sharps quickly took the dog at that price, resulting in Dayton +10 being the most common number as we go to press. The old school guys like betting double digit dogs. And, a number like 10.5 is very high for an Elite Eight game no matter who’s playing. Sources tell us most Wise Guys had this game Power Rated at Florida -10 because Dayton was so far off the pace entering the Dance. If the public bets the favorite higher, more money would come in on the dog. Best potential we here is a “tug-of-war” between the public on Florida -10 and sharps on Dayton +10.5.
The Over/Under opened at 132, and was bet up to 132.5. That’s not much of a move based on what we’ve seen from the math guys this week. Remember that they’ve been shading their action Over because of perceived low openers, the potential for late free throw parades, and the potential for overtime. They typically take overtime off the table with a spread this high…which may be why the number only moved higher by half a point.
WISCONSIN VS. ARIZONA (in Anaheim): The earliest offshore places and LVH in Las Vegas posted Arizona -1.5. Sharps hit Arizona very quickly at low limits enough to move the game to Arizona -3. It’s stayed there ever since. Later openers were at the full three. Public money was busy with the marquee games Friday rather than early betting in this one. Reports from trusted sources tell us that Wisconsin Wise guy money is waiting to see if the public moves the number higher. That’s a reasonable assumption given how much Arizona usually gets from locals in Vegas. Sharps had the game Power Rated at Arizona -3…which is why that -1.5 was hit…but betting stopped at three. Might have a tug-of-war here between Arizona -3 and Wisconsin -3.5 depending on how much the public bets.
No movement on the Over/Under, which has stood pat at 130. The fact that the math guys DIDN’T bet this one over is fairly telling though. Most other games were seeing over action…and a low line of three suggests overtime potential. Basically, the “pass” is an endorsement of the Under! Sources tell us the math guys will take the Under if the public pushes the total up to 131 or higher. Remember that squares (the general public) like betting Overs in big TV games because they prefer rooting for scoring rather than defense. And, squares like betting Overs in parlays when there’s so few games on TV. The late starting time also allows for extra betting. The math guys may get that opportunity to bet Under 131 or better.
MICHIGAN STATE VS. CONNECTICUT (in New York): Michigan State opened at -5 in the earliest spots, and was quickly bet up by early sharp money to Michigan State -5.5 and then -6. There’s been significant betting interest on UCONN in Las Vegas this week. You may have ready about that elsewhere on the web. We seem to have a mix of sharp and square action making its way from the East Coast in a way that’s scored well so far. That money took UCONN +6, which has dropped the number to a solid 5.5 everywhere as we go to press. In short, differing sharp factions are on Michigan -5 and UCONN +6. If the public moves the game off the 5.5 during the day Sunday before tipoff, then the appropriate contingent will invest some more.
The Over/Under opened at 139 and has largely stayed up. Some stores are testing 139.5, or have moved there on public action. We’re hearing that the math guys had 139 for their number, and will only get involved in game day line moves create an opportunity for them.
MICHIGAN VS. KENTUCKY (in Indianapolis): The earliest stores put up pick-em in this game. Kentucky money hit very quickly even though the Wildcats are a #8 seed and Michigan is a #2. The game was a solid Kentucky -2 when the straggler stores finally opened the game up for betting. We haven’t seen any sharp buy backs yet. If the public keeps betting Kentucky, sharps would definitely come in at +3. Some may settle for +2.5 if they think that’s the best they’re going to see. Oddsmakers (and more than a few sharps) were surprised at the volume of early money that came in on Kentucky. Sharps who are now getting high Power Ratings on Kentucky bet pick-em and -1 at the first openers. Those who have it at pick-em are waiting to see what they can get.
The total opened at 138, and has been bet up to 141. We’re hearing the math guys are behind that move. They made the game 140 or 141 because both defenses could have trouble matching up with the opposing offense. Michigan is soft inside, which is where Kentucky likes to pound it. Kentucky doesn’t always chase around the perimeter as hard as they should, particularly when tired. Michigan is great at making open treys. Wise Guy groups are very happy with their Over positions at 138, 139, and 140.