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As you well know, the #5 vs. #12 matchup has effectively been a toss-up over the years, but with Vanderbilt being quite obviously under-seeded, how will that show up in the opening odds?
The Shooty Dores are heavily favored in this one, giving -11.5 points and -750 on the money line. Loosely translated, this means Vegas expects this Vanderbilt team to beat McNeese about 80% of the time.
Perhaps the most interesting line is the over/under (150.5), as Vanderbilt has averaged 86.4 points scored and McNeese is right up there at a flat 80. Of course, McNeese hasn’t played many defenses as steal-heavy and stout as Vanderbilt’s. Still, Byington’s squad yields 75.2 points per game, so if we just played our average game, we’d hit 161.6 points. If McNeese (offense = 80; defense = 66.5) plays their normal game, we’d hit 146.5. Quite clearly, the oddsmakers are just splitting the difference. This seems unwise, especially with the speed and potency of the Vanderbilt offense. I’d say we make them run and pound the Over. I’d stay away from the -11.5, as that’s a blowout, but would feel pretty safe betting the money line and the Over.
As always, for me, it’s just an academic exercise in pride and I won’t be betting real, actual money. Use your best judgment.
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Marching On
Vanderbilt goes for its third SEC Tournament title.
Game time.
Finally, Vanderbilt’s SEC Tournament run begins.
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