Just two years removed as NCAA champions Villanova is the top seed in the East regional. Already a popular best offshore sportsbook commodity the Wildcats enjoyed a stellar season. Best of all for gamblers Nova was among the top money makers on the board for 2018. Bracketology scientists are touting them as having the easiest path to the Final Four. That being said there are other appealing teams in the East regional. Purdue was a top team from the Big Ten before petering out at the end. Can the talented Boilermakers get back on track?
2018 NCAA Tournament East Regional
Dates: March 15 through April 2, 2018
Location: Check schedules and brackets
NCAA Basketball Odds: (Click here to See the Updated Lines)
2018 Tournament TV Coverage: Check Listings
Pittsburgh gets two Thursday games in the East regional. #1 Villanova will face a First Four game winner. And #8 Virginia Tech plays #9 Alabama in what looks like an even showdown. Dallas gets a pair of Thursday East regional matchups as well. #6 Florida also plays a First Four winner. Also, in Big D #3 Texas Tech will meet Stephen F. Austin.
Friday will feature best offshore sportsbook matchups from San Diego and Detroit. In San Diego #5 West Virginia goes up against #12 Murray State. #4 Wichita State will play #13 Marshall in the other game there. From Detroit #7 Arkansas takes on #10 Butler. Additionally, in Motown is #2 Purdue vs. #15 Cal State Fullerton.
Although Purdue finished second in the Big Ten their late season slump was a disappointment. Sportsbook bonuses went dry on the Boilermakers with only one payout in their last ten games. Yet Purdue has national rankings of 36th for scoring offense and 26th for scoring defense. Few teams can boast such full court competence. Arkansas is a team that could bring surprise value. Most noteworthy is that the Razorbacks lost just three of their final ten games with the line. Offensively few teams have more offense than the Hogs.
Villanova will not be cheap but they may still bring value. Especially relevant is that the Wildcats covered 22 of 34 games vs. the spread this year. Jalen Brunson led Nova with 19 points and five assists per game. He is one of college basketball’s biggest stars. Nobody in the country scored more points per game than Villanova. Gamblers looking for a tough team that may surprise should consider West Virginia. Bob Huggins has the coaching experience and success to inspire confidence. Mountaineer basketball means a full court game of grit. March Madness success is compatible with such an approach.
Virginia Tech and Alabama could make for the most even matchup in the first round. While Alabama got in through the backdoor the Hokies were more consistent. Of note was Tech’s wins over Virginia and North Carolina this season.
2018 NCAA Tournament East Regional Matchup to Watch
Of course, Villanova is considered to be the best offshore sportsbook bet. But are they? March Madness brings with it the element of heavy casual betting money. Fans that don’t know college hoops flock to the name brand teams. Overlays are the result. Virginia Tech can serve as a counter to that.
2018 NCAA Tournament East Regional Basketball Picks
Bargain hunters should take a strong look at a capable Virginia Tech team. With a track record of beating top teams they have credibility. Momentum is also with the Hokies following six payouts in their last nine games.
2018 NCAA Tournament East Regional Basketball Betting Pick: Virginia Tech Hokies.