Small Tourneys Offer Value

While most of the college basketball world has its eyes focused on the NCAA Tournament, bettors shouldn’t overlook the minor tournaments. They tend to offer decent betting value for those willing to take the time to look at the teams.

Some teams are disappointed about not being in a more prestigious tournament and will go through the motions in their first tournament game. That gets them an early exit and reinforces the notion that they shouldn’t have been in a better tournament to begin with.

Other teams will rally together and make a decent run in their tournament. That gives them momentum heading into next season and allows their players to get a few more games in. Often you have to read between the lines of what the coach says regarding his team. Player interviews can also give an indication of the team’s mindset.

The schools from bigger conferences tend to be over-valued in these games, which attract a little bit of public action. People will be more likely to bet on teams they have heard of, even if they are getting the worst of the odds.

Home court advantage can be huge in the minor tournaments, as the fans come out in droves and are usually a little more enthusiastic than normal.

Line moves will also be bigger than normal, as a number of teams in the minor tournaments don’t have lines posted on their games often. The sharp bettors may know these teams just as well, if not better, than the oddsmakers. They aren’t afraid to back their opinions with cash, either.

The small tournaments don’t have the glamor or the attention of the Big Dance, but that doesn’t mean you should stay from them. If you pick and choose your spots, you have a good chance at coming out ahead in the end.