LAS VEGAS (AP) — Given the numerous upsets that led to last year’s unusual Final Four and the many bids stolen in this season’s conference tournaments, bettors aren’t inclined to go chalk when laying wagers for the NCAA Tournament.
“People are loving some (under)dogs,” BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee said. “We’ve taken all this money on some long shots to win these conference tournaments. Lots of people like taking a flier on some of these double-digit seeds.”
The First Four is Tuesday and Wednesday in Dayton, Ohio, and the tournament begins in full Thursday.
As recent history has shown, some of those fliers can turn into big money.
Saint Peter’s made the Sweet 16 two years ago as a No. 15 seed. Last year’s Final Four included a very un-blue-blooded San Diego State, Florida Atlantic and Miami.