The conference tournaments are well underway, but most teams playing on Tuesday need a boost to make the NCAA Tournament. Some are in one-bid conferences, and others are a few wins away from being considered on the bubble.
Because of this, these games can be seen as win or go home. Practically every team that loses on Tuesday will be effectively eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, so these games matter more than practically any regular season game this year.
With the heightened stakes comes a chance to make some real money. So, which games are the most interesting for Tuesday? Where can we find the best betting odds for this slate?
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Tuesday, March 07, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Greensboro Coliseum
In a traditional year, both of these teams would have already secured bids for the NCAA Tournament. Instead, they are not even on the bubble. That means that some major moves will have to be made, and the loser of this game is certainly out of the NCAA Tournament picture.
Now, Notre Dame has to essentially win the conference tournament to make the NCAA Tournament, but Virginia Tech has an outside shot of being considered with just a deep run. That’s why the Hokies are significantly favored in this neutral-site game. In fact, Notre Dame has struggled to beat most teams, going 1-8 in the team’s last nine games of the regular season.
The Pick
Virginia Tech will win, but will they cover as well? Based on recent history, the answer is yes. When Virginia Tech wins, they run away with it.
While Notre Dame has been able to keep losses close, I don’t see that happening against an offense like this one. Virginia Tech remains consistent, and that will lead the way.
NCAAB Pick: Virginia Tech -6.5 (-120) at FanDuel
Louisville Cardinals vs. Boston College Eagles
Tuesday, March 07, 2023 – 04:30 PM EST at Greensboro Coliseum
The Cardinals lost the last four games by double digits. They are spiraling to end the season, and it’s safe to assume that this is not the time for them to rally. Meanwhile, Boston College has some impressive wins against Virginia and Wake Forest in recent weeks, so they have proven that they can play up to the competition.
However, they also ended the year with a poor performance at home against Georgia Tech. The Eagles are certainly not fool-proof. If they were, they wouldn’t be playing this early in the ACC Tournament.
For Louisville to extend the season, they need to rely on El Ellis. These are his stats in recent game:
● 14 points, loss vs. Virginia
● 14 points, loss vs. Virginia Tech
● 15 points, loss vs. Georgia Tech
● 21 points, loss vs. Duke
● 28 points, win vs. Clemson.
The Pick
To beat Boston College, Ellis needs at least 25 points. I don’t think he gets there, and I find it more likely that he will be held under 20. That’s why I have Boston College covering the spread.
NCAAB Pick: Boston College -6 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Georgia Tech Yellowjackets vs. Florida State Seminoles
Tuesday, March 07, 2023 – 02:00 PM EST at Greensboro Coliseum
In another ACC matchup, we have two teams desperate to make the NCAA Tournament by earning an automatic qualifying bid. While neither team is expected to run the table, Georgia Tech is much more likely to do so, thanks to a late stretch of wins for the squad.
The Yellow Jackets have a significantly better defense, and this group is peaking at the right time. With three straight wins to end the regular season, this group is turning the corner with an efficient offense and smothering defense. If this was how Georgia Tech played all year, they would have made the NCAA Tournament.
The Pick
I easily see that carrying on into this game, and I like the Yellow Jackets to cover because of that. Florida State is too inconsistent. They have higher highs, but they can’t be trusted to put up 40 solid minutes any night of the week.
With these three NCAAB picks, you should be in the green on Tuesday. We can then reconvene with another slate of great games on Wednesday afternoon.
NCAAB Pick: Georgia Tech -1.5 (-115) at BetMGM
