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With the Old Dominion-Butler spread set at -2, the gambling public overwhelmingly believes that the Monarchs should cover against the Bulldogs, who will be without their beloved mascot Blue II.
“They (Old Dominion) are getting the most lopsided wagering action of any other team in the NCAA Tournament thus far,” noted Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com.
At Diamond Sports International (BetDSI.com), the next most wagered on teams (those getting lopsided action) were Belmont, Bucknell, UNLV and Michigan State.
Some of the more recreational books online were reporting action closer to 65 to 70 percent for Old Dominion on the spread. BetDSI.com is considered to be more of a “sharp” establishment, though casual sports bettors are more than welcome.
Gambling911.com noted prior to any official line being posted on this game that Old Dominion would and should be around a -2 point favorite despite being the lower seed (9 vs. Butler as the 8th seed). The oddsmakers appear to be right on the money. Butler, we should note, is 14-5 Against The Spread over the last three years as an underdog.
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And as we alluded to already, Butler already comes into this game missing one of its stars...and we may have a bone to pick with the NCAA!
The Bulldogs prized mascot Blue II has been banned from appearing at the first tournament game. Reason: Live mascots are not permitted at opening rounds.
"He lives to go to Hinkle Fieldhouse. He lives for basketball games. It's almost like what he was born to do," said his owner Michael Kaltenmark, Butler's director of web and marketing communications.
I don't think he understands that not all dogs live this life. But I try to tell him that but he doesn't seem to understand. But I think that he knows that he's very special and important," Kaltenmarket added.
- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
