Cleveland State Vikings vs. Arizona Wildcats NCAA Tournament Odds
One of the most anticipated games Sunday will be the Cleveland State Vikings vs. Arizona Wildcats, two teams that upset their respective opponents. The Cleveland State Vikings vs. Arizona Wildcats NCAA Tournament odds were tight to be certain.
Without a doubt, Cleveland State proved to be the biggest bracket buster, though many experts suggested the team was one to watch in the 2009 NCAA tournament.
The number 12-seeded Arizona Wildcats were a -3 favorite in this matchup Sunday at betED.com. The number 13-seeded Vikings are the lowest seeded team to make it this far. But no matter which team wins, there will be at least a number 12 seed in the Sweet 16.
The No. 12-seeded Wildcats (20-13), derided as an undeserving at-large entry, defied critics by beating Utah 84-71 in the first round.
"They're playing for something," Cleveland State coach Gary Waters said Saturday. "People are saying they don't belong, and I think they're trying to show the world they belong."
Waters could say the same about his Vikings (26-10). Their only other NCAA tournament appearance was in 1986, when they upset Bob Knight and Indiana to become the first 14th-seeded team to advance.
The win over Wake Forest was another stunner, and a further sign of the Vikings' revival. Two years ago they were 10-21, and they made this year's tournament only by winning four games in eight days for their first Horizon League Championship. A three-point victory over Butler in the title game clinched the berth.
"They're a very underrated team," Arizona interim coach Russ Pennell said. "You've got to be careful in this tournament not to read what's on the front of a jersey, because everyone in this tournament is good."
Both Arizona and Cleveland State would pay out well over $20,000 for every $100 bet if they were to somehow win the 2009 NCAA Championship.
Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
