2025 College Basketball betting report: Madness begins with conference tournaments. The NCAA Tournament serves up an abundance of basketball action, particularly during its exhilarating opening days, earning the title of March Madness.
However, if one looks closely, the real excitement often lies within the conference tournaments taking place this week.
This period can also be quite profitable for those who can predict an underdog’s success.
College basketball expert Andy Molitor has identified a few teams to watch, particularly in the Big Ten and Big East Tournaments, where he is placing bets on championship futures.
Scarlet Letter
Michigan State stands as the favorite in the Big Ten Tournament, having secured the regular-season title. With odds around +260, a $100 bet could yield a $260 profit, totaling $360 if Tom Izzo’s team clinches the championship.
Last season, N.C. State faced a dismal finish, losing its last four regular-season games to end with a 17-14 record. Yet, they shocked everyone by advancing through the ACC Tournament, defeating powerhouses Duke and North Carolina as double-digit underdogs.
N.C. State’s journey didn’t stop there; they ultimately reached the Final Four before succumbing to Purdue.
Should the Scarlet Knights pull off a surprise run in the Big Ten, a $100 wager could transform into a staggering $20,000.
Star Power
Rutgers, however, holds a 200/1 odds in the Big Ten Tournament for a reason. Entering the postseason with a disappointing 15-16 record, they sit as the No. 11 seed among 15 teams.
“The defense, especially in the paint, has struggled significantly after losing Clifford Omoruyi to Alabama,” Molitor explained, referring to the center who transferred after last season. “Yet, this team boasts two potential top-five draft picks.”
Those standout players are freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, with Harper averaging 19.3 points per game and Bailey contributing 18.2 points.
“We’ve seen star players rise to the occasion and elevate their teams during critical moments,” Molitor noted. “While I won’t comment on the motivation of other teams in the Big Ten, Bailey and Harper certainly have the potential to guide Rutgers on a run as a lower seed.
“Additionally, being in a bracket section with a struggling Michigan team is advantageous.”
Despite being the No. 3 seed, the Wolverines have faltered recently, losing their last three games and four out of six.
Fear The Musketeers
In the Big East, St. John’s has captured headlines this season. Under Rick Pitino, the team has surged, going 16-1 in their last 17 games.
With a 27-4 overall record, the Red Storm are firmly in the national championship discussion and are favored in Big East Tournament futures, currently hovering around +150.
While Molitor is not reaching as far as he did with Rutgers, he is looking beyond the top four teams and placing his bets on the fifth choice, Xavier, to win the Big East.
“St. John’s resurgence has been exciting. It adds a positive dynamic to college basketball,” he stated. “However, this league has several strong contenders, with at least six teams capable of clinching the tournament title this week.”
Crowded House
In the Big East Tournament futures at DraftKings Sportsbook, five teams are listed with odds of +850 or shorter:
- St. John’s +155
- Creighton +370
- UConn +400
- Marquette +550
- Xavier +850
The sixth team Molitor referenced is Villanova, listed at +1500. Although the path may be challenging, he believes Xavier presents a valuable opportunity.
“While the journey to the finals involves facing the Red Storm, Xavier is the most balanced team among the top contenders and is entering the tournament on a hot streak. They’ve won seven consecutive games, including a commanding victory over second-seeded Creighton.”
On March 1, the Musketeers, who were modest two-point favorites, decisively defeated the Bluejays 83-61.
“They are likely secure on the NCAA Tournament bubble, but a strong performance this week could enhance their standing.”
If Xavier clinches the title, a $100 bet at +850 would yield an $850 profit. This could provide a solid financial boost for the NCAA Tournament, following this week’s thrilling Madness.
