Q: What is an over/under or total in college basketball?

A total in college basketball betting is a wager on the combined number of points scored by both teams in a given game. You’re not trying to guess the number exactly, but are instead betting on whether the total points will be over or under a certain amount. A team like Virginia has had low totals -- often around 120 -- because of its stifling defense and slow pace. Let’s say the Cavaliers are playing Louisville, with the total set at 122. If UVA wins 70-55 (125 total points), the game will go “over”, and anyone who bet the over wins their bet. If UVA wins 60-50 (110 total points), the game goes “under.”

Question 1

How do I read CBB point spreads?

Accepted Answer

A basketball point spread is a bet on the margin of victory. The spread is set based on the difference in ability between the two teams, plus other factors like home-court advantage, injuries and rest.

Let’s say Duke is an 8.5-point favorite over North Carolina. The Blue Devils will be listed at -8.5, because that minus sign indicates they’re the favorite. To win the bet, Duke needs to win the game by 9 points or more. For North Carolina to win the bet, the Tar Heels need to lose by 1-8 points, or win the game.

The point spread is the great equalizer because it makes it possible to bet on even the worst teams.

Question 2

What is an over/under or total in college basketball?

Accepted Answer

A total in college basketball betting is a wager on the combined number of points scored by both teams in a given game. You’re not trying to guess the number exactly, but are instead betting on whether the total points will be over or under a certain amount.

A team like Virginia has had low totals -- often around 120 -- because of its stifling defense and slow pace.

Let’s say the Cavaliers are playing Louisville, with the total set at 122. If UVA wins 70-55 (125 total points), the game will go “over”, and anyone who bet the over wins their bet. If UVA wins 60-50 (110 total points), the game goes “under.”

Question 3

How do Moneylines work for basketball?

Accepted Answer

A moneyline bet in college basketball is a wager on the winner of the game, adjusted for each team’s strength.

Duke might be a -350 favorite against North Carolina in that same game where the Blue Devils are favored by 8.5 points. The minus sign indicates Duke is favored. North Carolina would be around +275. The plus sign indicates UNC is the underdog.

American moneylines odds are based entirely around winning $100 -- so a $350 bet on Duke would net $100 (plus the original bet back). A $100 bet on UNC would yield $275 (plus your original bet back).

Moneylines are much less popular than point spreads in a sport like college basketball.

Question 4

Where Can I Bet on College Basketball?

Accepted Answer

There are tons of sportsbooks offering college basketball betting if you’re in a legal state.

PointsBet
DraftKings
FanDuel
Parx
Sugar House
bet365

Some books have fairly compelling welcome offers, like the BetMGM Bonus. Every legal United States sportsbook offers spreads, totals and moneylines on college basketball games, but online sports betting isn’t legal in every state yet. Check out the status of legal betting in your state.

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