College basketball is fun, but betting on college basketball is even better. However, you need to be good at analyzing games to win consistently. It’s easy to just pick a side: toss a coin. It is much more difficult, thanks to the abundant amount of information that exists, to accurately forecast the game.
The Internet has been a blessing and a curse. It has been a blessing, because now we have access to all kinds of data that help us improve the handicap of the games. Does anyone remember the old days when their source of information was the local newspaper’s lousy rating? However, it has been a curse, because there is so much information that drowns most of the sports disabled.
It’s really important to know what stats and other pieces of information matter. Being able to pinpoint information and accurately forecast a college basketball game on a consistent basis is a process you can adjust over time. The number of colleges in the United States is another factor that can hurt a college sports bettor. Sure, it’s great, because of all the opportunities. It’s also bad, because you have to be very focused to win consistently.
At the college level, a key element to consider in your decision to make a selection is motivation. Sure, all teams are motivated to win. However, some teams have other motivating factors. These players are playing for pride, reputation and maybe a future paycheck in the NBA. Here is a quick list of motivational elements to consider.
I. Does the team have a deep rivalry, not only in basketball, but also on campus? An example would be USC vs. UCLA.
II. Has either team been dramatically upset or dishonored by the other team recently? If so, are many of the same players still on the teams? An example would be two teams that played last season and one of the teams crushed the other team, especially at home.
third Is it one of the teams that is fighting for a possible candidacy for the NCAA tournament?
IV. Has the program/school experienced a recent embarrassing or traumatic event? For example, a player being arrested, killed, or a program suspended by the NCAA can be negative motivators.
There are four motivational elements to consider when selecting a college basketball team. Too often, sports bettors place their bets based on the surface appearance of the teams. Motivation, negative or positive, comes and goes. He can drive teams up and down.