It is that time of the year where Cinderella stories match up against national powerhouses, clutch shots become most memorable, and one team stands alone to sign their name in the record books. It’s called March Madness, and not only is it the greatest tournament sports, it’s also one of the most exciting times on the sports betting calendar. What team is going on a winning streak? Who is going to be upset? What player will have his defining moment? All of these questions and more will be answered over the course of the next three weeks. During these three weeks betting perspectives differ across the board, should I parlay heavy favorites, should I only bet totals, or should I take a chance on that 16 seed and win big. All betting strategies have potential but there are a few things to take into consideration.

First, first round seed trends, who gets upset the most? Since the inception of the 64-team tournament in 1985, each seed-pairing has played a total of 96 first-round games.

1. The #1 seed has beaten the #16 seed all 96 times (100%). 2. The #2 seed has beaten the #15 seed 92 times (96%). 3. The #3 seed has beaten the #14 seed 81 times (84%). 4. The #4 seed has beaten the #13 seed 79 times (82%). 5. The #5 seed has beaten the #12 seed 65 times (67%). 6. The #6 seed has beaten the #11 seed 66 times (69%). 7. The #7 seed has beaten the #10 seed 60 times (62%). 8. The #8 seed has beaten the #9 seed 44 times (46%).

Second, only 6 teams going into the tournament ranked #1 have won national titles, with the latest being Florida in 2007. Also, only 6 times have two #1 seeded teams faced off in the title game.

Third, look out for teams with solid guard play and great defense. Consistantly year after year guard play in NCAAB dictates outcomes in the tournament. For example the last four national championship teams have had superior guard play: 07-08 Kansas- Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush, Sherron Collins.05-06 & 06-07 Flordia- Taurean Green, Lee Humpries, Cory Brewer Horford and Noah were pretty good too? 04-05 North Carolina- Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants.

These teams have also had above average heavyweights, but take an underatted UW-Milwaukee team a few years back, they shocked everyone making to the elite 8, but they had solid guard play. Last years shocker Davidson, solid guard play. Defense is the other large decider and it is shown with total bets. Over the last few years the under has been more occuring in first round play. March Madness means business and if you can’t slide your feet you will get beat.

Good luck with all your bets, and check out my daily and full coverage college hoops packages, you won’t be dissapointed!

Alexander