Pittsburgh takes on Oral Roberts in the NCAA tournament Thursday and Dave Price says the Panthers will cover the spread. Oddmakers from online sportsbook Bodog opened the line at Pittsburgh -10, but the line has since dropped to Pittsburgh –8.5.
Price writes: I like the Pitt Panthers to keep right on rolling in round one of the Big Dance, riding the momentum they created by winning the Big East title. Pitt comes in having won 5 straight games SU and 4 of its last 5 ATS. Oral Roberts has been relying on its defense this season after losing last season’s top two scorers. Oral is going to have to be able to score against Pitt to keep this one close and I just don’t see enough fire power on the roster. Pitt was a Sweet 16 team a season ago and is playing its best ball of the year right now. Bet Pitt as the Panthers advance to round two with ease.
Public betting information currently shows that of the 31,656 wagers placed on tonight’s game, 69% of bettors favor Pittsburgh –8.5. Accuscore agrees with the public and has made Pittsburgh an 81% favorite over Oral Roberts.
Oral Roberts’ top three scorers are Robert Jarvis (12.4 points per game, 1.6 assists, 2.2 rebounds), Moses Ehambe (10.0 points per game, 1.4 assists, 2.2 rebounds) and Adam Liberty (8.2 points per game, 3.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds). Pittsburgh’s top three scorers are Sam Young (16.9 points per game, 1.5 assists, 7.6 rebounds), Keith Benjamin (12.5 points per game, 3.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds) and Levance Fields (10.8 points per game, 5.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds).
Some trends to consider:
– Oral Roberts is 0-6 ATS after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8
– Oral Roberts is 2-8 ATS off SU win
– Pittsburgh is 19-9 Over as DD Favorite
– Pittsburgh is 19-8 ATS after giving up 5 or less offensive rebounds
Odds Provided by Bodog – Bet NCAAB Basketball Games at Bodog
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