Jimmy Boyd in 
We are closing in on the end of the 2018-19 college basketball regular season. I wanted to share with you three profitable systems for handicapping conference tournament games that might help you win more with your NCAA basketball betting.
March Madness is a great time of year for NCAA basketball fans. If you are a situational handicapper it can be a great time to make money with your bets too.
Conference Tournament Betting Tips: 3 Systems Using Rest vs No Rest
There is a big difference between handicapping regular season games and the postseason tournaments. Your average bettors doesn’t typically adjust and that means opportunity for us.
During the season teams have multiple days of rest to prepare for their next opponent. They can watch film and get ready.
But, most league tournaments span just a few days. There isn’t nearly as much time to prepare. Just as importantly, no time to recover from a grueling game the day before.
There are several tournaments that allow some teams to receive byes. These are necessary for the bracket to work out. Plus, they give a benefit for teams who did well during league play.
That’s exactly where our focus lies in this article. It provides us with an excellent chance to take advantage of weak NCAA basketball spreads.
A lot of people think having a bye hurts a teams chances of covering, but I’m confident you won’t be one of them.
Big Favorites
System Qualifiers
- Favorites of -6.5 or more off a bye
- Opponent covered last game
- Opponent playing on back-to-back days
| Type | Record | Win % |
|---|---|---|
| SU | 305-44 | 87.4% |
| ATS | 186-153-10 | 54.9% |
| O/U | 152-190-3 | 44.4% |
These numbers are staggering. Favorites in this situation rarely ever lose on the money line and cover the spread at a 54.9% clip. That’s more than strong enough to bet blindly and expect a solid return.
A lot of times with systems you can get too caught up in the ATS results and overlook an edge with the total. Don’t miss out here because it’s not just the favorites that are profitable. The UNDER has cashed at an even stronger 56.6% rate.
Small Favorites & Underdogs
System Qualifiers
- Underdogs or Favorites of -3 or less off a bye
- Opponent Covered Last Game
- Opponent Playing on back-to-back days
| Type | Record | Win % |
|---|---|---|
| SU | 81-44 | 64.8% |
| ATS | 77-45-3 | 63.1% |
| O/U | 61-61-2 | 50.0% |
It’s not just the big favorites that need your attention during league tournaments.
Underdogs or favorites of 3-points or less have gone 77-45-3 (63.1%) ATS in this spot.
Nothing at all here with the total, as it’s been a 50/50 split over the years.
Teams Meeting For 3rd Time
System Qualifiers
- Team off a bye
- Opponent Covered Last Game
- Opponent Playing on back-to-back days
- 3rd meeting this season
| Type | Record | Win % |
|---|---|---|
| SU | 287-78 | 78.6% |
| ATS | 195-160-10 | 54.9% |
| O/U | 156-201-4 | 43.7% |
The focus for this system is for when you have two teams who played each other twice during the regular season.
The team who is coming off bye has covered the spread a respectable 54.9% of the time.
It should also come as no surprise that the UNDER is a strong play. Teams familiar with one another after playing each other twice during the regular season. This normally means coaches can develop game plans to stop the opposing offense.
Over the years the UNDER is hitting at 56.3% clip.
Conference tournament time is great for television and excitement. I hope with this article we have shown why it can also be profitable for your bankroll.
More College Basketball Handicapping Tips for March Madness
- Bouncing Back After Losing to a Good Team
- Opening Round First Half Totals
- Home Undefeated Favorites In February
