Every season, a handful of March Madness Cinderella teams upset the odds. These teams exceed expectations and overperform in the NCAA basketball tournament, making brave bettors very happy.
If you want to learn how to identify March Madness Cinderella teams, we’ve got you covered. The following tips could help you make a tasty profit when it comes to wagering on March Madness.
Pay Attention to the Entire Season
Many bettors only look at recent results and trends when attempting to identify March Madness Cinderella teams. However, if you want to gain an edge, we recommend looking at the entire season.
A lot of Cinderella teams show promising signs right at the very beginning of the season, upsetting the odds against high-profile opponents. This is when you can spot potential sleepers and take advantage of the best value.
Look for Standout Players in March Madness Cinderella Teams
Of course, basketball is not a one-man sport, but having the best player on the court can sometimes be enough. That’s why we recommend looking for teams with standout players and potential game-breakers.
Famous players such as Stephen Curry and Courtney Lee were part of March Madness Cinderella teams like Davidson and Western Kentucky. If you can identify these kinds of players, you will set yourself up for success.
Analyze the Key Stats and Metrics
There are plenty of helpful stats and metrics that bettors can utilize when it comes to identifying March Madness Cinderella teams. For example, 3-point shooting, rebounding and defense stats can be very useful.
Underdog teams that throw a lot of threes are often able keep pace with stronger opponents, while teams that pick up a high percentage of rebounds also tend to perform well during March Madness.
Consider Team Styles and Matchups
A team’s playing style can have a huge impact on the outcome of a specific matchup. Certain teams perform better against a particular style, while others struggle against a specific type of opponent.
For example, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles utilized a run-and-gun approach to overcome the Georgetown Hoyas’ methodical offense in 2013. This is just one example of an underdog using its strength to defeat a favorite.
Look at Previous March Madness Cinderella Teams
Last but not least, we suggest looking at past March Madness Cinderella teams before parting ways with your money. After all, Cinderella teams often have recognizable traits that can be transferred season after season.
Ultimately, determining what made previous March Madness Cinderella teams successful will stand you in good stead for the future. Finding winning traits in potential sleepers will only enhance your chances of making a profit.