Written by :
Published on :
The Arizona vs. Louisville Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament odds had the number 12-seeded Wildcats listed as big +9 underdogs heading into Friday's play at BetUS.com
"The lowest seed still alive in the Big Dance is No. 12 seed Arizona in the Midwest," BetUS.com reports. "In fact, the Wildcats are the only remaining seed lower than a No. 5. The Wildcats' journey through the tournament so far has included an 84-71 upset win over No. 5 Utah as a 1.5-point underdog and a 71-57 win over giant killers Cleveland State as a 3-point favorite. To advance even further into the tourney the Wildcats will need to knock off overall No. 1 seed Louisville in the Sweet 16."
Can they do it?
The betting action on this game was remarkably even and more than 60 percent of the money line action (a $100 bet pays $350) was going Arizona's way to win outright according to Gambling911.com data.
Arizona has beaten two teams definitively thus far while Louisville nearly lost to Sienna on Sunday.
The Wildcats relish their new role as long shots. The NCAA tournament perennials took an early 14-point lead Sunday and advanced to the Midwest Regional semifinals by beating upstart Cleveland State 71-57.
"Making it to the Sweet 16 feels great," Budinger said. "We're showing that we're a lot better than what people thought of us."
Arizona is returning to the Sweet 16 after a three year absence.
Louisville got a scare from ninth-seeded Siena, but held on to advance to the Sweet 16 for the third time in the last five years. Louisville had 17 turnovers, while Siena committed just nine. Terrence Williams had 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Earl Clark added 12 points and 12 boards for the Cardinals. Siena (27-8) overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half and led by four before Williams took over, hitting 3s, getting rebounds and starting fast breaks with one-handed passes.
Sports bettors may want to jump all over Arizona in the first half where the line was +4 ½. The Wildcats are 10-0 during the first half of all March games over the last two seasons. Bet this one at BetUS.com The money line pays $200 for every $100 bet should Arizona win the first half outright.
Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
