First Four Betting Odds - 2018

The First Four betting odds appear below for NC Central vs. Texas Southern and Syracuse vs. Arizona State.  Both games are available for LIVE IN-PLAY WAGERING.  Scroll Down

Because Texas Southern enters this First Four game with a 15-19 record against a capable NC Central team, we believe the -5.5 line to be too high and anticipate North Carolina Central can at least cover the spread here.  The Power Ratings only indicate a line of no more than -3.5 rounded upwards.

Syracuse, meanwhile, has covered the spread in six of their last ten games, compared to three covers by the Sun Devils over that span. 

This season, Syracuse ranks 11th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Overall, Syracuse has a 2-point defensive field-goal percentage of 44.8. No Pac-12 team posted a mark better than 46.6.  Their field goal shooting, however, ranks 321st out of 351 Div. I teams and they can't shoot 3's if their lives depended on it.

Arizona State has been giving up too many open looks defensively but have three dangerous starters.  Syracuse's defense should be enough to contain the Sun Devils, otherwise the Orange are toast.

These teams have a nearly identical power rating number so the Orange do have the edge here at +1.5.

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com