Furman Upsets UVA, Gamecocks Women Advance

Those looking to bet on this year's NCAA College Basketball Tournaments from South Carolina, you can do so courtesy of  our friends at BetUS (now celebrating their 29th year in business). 

Gamecocks Favorite to Win Women's Championship

The South Carolina Gamecocks will be getting some decent betting action on the women's side.  They are favorites to win the 2023 Champioinship at -180 odds.

The Gamecocks easily advance to the next round after defeating Norfolk State University 72-40.

During the first few minutes, the Gamecocks extended their lead to 32 points, with a 58-26 lead at the 8:09 point of the period.

The Gamecocks remain undefeated this season and take on the South Florida Bulls (27-6) Sunday at 1:00 PM ET (on March 19).

Furman Stuns UVA

For the first time since 1974, the Furman Paladins have advanced beyond the first round of the NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament.  This is only their seventh appearance and their first since 1980.

JP Pegues' 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds left lifted 13th-seeded Furman to a 68-67 past favored No. 4 seed Virginia.

Jalen Slawson had 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Marcus Foster added 14 points. Pegues and Mike Bothwell finished with 11 points apiece for Furman, which won for the 15th time in its past 16 games.

Furman is set to take on SDSU Saturday afternoon as a +5.5 dog.

Hot Betting Trends - Charleston vs. SDSU

• Paladins are 10-1 Against The Spread in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Paladins are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
• Aztecs are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Aztecs are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Aztecs are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win.

Charleson Also Representing the Men

Charleston's team would have paid out 500-1 odds with a championship win.

The Cougars had limited experience in the NCAA Tournament, only making it in six times.  This was their second appearance since 2018.  Their prior success came during the period 1994 through 1999 with four appearances.

They were knocked out in the first round by San Diego State.  The final score: 63-57.

South Carolina Gamecocks Women March Madness History

The Gamecocks came into their own back in 2012.  They've made appearances every year since and won it all last year.

NCAA tournament champions
2017, 2022
NCAA tournament Final Four
2015, 2017, 2021, 2022
NCAA tournament Elite Eight
2002, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022
NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen
1982, 1990, 2002, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
NCAA tournament second round
1982, 1988, 1990, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
NCAA tournament appearances
1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

BetUS vs. In-State SC Apps

BetUS offers some great options that are comparible, if not better, to those of the state-regulated apps.  "Regulated" should be placed in quotes as there have been countless documented issues with these apps in recent months - everything from crashing to account compromises - that have not been adequately addressed.

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com