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College Basketball First Half Betting Strategy Guide

College Basketballintermediate 8 min read

Key Takeaways

  • First half betting can be a great way to find value.
  • Look for slow-starting teams and teams that come out strong.
  • Consider the under in the first half.
  • Pay attention to coaching tendencies.

College Basketball First Half Betting Strategy Guide

Introduction to First Half Betting

First half betting is a type of bet where you wager on the outcome of the first half of a college basketball game. You can bet on the point spread, moneyline, or total for the first half. First half betting can be a great way to find value, as the lines are often softer than the full game lines.

Advantages of First Half Betting

  • Softer Lines: The betting public tends to focus on the full game, which means that the first half lines are often softer. This can create opportunities for savvy bettors to find value.
  • Less Variance: The first half of a game is less likely to be affected by garbage time or other late-game shenanigans. This can make the first half a more predictable betting market.
  • More Opportunities: There are two halves in every game, which means that you have twice as many opportunities to bet.

Strategies for First Half Betting

1. Look for Slow-Starting Teams

Some teams are known for getting off to slow starts. These teams can be a good bet to be trailing at halftime. You can often find value in betting against these teams in the first half.

2. Bet on Teams That Come Out Strong

On the other hand, some teams are known for coming out of the gates strong. These teams can be a good bet to be leading at halftime. You can often find value in betting on these teams in the first half.

3. Consider the Under in the First Half

Teams often come out with a lot of energy and emotion in the first half, which can lead to some sloppy play and missed shots. This can make the under a good bet in the first half.

4. Pay Attention to Coaching Tendencies

Some coaches are known for making adjustments at halftime. If you know that a coach is good at making halftime adjustments, you may be able to find value in betting on his team in the second half.

Conclusion

First half betting can be a profitable way to wager on college basketball. By looking for slow-starting teams, betting on teams that come out strong, and considering the under in the first half, you can increase your chances of success.

Put This Strategy to Work

The MIT Triple Stack uses Expected Value scanning, Kelly Criterion sizing, and Monte Carlo simulations to find your edge.

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