With March Madness on the horizon, conference tournaments offer bettors the first real taste of high-stakes postseason college basketball. The odds are out for several mid-major conference tournaments, and we break down the favorites, sleepers, and long shots.
ASUN Conference Tournament
- Favorite: Lipscomb (4/7, -175) enters as the clear frontrunner, dominating conference play.
- Top Challenger: North Alabama (5/2, +250) has the firepower to challenge if Lipscomb stumbles.
- Sleeper Pick: Florida Gulf Coast (10/1) has enough experience to surprise in a short tournament format.
- Long Shot: Central Arkansas (250/1) has an uphill battle but would provide an astronomical payout.
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Big South Conference Tournament
- Favorite: High Point (2/5, -250) is heavily favored, expected to cruise through the tournament.
- Contenders: Radford (7/1) and Winthrop (15/2, +750) could pose threats if they get hot.
- Long Shot: South Carolina Upstate (200/1) has been inconsistent but could make noise with a Cinderella run.
Keywords: Big South, High Point, Radford, Winthrop, South Carolina Upstate, college basketball, betting odds
CAA Conference Tournament
- Tight Battle: UNC Wilmington (2/1) and Charleston (7/2, +350) lead a competitive field.
- Best Value Bet: Towson (15/4, +375) has the defense and experience to make a push.
- Long Shots to Watch: Northeastern and Delaware (both 33/1) have underperformed but could make things interesting.
Keywords: CAA, UNC Wilmington, Charleston, Towson, Delaware, Northeastern, college basketball, betting odds
Horizon League Tournament
- Three-Way Race: Robert Morris (5/2, +250), Milwaukee (11/4, +275), and Cleveland State (13/4, +325) are in a close battle.
- Best Underdog: Purdue Fort Wayne (5/1) could be a dark horse.
- Ultimate Cinderella: IUPUI (250/1) has struggled all season but could shock the field with a deep run.

Keywords: Horizon League, Robert Morris, Milwaukee, Cleveland State, Purdue Fort Wayne, IUPUI, college basketball, betting odds
OVC Conference Tournament
- Top Pick: Southeast Missouri State (8/5, +160) is the team to beat.
- Challenger: SIU Edwardsville (2/1) will look to knock off the top seed.
- Best Value Bet: Little Rock (16/5, +320) has been playing well down the stretch.
Keywords: OVC, Southeast Missouri State, SIU Edwardsville, Little Rock, college basketball, betting odds
Patriot League Tournament
- Favorite: Bucknell (11/10, +110) leads the way.
- Biggest Threat: American University (5/2, +250) has the tools to challenge.
- Long Shot: Holy Cross (150/1) would provide a massive payout for bettors seeking a miracle.
Keywords: Patriot League, Bucknell, American University, Holy Cross, college basketball, betting odds
Summit League Tournament
- Best Bet: South Dakota State (11/5, +220) and North Dakota State (12/5, +240) are in a tight race.
- Dark Horse: St. Thomas-Minnesota (11/4, +275) is a team to watch.
- Ultimate Underdog: Oral Roberts (200/1) will need a historic run.
Keywords: Summit League, South Dakota State, North Dakota State, St. Thomas-Minnesota, Oral Roberts, college basketball, betting odds
Sun Belt Conference Tournament
- Front-Runners: Arkansas State (7/4, +175) and South Alabama (5/2, +250) are the teams to beat.
- Sleeper Team: James Madison (3/1) has been strong in conference play.
- Heavy Long Shots: Louisiana, Old Dominion, Southern Miss, and UL Monroe (all 250/1) need a miracle.
Keywords: Sun Belt, Arkansas State, South Alabama, James Madison, Louisiana, college basketball, betting odds
West Coast Conference (WCC) Tournament
- Top Dog: Gonzaga (2/3, -150) remains the favorite as usual.
- Main Challenger: Saint Mary’s (11/10, +110) could give Gonzaga a fight.
- Best Long Shot: Santa Clara (14/1) has the potential to upset.
Keywords: WCC, Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s, Santa Clara, college basketball, betting odds
Final Thoughts
Conference tournaments provide excellent betting opportunities, especially for those looking to cash in on long shots or value bets. While favorites like Lipscomb, High Point, and Gonzaga appear strong, history has shown that upsets are a staple of March basketball. Keep an eye on trends, injuries, and team momentum as tournament play unfolds.
Keywords: college basketball, conference tournaments, March Madness, betting odds, sleeper picks, underdogs, favorites
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