Here’s hoping those beers at the pub won’t be the only green in your future, as this week marks the official beginning of the NCAA Tournament. Couple that with the Vegas NASCAR race that just happened and the NHL and NBA seasons entering the home stretch, and you’ve got STN Sports Books more popping than the buttery kernels at Regal Red Rock.
“When it comes to tournament time, it’s just one of the best atmospheres you could ever find in our sports books,” said Chuck Esposito, Station Casinos Race and Sports Book Director. “The crowds, the noise, the enthusiasm, they’re all contagious throughout the casino, and it’s a win-win for us, too. What we’ll do on the tournament as a whole will rival what we do on Super Bowl Sunday, but of course, that’s over the course of 10 days.”
There will be a bracket buster this year because there always is, but who’s it gonna be? Who will wear Cinderella’s slipper this year? Unsung squads like Yale, UC San Diego, Liberty and VCU all play a different style of game, and as they say, styles make fights.
Said Esposito, “The tournament has been really, really chalky over the last seven or eight years, and a lot of people that follow it think it’s going to be chalky again this year. I think one or two of the No. 1’s get upset, but that’s just me, and that’s what makes the tournament so great.”
With all that in mind, let’s quickly review the past week in sports and peek at what’s ahead on the STN Sports app and the STN Sports Books…
South Region
As the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, Auburn is being more celebrated than a Beyonce concert announcement at Allegiant, but there are some tough, tough teams who could stonewall the Tigers’ path in the South region. As there will be with the four regions, teams might not win, but they’ll have some point spread value (here’s looking at you, Louisville.)
Auburn, for all intents and purposes, is limping into the tournament a bit. They haven’t played great down the stretch, having lost three of their last four. Plus, there are some legitimately strong teams in the South: Michigan State, Iowa State, Texas and Michigan.
“Louisville, to me, is a forgotten team. They should have been more like a four or five-seed, not an eight-seed. It’s almost like the committee forgot about them,” Esposito said. “If there’s one team in the South that has a serious chip on their shoulder, I would say it’s Louisville.” Yale, who comes in as a touchdown underdog, is also a team in that region that could give anyone fits with its style of play. Esposito’s Final Four Prediction: No. 5 seed Michigan.
East Region
Of all the No. 1 seeds, Duke arguably has the best (read: easiest) draw, as the East region isn’t nearly as loaded as Kevin Kruger’s moving van.
“Duke has a few injuries, but I think the region really favors them to go deep,” Esposito said. “When you look at Alabama, who’s the No. 2 seed, they can score with anybody in the country, but there are definitely some holes on the defensive side.” Despite Duke’s favorable path, BYU, a team loaded with experienced juniors and seniors, is a team to watch out for. Esposito calls BYU “a very scary team,” as they had 17 wins by double digits.
Thus far, sharp bettors are loving underdogs in the East, too, as Akron and Liberty have both received an influx of money. Esposito’s Final Four Prediction: No. 6 seed BYU.
West Region
The Florida Gators are undoubtedly one of the most popular picks to cut down the nets after all is said and done, and for good reason: They’re awesome at basketball. Against the Gators, teams can get lit up like the Neon Museum.
“They’re just so impressive right now. It’s hard to believe they’re the fourth overall No. 1 with the way they’ve played,” Esposito said. The Gators enter the first round against Norfolk St. as massive favorites, which might not present much value (unless you’re on Norfolk St.) In the West, STN guests are throwing tremendous financial support behind Memphis. The Tigers are actually the lower seed, but they are one-possession underdogs against the 12th-seeded Colorado St. Rams.
Said Esposito, “This is still a good region. No team is hotter than St. John’s. They become kind of the betting darlings right now, but Florida looks to be too good.” Esposito’s Final Four Prediction: No. 1 seed Florida.
Midwest Region
While the Houston Cougars may not have the name-brand recognition of the other No. 1 seeds, it would be a mistake to overlook them, as they’re the second-best defensive team in college ball. Their opponents get shut down faster than Vegas buffets. Having said that, who else could possibly claim the Midwest?
“Clemson is the only team in conference play to knock off Duke, and they played great down the stretch,” Esposito said while acknowledging that Clemson’s first-round opponent, McNeese State, is getting a lot of early action. “Illinois is kind of a sleeping giant a bit. Utah State is a sleeper team. I can see Tennessee continuing to move on to the Elite Eight.” High Point, who enters as a three-possession underdog, is getting a lot of early underdog action against Purdue, as well.
“There are so many contrasts in styles where one team will really want to get up and down the court while another plays better defense and is a good free throw shooting team, so I think styles make games,” Esposito said. “In this particular case, the committee did a good job of really putting some contrasting styles in play in the tournament.” Esposito’s Final Four Prediction: No. 1 seed Houston.
Last Chance Last Man Standing
The time is now, but time is running out. Guests can still sign up for the Men’s Last Man Standing competition for NCAA Basketball Tournament, ie. March Madness! For $25, players can purchase an entry into the winner-take-all competition in person at any Station Casinos property or Station-run sports books.
Bettors can increase their chances of winning by purchasing multiple entries. Any contestant who purchases four entries will receive a fifth entry complimentary. The last man (or woman) standing will win a guaranteed prize of $50,000. In the event of multiple winners, the pot will be split. Guests have until March 20 at 6 p.m. to enter.
Bets To Know
It’s all about March Hoops. Props, props, props: player props, team props, scoring props… you name it, we have it. Check the app daily for countless options so you can stay in the action, even if your bracket is busted.
Weekly Winners
A HUGE ties lose parlay card hit March 17th, $14.25 to collect $4,560! The legs:
-Sac. Kings -3
-76ers +16
-Suns -9
-Blazers -6
-Bulls -6
-Pacers +8
-Nuggets +4
-Knicks -7
-Pistons -8