One of the best aspects of March Madness is how it highlights mid-major schools. Whereas most of the regular season understandably focuses on the blue-bloods, the third month of the calendar year is the scrappy underdog’s time to shine.
By that same token, games between two scrappers can be impossible to predict. When two dark horse teams are giving it their all, when they have nothing to lose — that is, except a potential bid in the NCAA Tournament proper — all prognostication goes out the window.
Enter Richmond (2.5-point favorites) and Dayton in the Men’s Atlantic-10 Conference tournament semifinals.
A low consensus spread and pregame over/under of 130.5 meant the betting market saw this high stakes tilt as evenly-matched. Up until the final few minutes of the game, it was. But then Richmond pulled away. And then Richmond couldn’t stop making free throws to pad a comfortable lead and place in the Men’s A-10 Tournament Final.
Congratulations to the Spiders on a 68-61 win. Also, congratulations to bettors who, at least, salvaged that generous over/under of 130.5.
Right? Right?
Kobe Elvis, what are you do–
— SportingVids (@VidsSporting) March 12, 2022
Oh, no. 68 plus 64 is (counting fingers slowly) 132. Oh my goodness. A credit to Elvis and Dayton for playing to the final buzzer and maintaining their pride and dignity.
Otherwise, Richmond-Dayton over/under bettors: We are in your corner. We are your friends. Everything is going to be okay. Well, until the NCAA Tournament itself starts.
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