Xavier +5.5 @ Alabama

[Nigel Tufnel]

7:00 PM Xavier +5.5 46 63.89% Alabama -5.5 26 36.11%

Yuck. As someone who dabbles occasionally in sports gaming.....I do not like this line or the betting that's going on here. I thought the line would be lower. Maybe around X +2.5 or even +3.5. I think that would probably merit 50/50 action. But as I've said in the past, Vegas is playing the game. And they certainly aren't on the side of X tomorrow night. Five and a half points just looks too high to average Joe Public. People who gamble on sports know Xavier. The fact that only 36% of the bets are coming in on a home favorite....that's scary. If that line goes up from 5.5, then I'll really be worried.

For some, it may seem dumb to get worried about a game based on lines and betting percentages....but it is a pretty good indicator. Even though I think Vegas was on Cincy in the Shootout...that line came down over a point before tipoff. The big boys either played it really late...or they bought back their bets. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.....and I'm guessing a lot of people who will be betting tomorrow will think that line is too big and will bet X. Wouldn't be surprised if that 64% doesn't go up....and if the line stays the same or goes higher....yuck.

[waggy]

They weren't on the side of X for the shootout either, correct?

X and 5.5 points? I'd take X all the way, and break off in vegas' ass.

[GIMMFD]

Alabama have played some good teams pretty close, to Duke by 10, and Wichita State by 5, but have lost to some questionable teams like Drexel, and USF, it honestly depends which Bama' team shows up, and if Releford goes off or not...

[GoMuskies]

Alabama sort of stinks. In fairness, though, Xavier has sucked for most of four of the last five games. So I can see the 5.5.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

i am pretty happy with the momentum this team has going, so its probably not only going to be 5 points if we see the same team we did at the shootout.

[bobbiemcgee]

Alabama sort of stinks. In fairness, though, Xavier has sucked for most of four of the last five games. So I can see the 5.5.
They gave the #9 Shockers all they could handle. Wichita State shot 25-27 from the line to win late.

[Nigel Tufnel]

i am pretty happy with the momentum this team has going, so its probably not only going to be 5 points if we see the same team we did at the shootout.

You lost me on this one. At any rate, the % of bets has gone down to 60/40 in favor of X....but line has gone from 5.5 to 5. That's a promising sign and one that was very similar to the line movement in the UC game.

[casualfan]

Vegas is banking on us not shooting 68% from 3 in this game.

[chico]

Down to 4.5 now.