Sharp, public bettors on same side before Monday’s NCAA title game

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness, is an annual collegiate basketball competition organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The tournament involves 68 teams from various conferences across the United States, culminating in a single-elimination championship game. In recent years, the University of Connecticut Huskies have emerged as a favorite among sports bettors during the tournament.

Connecticut's success in the NCAA Tournament over the past two years has made them a lucrative betting option for those placing wagers. According to sports betting data from various sources, including Covers.com and Sports Insights, Connecticut attracted significant betting action during both the 2020 and 2021 tournaments.

In 2020, Connecticut entered the tournament as the number 7 seed in the East Region. Despite their relatively low seeding, they managed to make it all the way to the championship game, where they faced the top-seeded Baylor Bears. Connecticut's impressive run through the tournament captured the attention of sports bettors, with many placing their wagers on the Huskies to win it all.

According to Covers.com, Connecticut received 53% of the total bets placed on the moneyline market during the 2020 tournament. This heavy betting action translated into substantial financial gains for those who backed Connecticut, as they defied their underdog status and secured a victory against Baylor, paying out at +135 odds for those who had wagered on them to win the championship.

The following year, in 2021, Connecticut once again found themselves as a popular betting choice among sports bettors. As the number 2 seed in the East Region, they made it to the Elite Eight before being eliminated by eventual champions Baylor. Despite their early exit from the tournament, Connecticut still managed to attract 45% of the total bets placed on the moneyline market during the 2021 tournament, according to Sports Insights data.

The reasons behind Connecticut's popularity among sports bettors can be attributed to their consistent success during the regular season and their impressive performances in the tournament. Connecticut's roster boasts talented players such as James Bouknight, Jalen Adams, and Tyler Polley, who have led the team to multiple conference championships and deep tournament runs.

Additionally, Connecticut's coaching staff, led by Dan Hurley, have proven their ability to lead the team through adversity and pressure situations. Their experience and success during the regular season instilled confidence among sports bettors that they could continue their winning ways during the tournament.

In conclusion, Connecticut's status as a cash machine for bettors during the past two NCAA tournaments is a testament to their consistent success and their ability to attract betting action from sports enthusiasts. Despite their underdog status in both 2020 and 2021, Connecticut's impressive performances on the court have made them a popular betting choice among those looking to place wagers on March Madness.