Patrick Everson, a FOX Sports Betting Analyst, discusses the record-breaking action in the women’s March Madness odds market, particularly in the Iowa-LSU and UConn-USC games. Craig Mucklow, Caesars Sports vice president of trading, noted the high level of interest in the Iowa-LSU rematch, which saw the Hawkeyes secure a 94-87 victory over the Tigers. The game set records for the most-bet women’s college basketball game in terms of ticket count and money wagered. Mucklow anticipates that these records could be surpassed in the Final Four and championship game.
Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s college basketball betting has been significant, with the Iowa-LSU matchup showcasing her talents against LSU’s Angel Reese. The UConn-USC game also drew strong betting numbers, setting the stage for another exciting showdown between Clark and UConn’s Paige Bueckers on Friday night. The matchup between college hoops superstars is driving increased betting activity, with the Iowa-UConn game already attracting twice the money compared to the NC State-South Carolina matchup. The favorable moneyline for Iowa against UConn is making the game more appealing to bettors on both sides.
The close spread in the NC State-South Carolina game, with the Gamecocks as 11.5-point favorites, has led to a lopsided moneyline of -800 for South Carolina. In contrast, the Iowa-UConn game features a tighter spread, with Iowa as 3-point favorites and a more palatable moneyline of -160. This has resulted in more balanced action on both sides of the bet. The upcoming Iowa-UConn showdown is expected to generate significant betting interest, with the potential for record-breaking handle amounts, as well as a potential historic matchup with South Carolina in the final.
The storyline of Iowa seeking revenge against LSU for their loss in the previous season’s National Championship Game was compelling, but the Iowa-UConn matchup promises to be even more intriguing for bookmakers and bettors. UConn’s rich history, with coach Geno Auriemma’s 11 national titles, collides with Caitlin Clark’s breakout season, setting the stage for a highly anticipated game. Mucklow predicts that the Iowa-UConn game will surpass handle records, as well as a potential matchup between Iowa and undefeated South Carolina in the final. Everson, a respected sports betting analyst, provides valuable insights into the dynamics of women’s college basketball betting and the potential impact of star players like Clark on the WNBA’s future.
