It may not seem like it college basketball betting lines enthusiasts, but March is right around the corner – and you know what that means.March Madness baby! If you’re a college hardwood betting enthusiast that is already looking to formulate a plan for your 2016 NCAA basketball tournament wagering, then you’re going to love the five tips for handicapping the March Madness Tournament that you’re about to get. Now, let’s get started.

Five Tips For Handicapping 2017 NCAA March Madness Tournament

Head over Heart!

One of the very first things I tell all betting enthusiasts is to use what I like to call the ‘head over heart’ method. Betting buffs in all sports genres should never, ever bet on one of their favorite teams. By doing so, you’ll manage to stay clear of using your ‘heart,’ thereby effectively placing all of the focus goes on the game’s ATS outcome. While we all have favorite teams, I’ve seen thousands of bettors get in trouble because they’re ‘hoping’ their team can cover the spread more so than making an educated, unemotional wager.

Streaking or Struggling?

The first thing any college basketball betting enthusiast should do is look at the recent ATS trends of both teams in any game they may potentially wager on. Simply put, knowing whether or not a team is either streaking – or struggling – will give you the best insight into which team likely stands the best chance of cashing in for that particular matchup. For example, let’s say that Villanova has gone 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games and they’re facing a St. Joe’s team that has gone a polar-opposite 2-8 ATS in its L/10. While several other factors could decide the ATS outcome of this hypothetical pairing, you had better believe that Villanova stands a better chance of cashing in than their in-city rivals.

ATS History

Check out each team’s ATS history thoroughly. I’m not just talking about their recent trends, but a lengthier look at their ATS history. Collegiate hardwood gamblers should look at both teams’ home and away ATS trends depending on where they’re paying while also looking at the history of the head-to-head matchup as well. Is this a neutral site game? If so, then how did both teams fare in their respective neutral site games? NCAA basketball bettors can also look at the game’s ATS line and then at similar lines for each team and how they fared.

Who’s got the Edge in Talent, Maturity and Coaching?

More often than not, the team with more talent is the one that will win – and likely cover. Does one team have a clear-cut edge in talent? Is the point spread far too high for the ‘better’ team to cover or is it reasonable? Not only should college hoops bettors look at the talent base of each team, but also at the overall maturity of each teams’ players and their collective mindset coming into the contest you plan on wagering on.

Find Value-Packed Matchups

The first thing any bettors should know is that sports oddsmakers are not in business to lose money and are very good at what they do – setting lines that more often than not, bring them a winning return no matter which team the majority of the public backs. Having said that, clearly some games offer much more value than others, while some, are absolute giveaways if you ask me. Finding these matchups is where all the work comes in, but make no mistake, each and every night, there are generally one or two cakewalk ATS outcomes waiting for NCAA college basketball bettors everywhere.