This past weekend was the annual prelude to the March Madness betting tournament, as schools across the nation took part in the bracket buster tournament. As the name suggests, bracket buster games determine the at large bids for the tournament and which teams will be on the outside wondering what went wrong. Selection Sunday is less than three weeks away, and already sports betting handicappers and experts alike are wondering who will be named the 37 at large bid teams. Today we’ll look at a couple bracket buster games that made the potential selectees clearer. 16. Murray State v 21. Saint Mary’s – On Saturday, two mid-major schools that have taken the NCAAB by storm collided, when Murray State faced off with Saint Mary’s. For all intents and purposes, the Murray State Racers were a heavy favorite, and with good reasoning, as they have gone undefeated for the bulk of the season. When Murray State cruised to the 65 – 51 victory on Saturday, it came as no surprise that they deserved entry into the March Madness tournament. To date, Saint Mary’s was Murray State’s toughest opponent, yet the Racers were able to nullify any onslaught, as they shot 58 percent from the field. Bookie software star Isaiah Canaan had 23 points and four assists to lead all scorers. Nevertheless, because of the Racers easy schedule this season, look for them to be placed as a 12th seed by the computers. Creighton Blue Jays v Long Beach State 49ers – For two teams that were unranked as of Saturday, this game had all the makings of a classic, and by all accounts the two squads lived up to those expectations. The Blue Jays came away with a thrilling 81 – 79 win, as star Doug McDermott put together a career performance, scoring 36 points and 11 rebounds to lead all scorers. On the other side of the NBA court, the 49ers were lead by duo Casper Ware and TJ Robinson who combined for 41 points in the loss. On paper, the Blue Jays needed and got the win, as they snapped a three game losing streak, and Long Beach’s winning streak. For all intents and purposes, it is amazing how this narrow defeat may come back and haunt the 49ers as they attempt to get into the March Madness tournament. Regardless of that win streak we just made reference too, Long Beach finds themselves in a position comparable to Murray State. In other words, because both have winning streaks against weaker opponents, and one or two wins against tougher opponents, the NCAA March Madness committee may hold it against them. With that in mind, both teams need to win out before selection weekend in three weeks, to figure out which team deserves to be placed in the tournament, and which should be watching from home.
