The ACC Tournament is officially underway, kicking off with three opening-round games. Notre Dame edged out Pittsburgh, Cal took down Virginia Tech, and Syracuse defeated Florida State to advance to the next stage of the competition. With the tournament heating up, all eyes are on the top contenders vying for the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Duke Leads the Pack as the Heavy Favorite
Duke enters the ACC Tournament as the overwhelming favorite, boasting odds of -330. The Blue Devils have dominated the competition all season, finishing with an impressive 19-1 record in conference play. Their only blemish came in a February 8th loss to Clemson, but otherwise, they have been nearly unstoppable. With 22 ACC Tournament titles to their name, including their most recent victory in 2023, Duke looks poised to add another championship to their storied history.
Additionally, the Blue Devils hold the shortest odds to win the national championship at +340, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the country.
Top Contenders Looking to Upset Duke
While Duke is the clear frontrunner, several teams are positioned to challenge them for the ACC Tournament title.
- Louisville (+500): The Cardinals finished second in the conference with an 18-2 record. One of their two losses came against Duke, but they remain a strong contender for the title.
- Clemson (+600): Tied with Louisville in the ACC standings at 18-2, the Tigers have been consistent all season. Despite suffering a loss to both Louisville and Georgia Tech, they could make a deep run in the tournament.
- UNC (+2500): The Tar Heels are a long shot, but their history of success in the ACC Tournament cannot be overlooked.
Long Shot Bets with Big Payout Potential
For those looking to take a gamble on a dark horse, there are several intriguing options:
- SMU (+6000): A Cinderella run could lead to a massive payout for bettors willing to take a risk.
- Wake Forest (+8000): The Demon Deacons have had an up-and-down season but could surprise if they get hot at the right time.
- Stanford (+25000), Virginia (+30000), Syracuse (+30000), Notre Dame (+30000), and Cal (+30000): These teams are extreme long shots, but in the unpredictable world of college basketball, anything is possible.
What to Expect Moving Forward?
As the ACC Tournament unfolds, the battle for supremacy will only intensify. Duke remains the team to beat, but upsets are a hallmark of March Madness, and challengers like Louisville and Clemson will be looking to play spoiler. With a ticket to the NCAA Tournament on the line, fans can expect high-energy action and thrilling matchups in the coming days.
About the Author:
Rohit Kumar
I am a skilled content writer and SEO expert with a passion for crafting engaging and informative content. I currently work at Possible11, where I contribute to the company's blog and social media channels. I am also a contributing writer for several online publications. With over 500 articles under my belt, I have a deep understanding of how to create high-quality content that resonates with readers and drives traffic. I am also an expert in SEO, and I know how to optimize content for search engines to improve its visibility. I am a valuable asset to any team, and I am always ready to take on new challenges.
