When it comes to sports betting, many people think that point-spread statistics are the most important ones to consider. However, there are several key stats that determine the outcome of basketball games aside from the final score. These are the things that you need to keep an eye on as a sports bettor to make the right choice for your bankroll.
Turnovers Matter
One of the simplest yet most important stats to track in college basketball is the turnover rate. By simply dividing the total number of turnovers by the total number of possessions, you can get an idea of how the team is performing on offense and defense. If you’re looking for an upper-hand in college basketball wagering, then knowing how to reduce your team’s turnovers is the key.
Although turnovers are often a result of poor decision-making or lack of experience, they can also be used in a team’s favor. For example, a team with a high turnover rate might decide to take a few more risks on offense due to its confidence in its ability to get the ball passed. On the flip side, a team with a low turnover rate might decide to play it safe and try to grind out a win using defense and rebounding.
Free Throws
One of the biggest differences between the NCAA and the NBA is how they value the 3-point shot. The NBA allows teams to have a much higher 3-point shooting percentage which means it’s more valuable to be able to hit the trey.
Aside from the obvious difference in the distance between the baskets, the 3-point shot has caused a major shift in the way basketball is played. This is especially apparent when comparing the NBA and NCAA standings at the end of the season; the percentage of games decided by 3 points or less is almost 30% in the NBA compared to 10% in the NCAA. As a result, you can expect to see a lot of emphasis on the 3-point shot throughout the season even if your team is out of conference.
Knowing when and how to shoot the 3-pointer can be incredibly valuable. For instance, if you’re ahead by 10 points with less than 5 minutes left in the game and you decide to pull up from beyond the arc, your team will either make or miss the 2-point shot and you’ll have a chance to win or lose the game based on the outcome of the 3-pointer.
Rebounding
Another major difference between the NCAA and the NBA is how they value the role of the center and power forward in a basketball game. While the center in the NBA is generally a 7-footer who can shoot and score, the role of the center in the NCAA is much more limited.
As a result, a lot of emphasis is put on the offensive and defensive rebounding. Simply put, the center in the NBA tries to score as many points as possible with the ultimate goal being to help his team emerge victorious. In contrast, the centers in the NCAA are expected to do the bulk of the team’s rebounding, make a lot of open shots, and set a good example for the rest of the team by being physical on defense.
Even though there are major differences between the two sports, the fact remains that you can learn a lot from watching the pros closely track these important stats throughout the entire season.
Betting on College Football and Basketball is extremely popular in Canada and the United Kingdom because of the sheer number of games that are held throughout the year. In the UK, for example, there are often 13 matches per week with every Saturday being a big money day for football gamblers. Similarly, in Canada people can’t get enough of the action the country’s 13 football teams offer all year long with massive paydays almost every week.
If you’re a fan of either sport, then you have plenty to watch this spring and summer. The best part is that with the right statistical analysis, in addition to knowing how to value these stats, you’ll be able to make educated decisions when placing your bets.