Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images. Pictured: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates
Maryland vs. Michigan Odds
| Maryland Odds | 8.5 |
| Michigan Odds | -8.5 |
| Over/Under | 1333 |
| Time | 11:30 a.m. ET |
| TV | Big Ten Network |
When it comes to tracking market activity, we refer to “sharp bettors” (also called wiseguys or professionals) as those who are profitable over the long haul and command the respect from oddsmakers to move lines based on their action.
On the other hand, “public bettors” (also called squares) wager for fun or action, but do not win over the long term.
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Because public bettors don’t typically affect sportsbooks’ bottom line, they have little influence on odds movement across the market.
So, when public bettors are loading up on one side of a game, yet the line is moving the other way, it’s typically a sign that sharps are betting the other side.
And according to our College Basketball PRO Report, Friday morning’s Maryland vs. Michigan Big Ten Conference Tournament matchup is setting up as a classic sharps vs. squares showdown.
Let’s take a look.
Maryland vs. Michigan Pick
Sharp Action
Michigan opened as an 8-point favorite against Maryland and has landed just 35% of the spread bets, yet the line has pushed up to a consensus of -8.5 (click here for latest college basketball conference tournament odds).
Thanks to Action Labs’ Bet Signals, we know that smart money from respected bettors has already hit the Wolverines, forcing oddsmakers to react by moving Michigan to the less attractive -8.5.
Big Money
The Action Network’s college basketball betting data adds even more insight, as the 35% of bettors taking the Wolverines have actually risked 88% of the money wagered on the Maryland vs. Michigan spread.
With only a few hours until tip off, it’s clear that large wagers from respected bettors are responsible for the odds movement we’ve seen so far.
PRO Report Pick: Michigan -8.5
