Thursday night was not only a loss for Gonzaga, it was a loss for its fans, the refs, and most importantly, the betting public.
Entering Friday’s contest, 65 percent of bets placed against the spread took Gonzaga (-8.5) while 84 percent of the money was wagered that same line, according to Action Network.
What’s worse? A whopping 99 percent of bets and 85 percent of the money wagered on the moneyline was backing Gonzaga.
The Zags did that thing where they play below standard in the first half and then try and flip the switch in the second half. In the first two NCAA Tournament games, it worked out nicely for them. They led No. 16 Georgia State in the first round by just two at the break before finishing +19 in the second half and trailed No. 9 Memphis by 10 at the break before outscoring them by 14 in the second half of their second-round win.
Instead, Eric Mussleman’s Arkansas Razorbacks captured a 28-27 lead towards the end of the first half and never relinquished it.
🗣 WOO PIG SOOIE! 🗣
(4) Arkansas takes down (1) Gonzaga, 74-68, to advance to the #EliteEight! #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/fvPZVIfUlc
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 25, 2022
Shoutout to the few bettors who never doubted the Razorbacks to cover the spread. And shoutout to the even fewer bettors who were brave enough to take Arkansas at the moneyline; you’re a little richer today.
