The TBT returns to action with a three-game slate. The lineup includes the first regional final in Omaha and the semifinals in Albuquerque. Let’s take a look at these matchups that are scheduled for later today and the TBT Betting Predictions!
Omaha Region Final:
Gutter Cats -6.0 vs Team Arkansas
The Gutter Cats continue to find ways to win at the TBT, they rallied from a halftime deficit against Always Us in the semifinals for a 72-62 win. They went 15/32 from 3 and were led by the QJ Peterson (17 points) and Jarell Eddie (13 points). In the other semifinal matchup, Team Arkansas won a back and forth matchup with the Omaha Blue Crew 69-63. They struggled to make perimeter shots but found ways to score in transition through Jaylen Bradford (22 points) and on the offensive glass through Chris Coffey (16 points & 13 rebounds).
I anticipate a tightly contested defensive matchup. Both teams played their semifinal games in the 60s and I believe it will be more of the same in this matchup. I also think this is a bounce-back game for TBT legend, Tyrese Rice who struggled the other night going just 1/9 from the field for 5 points. The pick for me here is Team Arkansas continues to grind this one out and keep it close by making the game ugly, but the Gutter Cats find a way to advance to Dayton as my TBT betting prediction!
The Pick: Team Arkansas +6.0
New Mexico Region Final:
Heartfire -3.5 vs Team Enchantment
The #1 seed Heartfire rallied in their opening round game to beat a tough Competitive Choice team. DeAndre Liggins (14 points) and Marcus Hall (16 points) combined for 30 in the 2nd half comeback 84-75 win. On the other side, Team Enchantment got out to an early halftime lead over their rivals the Panamaniacs, and held on at the end to advance 89-82. They shot 14/26 from 3 in the win and were led by Scott Bamforth, who scored 24 points.
The New Mexico alumni-based team gave their fans what they wanted and that was a win over their rival, the New Mexico State alumni-based team. I think the Heartfire will play better in the second game of their TBT run and not allow Team Enchantment to shoot the ball the way they did last night. I will take the Heartfire to cover and advance to the New Mexico regional finals as a TBT betting predictions!
The Pick: Team Enchantment -3.5
Team Challenge ALS -3.0 vs LA Cheaters
Team Challenge ALS had a statement win over the Once A Bronco Monday night rolling to an 87-71 win. They were led by Marvelle Harris, who was extremely productive with 28 points on 8/10 shooting and 10/10 from the FT line. The LA Cheaters trailed for 3+ quarters before rallying late in the Elam Ending phase to defeat the Ram Up 73-68. Sedrick Barefield led the comeback with 25 points on 6/7 from 3 including the game-winner.
This should be another tightly contested game that will come down to the end. Both teams have TBT winning experience and will look to build off their momentum from the opening round. I think the LA Cheaters will benefit from playing in a close game already in this tournament and find a way to win another close one to advance to the regional finals. I love this game as my TBT Best Bet!
