I recently came across an interesting note and trend on a first half money-maker this season. I identified this team and situation early season, but must admit I did not follow through consistently betting the Eastern Michigan totals after a few cashes early season. Many college basketball bettors do not wager on first half lines, but come the second half, bettors often fire away at the adjusted halftime lines. Here’s another situation and streak that may get you to dig deeper into totals, pace ratings and the many ways and opportunities in betting and beating college basketball.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles have produced a remarkable over/under run on first half wagering this season; now 15-0 UNDER the total following last night’s game at Buffalo. What’s interesting is that only one of the 15 lined games had a first half total of 60 or more points, and 9 of the 15 games had a posted total of 122 points or less.  The Eagles record is 9-11 this season but 4-2 in the Western Division of the MAC.

Of the 338 college basketball teams, Eastern Michigan ranks 337th in adjusted tempo and 333rd in adjusted offensive efficiency. The Eagles average 52.6 points per game to rank 336th in the nation. They rank 333rd in 2-point FG shooting (41.4%) and 316th in 3-point FG shooting (29.6) for a combined ranking of 335th in the nation in adjusted FG percentage shooting at 42.4%. So despite the slow pace, poor shooting and offensive stats, and some very low posted totals, the Eagles games have still been a big money-maker betting UNDER the total. Along with a 15-0 UNDER the total mark in first halves, the Eagles overall O/U record is 4-9-1.

This is just another example of the many ways to make money betting college basketball. Plenty of opportunities for those sharp enough to make their own lines, follow the market moves, betting lines and totals more closely. Isolate teams of interest, identify strengths and weaknesses, and you can cash in on more opportunities; especially with less public teams. 

If you don’t have the time, energy or ability to beat the bookmaker consistently, then join me for the remainder of the college basketball season and profit from my experience.

Eastern Michigan First Half Totals Betting Trend

Date Home Away Halftime Score Totals Line 1-24 Buffalo Eastern Michigan 24-23 52 1-21 Eastern Michigan Toledo 15-14 54.5 1-18 Eastern Michigan Western Michigan 22-26 55 1-14 Ball State Eastern Michigan 27-21 52 1-11 Eastern Michigan Central Michigan 25-19 52.5 1-7 Northern Illinois Eastern Michigan 26-23 50.5 12-30 Air Force (N) Eastern Michigan 18-20 51 12-29 Santa Clara Eastern Michigan 25-18 59.5 12-22 Virginia Tech Eastern Michigan 27-9 54.5 12-10 Purdue Eastern Michigan 29-22 59 12-8 Drake Eastern Michigan 24-27 57.5 11-29 Syracuse Eastern Michigan 32-24 61.5 11-27 Eastern Michigan Michigan State 13-25 56 11-18 Eastern Michigan Arkansas Little Rock 22-23 59 11-11 Eastern Michigan Illinois - Chicago 27-26 56.5

Fairway Jay is a recognized leader and one of the sports industries insightful point spread prognosticators. He’s having another winning and profitable college basketball season in 2011-12 highlighted by 16-units of profit in December alone (1 and 2 unit scale). Fairway Jay is a perfect 7-0 on his O/U selections this season. Fairway Jay’s current top-play Big Drive run since the end of November is a bankroll-building 32-9 (78%) and he’s hitting 70% of his top-rated college basketball plays this season. Included is a 13-3 run on his 20* Big Drive plays. Fairway Jay is a proven pro and performer in the college basketball game with a 5-year stretch of consecutive winning seasons and profits that placed him on the leaderboard among the nation’s top college basketball handicappers. With documented success and experience to battle with the best and beat the bookmaker, join Fairway Jay on the college basketball court and profit from his experience and well-rounded game. Follow on Twitter: @FairwayJay