The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is a single-elimination tournament that takes place in the United States each summer. Any team can apply, and in 2020 there were only 24 teams playing for $1 million, winner-take-all, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Teams are made up of former NBA and college basketball stars. The tournament dates back to 2014, when Jonathan Mugar established it. Carmen’s Crew is the defending champion, but it is Overseas Elite who has won the most titles, with four. This year, the final will feature the fourth-seeded Golden Eagles against 22nd-seeded Sideline Cancer, who nailed a three-ball at the buzzer to send Overseas Elite home. Check out our sports betting preview of this year’s finals as you plan your wagering for the week. Let’s see how the TBT Odds will be for the Golden Eagles vs Sideline Cancer.
Golden Eagles vs Sideline Cancer Odds & Picks
- When: Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 7:00 pm ET
- Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: None
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
- TBT Odds: Golden Eagles -2.5 / O/U 152.5
Why should you bet on the Golden Eagles?
The Golden Eagles return to the final for the second straight year. In their semifinal win over Red Scare, Jamil Wilson led the team with 23 points, while grabbing seven rebounds. Darius Johnson-Odom scored 13. Each of them average 17.3 points per game in TBT this year, tied for the team lead. The Golden Eagles have a stingy defense, permitting 71 points per game in their three tournament contests.
The Golden Eagles are a terrific team from downtown, going 32 for 73 from three-point land. That percentage (43.8%) is second best in the TBT field. They are also just one of two squads with an overall shooting percentage of greater than 50 percent for more than two games. Even though Sideline Cancer comes within the buzz of the underdog, it is important to remember that underdogs almost never make it all the way to a title, usually seeing their run end in the semis or championship game. The Golden Eagles made the final last year and have plenty of motivation to put in one more solid game. They also have the advantage of having played one fewer game.
Why should you put your money on Sideline Cancer?
Sideline Cancer had fallen behind Overseas Elite in the double digits. In the seven years of tournament play, Overseas Elite had just one loss. That’s it. But then Marcus Keene flipped a switch in the third quarter and started the rally. He put up 22 points for the game, while Eric Thompson posted 16 points and 10 boards, and Remy Abbell scored 14 points and grabbed fve rebounds. It was Maurice Creek who sank the dagger, though, stepping away from a defender and nailing down a shot from distance to give Sideline Cancer the 67-65 win.
Sideline Cancer entered the tournament as the 22nd seed among the 24 teams. They have won four straight games as the underdog and now just have one more win ahead of them to collect the $1 million prize. Sideline Cancer has permitted just 67.5 points per game, and they have been consistent — no other team has held the opposition under 68 points over four games. Since they didn’t have a first-round bye, they are the only team left that has already played four games. They have the second-most three-point makes in TBT, and they are only one of two teams that has more than 100 paint points (but again, they have had that extra game). They will rely on their defense to grind out this win.
Golden Eagles vs Sideline Cancer Final Prediction
I like what Sideline Cancer has done to grind all the way to the finals. However, Golden Eagles has the experience from last year — and they have that pain of waiting a whole year after losing in the finals and seeing Overseas Elite walk away with that $1 million check. I see a defensive struggle ensuing, with Golden Eagles winning, 69-64 (which means I’m also taking the “under”).
