Purdue shocked by FDU, greatest sports activities betting upset in match historical past

In 1985, the NCAA Men’s Tournament expanded to 64 groups. From that time by way of the 2017 NCAA Tournament, a No. 16 seed by no means beat a No. 1 seed. 

Now, it’s occurred twice up to now 5 tournaments. Maryland-Baltimore County pulled the unique shocker in opposition to No. 1 Virginia in 2018. On Friday night time, UMBC bought firm within the type of Fairleigh Dickinson. 

The Bulldogs, who have been +2000 or extra on the moneyline and 23.5-point underdogs on the unfold, shocked No. 1 Purdue 63-58. 

There was each celebration and commiseration within the March Madness odds world. And for one Vegas bettor, it was an incredible end result. 

Taking a Flier 

Half the enjoyable of March Madness – heck, maybe all of the enjoyable for leisure bettors – is simply firing on just a few lengthy photographs within the first spherical. It labored out nice Thursday for backers of No. 15 seed Princeton, which despatched No. 2 seed Arizona packing in a rush, 59-55. 

But the Tigers have been a lot shorter moneyline ‘dogs than Fairleigh Dickinson. FOX Bet had Princeton at +900 going into Thursday’s contest. By comparison, most books, including FOX Bet had FDU in the range of a +2000 ‘dog. On the flip side, the Boilermakers were as high as -10000 on the moneyline.

South Point in Las Vegas had the Bulldogs even longer and took a significant hit. 

“One guy had $2,100 at 25/1. We didn’t accomplish that good,” South Point sportsbook director Chris Andrews stated. 

The bettor, nonetheless, did simply advantageous, cashing out for a revenue of $52,500. Plenty extra oddsmakers offered examples of Fairleigh Dickinson fliers, however most of these bets have been within the $20/$50/$100 vary. At PointsBet USA, the most important play was $300 at 20/1. 

Still, a $6,000 winner is just not a nasty day’s work, should you can name it work. 

By The Numbers 

FOX Sports Research dove into among the statistics surrounding Fairleigh Dickinson’s upset. The data was fairly attention-grabbing: 

• With FDU a 23.5-point pup, it was the most important NCAA Tournament upset since so far as the database goes again (1985)
• First March Madness win by a Northeast Conference group within the Round of 64 (beforehand 0-31)
• A $100 first-round moneyline parlay of Fairleigh Dickinson/Princeton/Furman would have profited $52,700
• 16 seeds now 2-150 all-time in opposition to No. 1 seeds

Parlay Buster 

Lots of public/leisure bettors like to put collectively moneyline parlays throughout March Madness, piling on favorites. And favorites had a very good day Friday, profitable seven of the primary eight video games. 

So make no mistake, heading into Friday night on the East Coast and late Friday afternoon in Vegas, there have been boatloads of moneyline parlays dwell. BetMGM vp of buying and selling Jason Scott was getting ready for large loser of a day. 

Until Fairleigh Dickinson turned the day on its head. 

“It was better than fairly good. It was a moneyline parlay demolition,” Scott stated. 

Indeed, on a moneyline parlay, the Boilermakers, as a No. 1 seed and 23.5-point favourite, appeared like a free area on a Bingo card. Until they weren’t. 

And to assume, the one purpose FDU was within the Big Dance is as a result of Northeast Conference Tournament winner Merrimack isn’t but eligible for NCAA Tournament play. Merrimack is within the ultimate yr of a four-year transition from Division II to Division I play. 

“Crazy! A 16 seed that didn’t win its conference tournament,” Station Sports’ Chuck Esposito stated. “Cinderella is alive and well.” 

Patrick Everson is a sports activities betting analyst for FOX Sports and senior reporter for VegasInsider.com. He is a distinguished journalist within the nationwide sports activities betting area. He’s primarily based in Las Vegas, the place he enjoys {golfing} in 110-degree warmth. Follow him on Twitter: @PatrickE_Vegas.

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