One of the best Final Fours?
Maybe. We had four No. 1 seeds and three compelling comeback victories decided by a total of 11 points.
For bettors, I suppose it depends on whether you had Florida or Houston.
Florida won the national championship, rallying from 12 points down, to defeat Houston 65-63 Monday night. The Gators covered the closing -1 and the game went Under (140.5).
We know VSiN host Mitch Moss will remember this one. He cashed more than $130,000 in Florida futures wagers, thanks in large part to a free roll won in a blackjack contest hosted by Circa’s Derek Stevens and Mike Palm.
I checked in with Mitch:
I can’t thank Derek Stevens and Mike Palm enough for giving me and other VSiN hosts a chance to play in the blackjack tournament. My position on Florida would’ve been nowhere near as big as it was because of it.
I also have zero regrets on hedging with Houston. Florida easily coulda/shoulda/woulda lost that game if one of countless things go the other way.
Now, how much do I rollover onto the Masters this week is the question.
Mitch’s wife, Lorraine, seems pretty happy, too.
Of course, if you had Houston, you will remember the Cougars’ fateful last possession when they couldn’t get a shot off with 19 seconds left (zero shots and 4 turnovers in the last 1:25).
According to ATS chronicler Dave Tuley, favorites finished the tournament 50-13 straight up (79.4 percent) and 35-28 against the spread (55.6 percent). Unders went 37-25-1 (59.7 percent).
VSiN.com managing editor Adam Burke looks ahead to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. DraftKings Sportsbook has posted the odds, and Adam has a few longshots for your consideration if you are so inclined.
Contest Corner
The winner of the VSiN March Madness Bracket Challenge is Timothy Wakefield of Florence, Ala., with 79 points (27-11-2 record). He won on a tiebreaker (more points in Round of 8) with Shawn Barko of St. Petersburg, Fla. Dr. Terrill Julien, who has been a guest on VSiN to give his opinions on injuries, finished third with 78 points. First place was worth $3,000, second $1500 and third $500. >>Standings.
Matt Brown won the VSiN internal competition (70 points) with Jensen Lewis in second (69) and your favorite newsletter writer in third (60). >>Standings.
As mentioned previously, Texas pro handicapper Paul Stone clinched the Circa College Hoops Challenge with 34.5 points. VSiN host Tim Murray edged VSiN contributor Aaron Moore for second based on a tiebreaker. Paul will get his choice of a $1,000 comp at Stadium Swim or Barry’s Prime at Circa. >>Standings.
In the 1/ST Bet Hoops & Horses Pick’em Challenge, Jimmie Berger of Kentucky and Charles Bowles of Pennsylvania tied for first with correct picks on two Derby preps and all four spread/totals on the Final Four. They will split the 1st and 2nd prizes ($350 apiece in 1/ST BET vouchers).
Thanks to all who played.
Up Next: The Masters
The hits keep on coming as we turn our attention to The Masters.
Wes Reynolds has done profiles for all 96 players in the field. Keep an eye on VSiN.com for Wes’ official Best Bets later today.
Adam Burke analyzes the first-round leader market.
Gill Alexander presides over his annual Masters Megapod. >>Listen now.
The Long Shots podcast crew will post a podcast later today.
Quick Hits
MLB: Greg Peterson has filed his top plays for today. Steve Makinen and Adam Burke will file their contributions by mid-morning and you can find them on the MLB page.
NBA: Zach Cohen will have his plays later this morning.
Horse Racing: Mike Somich and “Mr. Ed” Sehon will post their plays for the delayed Blue Grass Stakes later this morning.
Tennis: Zach has Best Bets for the Monte Carlo Masters.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Tuesday, April 8. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
