Old Dominion Monarchs vs Troy Trojans Pick – 3/8/2025

The much-anticipated showdown between the Old Dominion Monarchs and the Troy Trojans is set to tip off on March 8, 2025, at 9:00 pm EST. As of now, the opening odds have positioned the Troy Trojans as 10.5-point favorites in this Sun Belt Conference quarterfinal, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. For bettors keen on total game points, the over/under sits at 131.5. As these two teams gear up for a thrilling clash, let's explore each team's prospects, betting insights, and what factors will be pivotal in this matchup.

Overview of Old Dominion Monarchs

The Old Dominion Monarchs have built a reputation for resilience and strategic play, as evidenced by them winning three games in three days already in this tournament. This season, they have demonstrated a robust defensive game that has often kept them competitive, even against formidable opponents. The Monarchs have shown consistency in creating turnovers, which can be a decisive factor in tightly contested games. While they may not boast the most prolific scoring offense, their defensive tenacity and ability to control the pace of the game have been key to their strategy.

Overview of Troy Trojans

On the other side, the Troy Trojans have displayed offensive prowess throughout the season, often leveraging fast-paced transitions to outscore their opponents. The Trojans are known for capitalizing on offensive rebounds, which has given them additional scoring opportunities. Their ability to maintain offensive momentum has been a hallmark of their strategy, making them a formidable opponent. Their rest advantage in this game is massive, as this is their first game in the tournament after getting a bye through the first three rounds.

Betting Insights

With the Trojans favored at -10.5, the line reflects their rest advantage and offensive capabilities. The over/under of 131.5 suggests a moderately paced game; yet, given Old Dominion's tendency to slow down the tempo, bettors should weigh whether the Monarchs can impose their pace enough to impact the total.

Key Factors

The outcome of this game will likely hinge on a few critical factors. First, the Monarchs' ability to disrupt the Trojans' offensive rhythm will be crucial, as slowing down the Trojans may allow Old Dominion to stay within reach. Additionally, Troy's success in exploiting second-chance opportunities could extend the scoring gap, which is significant given their favorite status. Execution in these areas will inform which team can impose its style of play more effectively.

Pick and Analysis

In weighing these dynamics, the pick leans towards the Troy Trojans covering the 10.5-point spread. While Old Dominion's defense can keep them competitive, Troy's rest advantage and superior transition game are likely to help them pull away. Given the over/under set at 131.5, the total seems fair as a cautious line given Old Dominion's slower pace. However, if the Trojans push the tempo successfully, the over could be in play. Therefore, consider Troy -10.5 as the primary bet, with a secondary look at the over if momentum shifts in favor of more scoring opportunities.

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