College basketball is huge in the US, with fans across the country turning out in their droves to watch the games. While viewing figures are still lower than the NBA, it manages to hold its own, despite the level of talent being lower. Millions of people enjoy watching regular season games, and March Madness is even bigger. This is the NCAA Championship tournament, where the best college team in the country is decided.
Each year, March Madness brings in millions of viewers, and people also love betting on the tournament. It’s estimated that around $10 billion will be bet on March Madness in 2023, showing just how popular the event is. You can find the latest college basketball lines online for March Madness and all other games in the season.
Big Rivalries

While there are rivalries in the NBA, college sports tend to have much fiercer competition and rivalry between certain teams. These intense rivalries bring out the best in the players, who are always keen to get one over their rival team. Not only that, but it’s huge for fans too. College basketball arenas might be smaller than the NBA, but they can definitely be louder when they’re filled with thousands of passionate fans.
There’s a lot of history behind big rivalries such as Syracuse Orange vs Georgetown Hoyas, Kentucky Wildcats vs Louisville Cardinals and UCLA Bruins vs Arizona Wildcats. This makes each game more exciting and fun to watch.
Games Often Matter More
While NBA players earn millions of dollars through their contracts, most college players are still playing simply for their education. The benefit of being a top-performing college player is that it can unlock doors to enter the NBA, with the best players joining the draft. As a result, there’s a lot of incentive to do well and make a name for themselves.
Although the rules have now changed to allow players to earn money from image rights and sponsorships, there’s still an extra incentive to play well. Most players are desperate to get into the NBA, where they have a chance to earn huge contracts.
Seeing the Next Generation of Talent
Observing the next generation of talent can be an exhilarating experience, particularly in the world of sports. It offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most outstanding athletes before they achieve fame and glory. Watching college basketball, for instance, is a popular way to catch a glimpse of the next generation of superstars.
One of the most exciting things about watching younger athletes is their raw talent and potential. While they may not have honed their skills to the same level as seasoned professionals, they often possess a natural ability that is awe-inspiring. Witnessing their development and growth as they progress through the ranks is a thrilling experience.
Moreover, younger athletes often bring a sense of creativity and unpredictability to the game. Their lack of experience and inhibition means that they are not afraid to take risks or try new things. This can lead to exciting and unexpected moments on the court, adding an element of excitement and intrigue to the game.
Watching the next generation of talent also offers a glimpse into the future of the sport. Seeing young players with raw talent and potential can be a source of inspiration and hope for the future. It is a reminder that the world of sports is constantly evolving, and there will always be new and exciting talent waiting to be discovered.
Evenly Matched Teams

In the world of NBA, it’s not uncommon to see games end in blowouts, with one team featuring significantly more star talent than the other. Additionally, star players may be rested due to load management, further increasing the chance of a mismatch, resulting in the absence of the best athletes on the court. However, the scenario is different when it comes to college basketball games. These games tend to be more evenly matched, with fewer instances of a stronger team dominating a weaker side, and upsets are relatively common. This unpredictability makes the game more exciting and fun.
The even distribution of talent among college teams is the primary reason for the unpredictability of the games. While some teams may have standout players, they often lack the depth of talent that is present in NBA teams. The difference in talent levels between college teams is not as pronounced as in the NBA, making for more evenly matched games.
Moreover, in college basketball, the underdog has a higher chance of causing an upset. The unpredictability of the games means that the stronger team can never take a victory for granted. The possibility of an upset creates an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for fans, making the game more enjoyable to watch.
College basketball games tend to be more evenly matched than NBA games, making them more unpredictable and exciting to watch. The even distribution of talent among college teams, coupled with the possibility of an upset, creates an atmosphere of anticipation that keeps fans engaged throughout the game. So, whether you’re a casual observer or a die-hard fan, college basketball games offer a unique and thrilling experience that everyone can enjoy.
March Madness

The March Madness tournament is another reason why college basketball is so popular. For a lot of fans, this tournament is more exciting than the NBA playoffs, mainly due to the unpredictable nature of each game. Every year, there are lots of big upsets, with all 68 teams in the competition having a chance to win.
The tournament is structured as a single-elimination tournament, meaning that every game is a must-win for the teams involved. This creates a sense of urgency and pressure that can bring out the best in players, leading to unexpected results and thrilling upsets. The unpredictable nature of the tournament makes it difficult to predict the outcome of each game, leading to a sense of excitement and anticipation for fans.
The March Madness tournament also provides an opportunity for lesser-known teams and players to shine on a national stage. With the possibility of a Cinderella team making a deep run in the tournament, fans can witness some of the best underdog stories in sports. The tournament also provides a platform for players to showcase their skills to a national audience, potentially leading to a career in the NBA or other professional leagues.