The Sun Belt Conference looks wide open, according to odds released by BetMGM.
While the Texas State Bobcats are favorites at the sportsbook, the margin isn't by much. Texas State is priced at +250, which implies its probability of winning the tournament and punching a ticket to the NCAA Tournament is roughly 29%.
Right behind Texas State are Georgia State and South Alabama, each with +400 odds. That implies their odds of winning are roughly 20% apiece.
Texas State won the regular season championship with a record of 12-3.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday afternoon. The winner of the tournament will need to win three straight times in order to qualify for the big dance.
The second-best team during the regular season, Appalachian State, comes in with the fourth-best odds to win the tournament at +600.
The advanced metrics actually regard South Alabama as the best team in the conference with a No. 125 overall ranking. Texas State follows shortly behind at No. 129.
Appalachian State (No. 153) and Georgia State (No. 155) are not too far behind.
Texas State beat South Alabama by three points in their only matchup this season in late February. Several of this league's games were canceled during the Omicron wave of the coronavirus pandemic during December and January.
Texas State is riding a nine-game win streak, including wins over Appalachian State and South Alabama over that timeframe. Texas State and Georgia State have not played each other head-to-head this season.
Texas State split its season series with Troy.
Meanwhile, South Alabama has lost to Texas State, Georgia State and Appalachian State, despite the love from the advanced metrics. South Alabama did beat Georgia State once in mid-January to split the season series.
SunBelt Conference Tournament Odds
Odds are according to BetMGM as of Wednesday afternoon
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Texas State | +250 |
| Georgia State | +400 |
| South Alabama | +400 |
| Appalachian State | +600 |
| Troy | +800 |
| Coastal Carolina | +1000 |
| Arkansas State | +2000 |
| Louisiana | +2000 |
| University of Texas Arlington | +5000 |
| Georgia Southern | +8000 |
| University of Louisiana Monroe | +10000 |
| Little Rock | +25000 |
Darkhorse contenders Troy have split their season series with Texas State and South Alabama. It also won both their matchups against App State and won their only matchup against Georgia State.
