Virginia's Stunning Loss to UMBC Causes Improbable Betting Line Payouts

Scott Polacek @@ScottPolacekFeatured ColumnistMarch 17, 2018

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Perhaps the only bigger winners than the UMBC Retrievers on Friday were those who backed them in Las Vegas.

The Retrievers became the first No. 16 seed to win a game in the NCAA men's tournament when they destroyed the ACC regular-season and tournament champion Virginia Cavaliers 74-54. The result led to some dramatic swings for bettors in Sin City:

Todd Dewey @tdewey33
A @CGTechnology_ bettor won $16,000 on an $800 money-line bet (20-1) on UMBC, which became first No. 16 seed to beat No. 1 seed in 74-54 win over Virginia. Another bettor lost $20K ML parlay on Purdue, North Carolina and Virginia #Madness #RJnow @jsimbal

Darren Rovell @darrenrovell
Biggest betting winner so far appears to be better at @CGTechnology_ who took an $800 moneyline bet on UMBC. Cashes out to the tune of $16,000.

Patrick Everson @Covers_Vegas
Scenes from Sin City: I watched @atomic_lock make this bet this afternoon. UMBC Moneyline at +2000. He's got a historic upset ticket in his hands! I'll be talking to him in a few minutes. @Covers https://t.co/oF53tDDMRy

Ben Fawkes @BFawkesESPN
Per @DavidPurdum, @WilliamHillUS also took a $1,294.40 moneyline bet on Virginia at -10,000 odds. The bet would have netted $12.95.

Jairus Lyles was a hero for those who supported UMBC, pouring in 28 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field as UMBC's go-to offensive weapon. He fought through cramps in the second half and consistently sliced through the Virginia defense as a dominant playmaker.

The Retrievers will look to continue their Cinderella story Sunday when they face the Kansas State Wildcats in the second round.

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