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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 ever win a game in the NCAA 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 as he poured 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 Virginia’s 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.