Bodog Beat

Bettors believe in Chris Douglas-Roberts (right) and the second-ranked Tigers. (AP Images)

Conference play has only just begun in the NCAA but there are already three distinct favorites as far as college basketball bettors are concerned.

No. 1 North Carolina shares 4/1 March Madness odds with No. 2 Memphis and No. 5 UCLA heading into this weekend’s action. Although Selection Sunday is still more than two months away, fans are making their bracket choices now with their bankroll.

Depending on what happens this weekend, the NCAA championship odds for the top two teams in the country could shift. The Tar Heels have what should be a difficult test in the fast, intense and sneaky Clemson Tigers, the 19th-ranked team in the country and one hopeful of making a statement on Sunday when they host Carolina. Led by preseason All-American Tyler Hansbrough, the Tar Heels have started 14-0 and held onto the top spot in the nation from the outset of the 2007-08 campaign.

Meanwhile, Memphis aims for its 40th straight home win when it takes on unranked Pepperdine Saturday afternoon. Should Carolina be upset, Memphis would take over top spot in the polls heading into next week. John Calipari’s team has been led by smooth-shooting junior forward Chris Douglas-Roberts and playmaking freshman point guard Derrick Rose.

The Bruins, who looked impressive in beating No. 24 Stanford on Thursday, don’t play this weekend.

For March Madness odds on your favorite team, take a look at the Bodog Sportsbook’s basketball futures page, and check the NCAA odds page daily for gameday wagering options.