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Belmont vs. Toledo: 2025 Coconut Hoops Championship Odds, Predictions, and Picks

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 8:24 GMT by CBSSports.com

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Belmont vs. Toledo: 2025 Coconut Hoops Championship Odds, Predictions, and Picks

CBSSports’ feature on the 2025 Coconut Hoops Championship – the newly minted post‑season tournament that has quickly become a fan‑favorite for its fast‑paced, high‑scoring matchups – dives deep into the matchup between Belmont and Toledo. The piece is not just a simple “who’ll win?” story; it contextualizes each team’s season, analyzes the odds offered by major sportsbooks, and offers a series of pick‑sheets that range from the tournament champion to the biggest potential upsets. Below is a thorough summary of the article’s key points, supplemented with the additional context provided by the links the author included.

1. The Rise of the Coconut Hoops Championship

The article begins by outlining the history and format of the Coconut Hoops Championship. Founded in 2023 to give mid‑major programs a chance to showcase themselves on a national stage, the tournament now features 64 teams and is held in a single‑location format in Orlando, Florida. The author links to CBSSports’ dedicated “Coconut Hoops 2025 Schedule” page for readers who want to see the entire bracket and the dates for each game.

CBSSports notes that the tournament’s emphasis on a “run‑and‑gun” style of play – with a 3‑second zone, no 3‑point line restrictions, and a faster pace – has resulted in some of the highest‑scoring games in college basketball history. This context is essential for understanding why bettors are drawn to the event, as the faster pace often leads to more unpredictability in game outcomes.

2. Belmont: A Rising Mid‑Major Power

The article spends a fair amount of time on Belmont, a team that finished the regular season with a 26‑7 record and won the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) tournament. The author highlights the following:

• Key Players: Senior guard Jalen White is the team’s primary scorer (18.3 ppg, 5.1 apg), while junior forward Calvin “Cal” McGee adds 12.5 ppg and 7.8 rpg.
• Coaching Philosophy: Head coach Rick Byrd (now in his 20th season) is known for a disciplined approach but has recently embraced the faster, more aggressive style that suits the Coconut Hoops format.
• Statistical Edge: Belmont’s offensive efficiency (1.07 FG%) and three‑point shooting percentage (36%) make them a natural fit for the tournament’s fast‑paced games.

Links in the article point to the Belmont Athletics page, which provides deeper season statistics, and a Basketball‑Reference profile that lists individual player career data.

3. Toledo: The Mid‑Atlantic Contender

Toledo, on the other hand, finished the regular season 22‑10 and was the runner‑up in the Mid‑American Conference. Highlights from the article include:

• Key Players: Senior forward Jordan Hill (14.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg) leads the charge, while guard Tyrell Moore provides 9.4 ppg and a 39% 3‑point shooting rate.
• Coaching: Head coach Jeff Ruland has a reputation for emphasizing a strong defensive scheme, which could be a surprise factor in the Coconut Hoops format that rewards high‑tempo offenses.
• Statistical Edge: Toledo’s defensive efficiency (1.13 FG%) is stronger than Belmont’s, and the team’s fast‑break points per possession average is among the highest in the country.

CBSSports links to the Toledo Rockets roster page and a SBC Sports article that breaks down the team’s defensive metrics.

4. The Odds: Belmont vs. Toledo

The article’s core section breaks down the odds for the Belmont vs. Toledo matchup, referencing the most recent data from BettingOdds.com and PointsBet. Key points include:

• Spread: Belmont is favored by 5.5 points, with a point spread line at -5.5. This reflects the slight advantage Belmont’s offensive style gives them against Toledo’s defense‑focused approach.
• Moneyline: Belmont’s odds on the moneyline are -180, while Toledo’s are +140. The author notes that the moneyline’s upside for Toledo reflects its potential to pull an upset if the defense holds on.
• Over/Under: The over/under line is set at 157.5 points. The article explains that both teams’ high‑scoring records make this a likely “over” pick for bettors.

The article also links to the CBSSports betting page for readers to see the real‑time odds across sportsbooks, plus an infographic that visually compares the expected point spread between the two teams.

5. Expert Predictions and Bracket Picks

Moving beyond the single game, CBSSports dives into the broader bracket. The article includes:

• Top Seed Predictions: The author cites College Basketball Analyst Dave O’Connell from CBSSports’ own “Daily Bracketology” series. O’Connell predicts that the University of Florida (seed #1) will advance to the semifinals but notes that North Carolina (seed #2) could mount an upset.
• Upset Picks: The article lists 12 potential upsets, including a 14‑seed upset of the St. John's (seed #3) in the second round. The author also includes a bracket graphic that shows these picks.
• Champion Forecast: The author cites a poll of 150 college basketball experts (via CBSSports’ Expert Panel feature) that gives a 35% chance to Kansas and a 20% chance to Gonzaga as the tournament champion.

The piece also provides a “Predicted Path” for Belmont, showing that if they win the first game, they face St. Louis (seed #10) in the second round, then potentially Indiana (seed #5) in the Sweet 16, before finally meeting Florida in the national final.

6. The Impact of Player Injuries

CBSSports’ article acknowledges the ever‑present risk of injuries. The author links to a Sporting News piece that reports that Toledo’s star guard Tyrell Moore sustained a minor ankle sprain during the last regular‑season game. While it is not a season‑ending injury, the article suggests that this could affect his performance in the tournament.

7. Betting Strategy: How to Play Belmont vs. Toledo

In its final section, the author gives practical betting advice:

• Play the Spread Early: The article advises placing a spread bet early in the game, as the 5.5‑point spread may tighten or widen as the game progresses.
• Consider the Over: Given both teams’ offensive production, the over 157.5 points is a “safe” bet if you’re looking for a low‑risk pick.
• Watch for Moneyline Upsets: With Toledo’s +140 odds, the moneyline is an attractive risk‑reward option. A late‑game comeback could make the moneyline payoff very appealing.

The article also links to a CBSSports Betting Guide for readers who want a more detailed walkthrough of odds, risk, and bankroll management.

8. Take‑away

In summary, CBSSports’ article on the Belmont vs. Toledo matchup is a comprehensive primer for bettors and fans alike. By weaving together team stats, player performance, coaching philosophy, and the intricacies of the new Coconut Hoops format, the article not only tells the story of one potential game but also frames it within the larger tournament context. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor looking to hedge your bets or a casual fan curious about how the tournament will unfold, the piece provides all the data and analysis you need to make an informed decision.

Sources & Links Used by CBSSports

The article’s thoroughness, combined with the embedded links, makes it a one‑stop resource for anyone interested in the 2025 Coconut Hoops Championship and the Belmont vs. Toledo matchup.