Final Four Betting Preview
One of the most improbable NCAA Tournaments has produced a dynamic Final Four. One side of the bracket matches up two college basketball blue bloods, while on the other side a pair of mid-major darlings ensure a Cinderella storyline in the title game.
UConn Huskies vs. Kentucky Wildcats (-2.5, 140)
Oddsmakers like the Wildcats’ wins over Ohio State and North Carolina more than the Huskies’ wild run through the Big East and NCAA Tournament. Books opened with UK as a 2-point favorite, and that spread has climbed half a point.
Kentucky and UConn clashed at the Maui Invitational at the start of the season, with the Huskies running the Wildcats out of the gym in an 84-67 win as 4.5-point underdogs. Connecticut was able to turn poor shots from Kentucky into quick transition hoops, hitting just under 58 percent from the field.
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The Wildcats have come a long way since that game. They were able to beat the veteran-laden Buckeyes with their size and quickness and put the breaks on UNC’s transition-heavy gameplan. Kentucky’s freshmen, Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones, are playing beyond their years, while upperclassmen Josh Harrellson and DeAndre Liggins have stepped up their games at the right time.
The Huskies do have the best player in the tournament in Kemba Walker, who has put this team on his back during the postseason. However, Walker’s confidence has carried over to UConn’s other talents - namely freshman guard Jeremy Lamb. He’s averaging over 18 points during the tourney, giving the Huskies an important second option.
Saturday’s total is set at 140 points after opening as high as 141.5. These teams topped the 142.5-point total in Maui back in November.
Butler Bulldogs vs. VCU Rams (+2.5, 133.5)
The Horizon League's Butler and the CAA's Virginia Commonwealth have advanced this far in the tournament by chasing down every loose ball, grabbing every important rebound, and giving superior opponents fits on defense.
It may not be fair to call the Bulldogs Cinderellas after making back-to-back Final Four appearances. Head coach Brad Stevens has coached his team back to a championship level, leaning heavily on veterans like Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard. Butler has benefited from some luck during the course of the tournament, but its timely 3-point shooting and ability to adapt to any style of play has been the difference. Last year, the Bulldogs trumped a talented Michigan State squad in the Final Four. They forced 16 turnovers and got to the foul line 24 times. If they can do that to VCU, Butler will have another kick at the can in the national title game.
The Rams are the big story of the NCAA Tournament, winning five games, including upsetting No. 1 Kansas, to advance to Houston. Virginia Commonwealth is a team of tweeners – big athletic players who can play inside and outside – which makes it tough for teams to match up man-to-man. The Rams have a proven leader in point guard Joey Rodriguez and a sound bench that doesn’t allow a letdown when head coach Shaka Smart gives his starters a break.
The total for this Saturday tilt is set at 133.5 after opening as low as 130.5.
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