Final Four Betting Lines
And there were four. The Final Four. Five months of intense conference battles, dramatic buzzer-beaters, and vicious beatdowns will come down to a pair of matchups on Saturday to decide who plays for the national title next Monday night. Top-seeded Florida still being alive should come as no surprise, but UConn, Wisconsin, and Kentucky weren’t popular picks prior to the tournament. Here’s an early breakdown of Saturday’ action.
(1) FLORIDA VS (7) UCONN +6.5
The ever so clever tournament committee couldn’t have set this up more perfectly. Connecticut’s trip through the South Region wasn’t an easy one, but the prize at the end is a rematch with the Gators, whose last loss came against the Huskies on December 2nd. Shabazz Napier’s last-second shot in Storrs dropped Florida to 6-2. Thirty straight wins later and Florida is the team to beat and will be itching for payback.
The Gators better be ready, though, because after needing overtime to dispose of Saint Joseph’s in the second-round, the Huskies defeated three of the nation’s best teams in Villanova, Iowa State, and Michigan State. The aforementioned Napier and backcourt mate Ryan Boatright are playing lights out. If guards truly are the key to cutting down the nets, then UConn is extremely dangerous. Speaking of guards, Scottie Wilbekin has become Florida’s offensive and emotional leader.
Penetrating the Gators stonewall defense is a tall task. However, Connecticut has seen it before and won’t be intimidated. This seems like too many points.
(2) WISCONSIN VS (8) KENTUCKY -2
Badgers center Frank Kaminsky was already a star player in the Big Ten, but his national profile has been lifted to superstar in the tournament. Arizona’s stifling defense had no answer for Kaminsky, who notched 28 points and 11 rebounds in the West Regional Final. A showdown awaits with Kentucky’s fab freshman Julius Randle, who has recorded four double-doubles in a row. In addition to Randle’s stellar play, guard Aaron Harrison has become a clutch three-point sniper, hitting 11-20 in his last three starts.
The Wildcats obviously have the edge in size and athleticism, but underestimating Wisconsin’s tenacious work ethic and never-say-die attitude would be a huge mistake. Like Harrison, Ben Brust is on a hot streak from beyond the arc, going 12-23 in four tourney tilts. The Badgers have the more experienced roster, but John Calipari is a master at pushing freshman to play above their age. Lest we forget, Kentucky won the 2012 championship with a freshman-heavy lineup.
Despite Wisconsin’s underdog status, it’s hard to bet against a Kentucky team that just knocked off three of last year’s Final Four participants.
