And then there were four.
There are just three games left to play in the men’s NCAA Tournament, and as usual, few could have predicted which teams would still be standing at this stage. A pair of No. 1 seeds are still in the mix (UConn, Purdue), but No. 4 Alabama and No. 11 NC State are unexpected guests.
Can the lower-seeded teams keep their hot streaks alive? Or will we see two of the nation’s most dominant squads face off in the National Championship?
Here are our best bets and predictions for the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
All NCAAB odds are current as of Monday, April 1, at 2 p.m. ET.
March Madness Final Four Best Bets
NC State +9.5 (-115) vs Purdue
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
In early March, NC State was 17-14 and riding a four-game losing streak into the ACC Tournament. The Wolfpack have won nine games in a row since then, including victories over Duke (twice), North Carolina, Texas Tech, and Marquette.
The run has to come to an end at some point, and Saturday’s meeting with Purdue looks like the most likely spot. However, that doesn’t mean NC State won’t keep things competitive.
This group is tremendously experienced — its entire rotation is comprised of juniors and seniors — and has legitimate playmakers at every position. DJ Burns Jr. is the face of the team, but don’t think he’s all they have.
Zach Edey and Co. are coming off a terrific win over Tennessee, but I still expect this to be a battle. I’m taking the Wolfpack to cover as 9.5-point underdogs with one of my best college basketball bets.
UConn -11.5 (-110) vs Alabama
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
UConn looked vulnerable for much of the first half of its Elite 8 matchup with Illinois. Suddenly, the Huskies dropped the hammer and went on a 30-0 run that completely blew the game open, dominating the Fighting Illini on both ends of the floor en route to a 25-point victory.
It was flawless basketball, and it’s just the latest example of this UConn team proving it has what it takes to repeat as national champions. Coach Dan Hurley has certainly built a winner.
- See our March Madness betting guide for the Men’s NCAA Tournament.
Alabama is the latest team standing in the Huskies’ way. The Crimson Tide, led by a dynamic offense, have averaged a tick under 90 points per game in the NCAA Tournament with wins over No. 13 Charleston, No. 12 Grand Canyon, No. 1 North Carolina, and No. 6 Clemson.
They’ve been just prolific enough to offset a dreadful defense, but that trend isn’t likely to continue against UConn. The Huskies have an answer for just about Alabama will seek to accomplish, which is why oddsmakers have them listed as 11.5-point favorites.
Don’t let the wide margin put you off. UConn is this good.
March Madness Final Four Betting Odds
Find odds for this year’s Final Four NCAA Tournament games at the best March Madness betting apps.
