This year’s March Madness provided its share of upsets and Cinderella runs, but as the dust settles heading into the final weekend, just four storied programs remain in contention for the 2022 NCAA Championship title.
NCAA Championship Odds via BetOnline
- Duke +140
- Kansas +190
- Villanova +475
- North Carolina +475
Oddsmakers have pegged the No. 2 seeded Duke Blue Devils as the current favorites to cut down the nets, but before celebrating another title, a Final Four matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels could prove to offer the more difficult challenge.
Current NCAA Basketball odds have the Blue Devils listed as the -4 favorites over their rival Tar Heels, with the over/under of 151 suggesting a high scoring affair. History also suggest plenty of points, with the pair topping the ‘over’ in their last six head-to-head battles.
"The early money came in on Duke -4.5 then rapidly went to -5,” shared BetOnline oddsmaker Adam Burns. “But after the last few days I think the Coach K story has worn off a bit, dropping it to -4, with even action on both teams at this point. In regards to their respective futures odds, we are hoping that neither team takes home the title, as both represent a loss for the book."
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils Point Spread
- North Carolina +4
- Duke -4
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils Total
- Over 151
- Under 151
The pair split their regular season meetings, and with this game potentially being Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski last, Saturday’s battle will serve as the most important in the history of this Tobacco Road rivalry. With both teams peaking at the opportune moment, this game is a must watch for any hoops fan.
The Heels look to continue with their fast-paced attack, which sees the team averaging 77.5 points per game in their last 12 outings. In that same stretch, UNC has only tallied a single loss, and their efforts and composure on the defensive side of the ball have prevented teams from picking up easy points at the foul line.
This offensive speed combined with their defensive strength has made them a prime target for spread bettors. UNC has covered the spread in all four of their tournament games to date, and ATS backers have cashed in on the Heels in all but one of their last nine games. Betting trends also reveal that the Heels are 8-2 ATS against the Blue Devils in their last 10 meetings.
Duke brings its own firepower to the court, with the team hitting 53.8% from the field. The Blue Devils’ Paolo Banchero is easily the best player left in the tournament, and the young forward has somehow managed to turn up the heat in March to top his already impressive regular season performance that earned him All-American honors.
Where the Tar Heels are averaging 77.5 ppg in their last 12, the Blue Devils have topped this mark in 9 of their last 10 outings. With oddsmakers giving them a four point advantage, it appears that the books are giving Duke the slight nod in this game.
