The last 24 winners of the NCAA tourney championship game are 23-1 ATS.
Fourteen years is not an unusual amount of time to go without a National Championship. But, when you have been as good as Kansas has been under Bill Self, it seems like an eternity.
The Jayhawks last won a National Title in 2008, defeating Memphis in overtime. This would be the program's fourth championship.
Kansas is ranked third by KenPom.com. The offense ranks sixth in efficiency, and the defense is 17th. Its strength of scheduled is ranked 3rd in the country.
North Carolina is ranked 16th in efficiency, and the defense is 39th. Its strength of scheduled is ranked 3rd in the nation.
The Tar Heels are 5-0 SUATS in their last five games as an underdog, but Kansas rides a 10-game win streak into this contest.
The Jayhawks have defeated teams in this tourney whose seeds collectively total 41. The Tar Heels have defeated teams in this tourney whose seeds collectively total 30.
KEY STAT: Why North Carolina Will Win -
• They are the best rebounding team in the nation, one who managed to pull down 50 in their win against Duke to advance to the title game. Kansas is 22-0 when teams get 30 rebounds or fewer, 1-3 when allowing 37 or more, and North Carolina averages 41 rebounds per game and only came up with fewer than 30 six times. It's 20-2 when coming up with 37 or more.
KEY STAT: Why Kansas Will Win –
• Kansas is loaded with veteran upperclassmen who haven't blinked in this tournament. The Jayhawks can defend from the outside, and they have the size and toughness on the inside to at least hold up on the boards and at least stay even with the active Tar Heels.
Fourteen years is not an unusual amount of time to go without a National Championship. But, when you have been as good as Kansas has been under Bill Self, it seems like an eternity.
The Jayhawks last won a National Title in 2008, defeating Memphis in overtime. This would be the program's fourth championship.
Kansas is ranked third by KenPom.com. The offense ranks sixth in efficiency, and the defense is 17th. Its strength of scheduled is ranked 3rd in the country.
North Carolina is ranked 16th in efficiency, and the defense is 39th. Its strength of scheduled is ranked 3rd in the nation.
The Tar Heels are 5-0 SUATS in their last five games as an underdog, but Kansas rides a 10-game win streak into this contest.
The Jayhawks have defeated teams in this tourney whose seeds collectively total 41. The Tar Heels have defeated teams in this tourney whose seeds collectively total 30.
KEY STAT: Why North Carolina Will Win -
• They are the best rebounding team in the nation, one who managed to pull down 50 in their win against Duke to advance to the title game. Kansas is 22-0 when teams get 30 rebounds or fewer, 1-3 when allowing 37 or more, and North Carolina averages 41 rebounds per game and only came up with fewer than 30 six times. It's 20-2 when coming up with 37 or more.
KEY STAT: Why Kansas Will Win –
• Kansas is loaded with veteran upperclassmen who haven't blinked in this tournament. The Jayhawks can defend from the outside, and they have the size and toughness on the inside to at least hold up on the boards and at least stay even with the active Tar Heels.
This is the second time the two blueblood programs will meet for the national championship.
UNC’s first title came at the hands of Kansas in 1957. The Tar Heels needed 3 overtimes to beat a Wilt Chamberlain-led Jayhawks squad 54-53.
The two have met 11 times since 1957 with North Carolina holding a 6-5 edge. However, Kansas has a 4-2 advantage in NCAA Tournament games, including a win in their last meeting, a 70-58 second-round victory in 2013.
The Jayhawks have actually won the last 3 head-to-head meetings. Prior to the 2013 win, they claimed an 80-67 Elite Eight victory in 2012 when the Tar Heels were a No. 1 seed. Kansas also beat UNC 84-66 in a 2008 Final Four semifinal.
This is the second time the two blueblood programs will meet for the national championship.
UNC’s first title came at the hands of Kansas in 1957. The Tar Heels needed 3 overtimes to beat a Wilt Chamberlain-led Jayhawks squad 54-53.
The two have met 11 times since 1957 with North Carolina holding a 6-5 edge. However, Kansas has a 4-2 advantage in NCAA Tournament games, including a win in their last meeting, a 70-58 second-round victory in 2013.
The Jayhawks have actually won the last 3 head-to-head meetings. Prior to the 2013 win, they claimed an 80-67 Elite Eight victory in 2012 when the Tar Heels were a No. 1 seed. Kansas also beat UNC 84-66 in a 2008 Final Four semifinal.
#1 Seed favs > 2 pts are 8-2 ATS
• #2 Seeds are 2-5 ATS
• #3 Seed dogs are 1-5 ATS
• #5 or worse seeds are 1-6 SU & 2-5 ATS
• Favorites are 5-0 ATS vs an opponent w/ revenge
• Favorites of 5 < pts are 13-4 ATS
• Teams with a win percentage of .850 > are 10-4 ATS
• Teams with a win percentage of .810 < are 2-6 ATS
• Dogs > 2 pts who allowed 60 > pts in the Final 4
round are 0-5 ATS
• Dogs of 3 > pts off a SU dog win are 0-4 ATS
• Big East teams are 7-1 ATS
• ACC teams are 13-4
• SEC teams are 3-1 ATS
• Big 10 teams are 0-7 ATS
• Pac 12 teams are 0-3 ATS
Above post i Champ game Trends
#1 Seed favs > 2 pts are 8-2 ATS
• #2 Seeds are 2-5 ATS
• #3 Seed dogs are 1-5 ATS
• #5 or worse seeds are 1-6 SU & 2-5 ATS
• Favorites are 5-0 ATS vs an opponent w/ revenge
• Favorites of 5 < pts are 13-4 ATS
• Teams with a win percentage of .850 > are 10-4 ATS
• Teams with a win percentage of .810 < are 2-6 ATS
• Dogs > 2 pts who allowed 60 > pts in the Final 4
round are 0-5 ATS
• Dogs of 3 > pts off a SU dog win are 0-4 ATS
• Big East teams are 7-1 ATS
• ACC teams are 13-4
• SEC teams are 3-1 ATS
• Big 10 teams are 0-7 ATS
• Pac 12 teams are 0-3 ATS
Above post i Champ game Trends
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
• Title-game favorites of 3 points or more are on
a 12-3 SU and 11-4 ATS (73.3%) run, while
favorites of 2.5 or fewer are 4-4 SU and ATS
since 1998.
Potential qualifying games: Duke (vs. Villanova)
and Kansas (vs. UNC).
• Only once in the last 21 years did the outright
winner of the championship game fail to cover
the spread (Duke against Butler in 2010).
• The higher seed is on an 11-3 SU and 10-4 ATS
(71.4%) run.
Potential qualifying games: Duke (vs. Villanova)
and Kansas (vs. UNC).
• Teams seeded 3 or lower (not counting the 7-8
matchup in 2014) are on a 2-8 SU and 3-7
ATS (30%) slide.
Potential qualifying team: Against North Carolina.
• Big East teams are 6-0 SU and ATS since 2001.
Potential qualifying team: Villanova.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
• Title-game favorites of 3 points or more are on
a 12-3 SU and 11-4 ATS (73.3%) run, while
favorites of 2.5 or fewer are 4-4 SU and ATS
since 1998.
Potential qualifying games: Duke (vs. Villanova)
and Kansas (vs. UNC).
• Only once in the last 21 years did the outright
winner of the championship game fail to cover
the spread (Duke against Butler in 2010).
• The higher seed is on an 11-3 SU and 10-4 ATS
(71.4%) run.
Potential qualifying games: Duke (vs. Villanova)
and Kansas (vs. UNC).
• Teams seeded 3 or lower (not counting the 7-8
matchup in 2014) are on a 2-8 SU and 3-7
ATS (30%) slide.
Potential qualifying team: Against North Carolina.
• Big East teams are 6-0 SU and ATS since 2001.
Potential qualifying team: Villanova.
A 1, 2 or 3 seed from a major
conference
2) Averaged > 73 PPG
3) Allowed < 73 PPG
4) Owned an average scoring
margin of 7 > PPG
5) Faced a Top 75 schedule
6) Had a coach with 6 or more
NCAA tourney appearances
and at least one Elite 8 game
7) Either in NCAA tourney LY or
8) Have an All-American player
18 of last 19 NCAA Champions each possessed these attributes.
A 1, 2 or 3 seed from a major
conference
2) Averaged > 73 PPG
3) Allowed < 73 PPG
4) Owned an average scoring
margin of 7 > PPG
5) Faced a Top 75 schedule
6) Had a coach with 6 or more
NCAA tourney appearances
and at least one Elite 8 game
7) Either in NCAA tourney LY or
8) Have an All-American player
18 of last 19 NCAA Champions each possessed these attributes.
Kansas was a number one seed in the Midwest Region, and they have been unstoppable so far in March. The Jayhawks blew out the Villanova Wildcats in the semifinals for their most impressive win during this run.
The Kansas Jayhawks are four-point betting favorites over the North Carolina Tar Heels in the national championship game.
The Kansas Jayhawks made 13 three-point shots in their win over Villanova, and they always seemed to make them when they needed a big shot. All-American Ochai Agbaji led the barrage with six made three-point shots, and Kansas is impossible to beat when they shoot it well.
Kansas also has a number of interior scoring threats, and they will challenge the Tar Heels in the paint. David McCormack had 25 points on Saturday night, and the Jayhawks just have so many weapons on offense.
The Jayhawks are holding teams to under 60 points per game in March, and they have enough length to give the Tar Heels some trouble as well. There is a reason that Kansas has lost just six games all season long.
North Carolina has been terrific on offense during the NCAA Tournament, but they have also really struggled to get stops. The Tar Heels gave up 77 points in the semifinals, and they will have to guard the arc in this one.
Caleb Love poured in 28 points in the win over Duke on Saturday, and Brady Manek has been clutch during this run as well. The Tar Heels are averaging right around 80 points per game, and they will want to play fast.
The Tar Heels are not a very deep team as they got just two points from their bench on Saturday. North Carolina will need someone else to step up if they want to upset the Jayhawks.
If you are a fan of points, then this will be the perfect title game for you. Both the Tar Heels and Jayhawks will be looking for early offense in this game, and there are plenty of elite athletes on the floor.
The team that plays the best defense should take control of this game, and that is where the Jayhawks have a clear advantage. Kansas has been able to shut down some great offenses during this run, and they will find a way to do the same against North Carolina.
It’s been a tremendous run for the North Carolina Tar Heels, but it’s coming to an end on Monday night. Bet the Kansas Jayhawks -4.0 as they take control of this game and cruise to a comfortable win in the NCAA Championship Game.
Kansas was a number one seed in the Midwest Region, and they have been unstoppable so far in March. The Jayhawks blew out the Villanova Wildcats in the semifinals for their most impressive win during this run.
The Kansas Jayhawks are four-point betting favorites over the North Carolina Tar Heels in the national championship game.
The Kansas Jayhawks made 13 three-point shots in their win over Villanova, and they always seemed to make them when they needed a big shot. All-American Ochai Agbaji led the barrage with six made three-point shots, and Kansas is impossible to beat when they shoot it well.
Kansas also has a number of interior scoring threats, and they will challenge the Tar Heels in the paint. David McCormack had 25 points on Saturday night, and the Jayhawks just have so many weapons on offense.
The Jayhawks are holding teams to under 60 points per game in March, and they have enough length to give the Tar Heels some trouble as well. There is a reason that Kansas has lost just six games all season long.
North Carolina has been terrific on offense during the NCAA Tournament, but they have also really struggled to get stops. The Tar Heels gave up 77 points in the semifinals, and they will have to guard the arc in this one.
Caleb Love poured in 28 points in the win over Duke on Saturday, and Brady Manek has been clutch during this run as well. The Tar Heels are averaging right around 80 points per game, and they will want to play fast.
The Tar Heels are not a very deep team as they got just two points from their bench on Saturday. North Carolina will need someone else to step up if they want to upset the Jayhawks.
If you are a fan of points, then this will be the perfect title game for you. Both the Tar Heels and Jayhawks will be looking for early offense in this game, and there are plenty of elite athletes on the floor.
The team that plays the best defense should take control of this game, and that is where the Jayhawks have a clear advantage. Kansas has been able to shut down some great offenses during this run, and they will find a way to do the same against North Carolina.
It’s been a tremendous run for the North Carolina Tar Heels, but it’s coming to an end on Monday night. Bet the Kansas Jayhawks -4.0 as they take control of this game and cruise to a comfortable win in the NCAA Championship Game.
North Carolina (-110) UNDER 74.5 Points
Kansas is allowing 68.6 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 168 in the nation, while holding teams to 29.7 percent from 3-pt range, which ranks No. 2. Scores have gone UNDER in seven of the Jayhawks’ last 10 games versus a team with a winning percentage over .600.
With Dunkel predicting a Kansas victory by the score of 75-67, take the Tar Heels (-110) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 74.5 points against the Jayhawks.
North Carolina (-110) UNDER 74.5 Points
Kansas is allowing 68.6 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 168 in the nation, while holding teams to 29.7 percent from 3-pt range, which ranks No. 2. Scores have gone UNDER in seven of the Jayhawks’ last 10 games versus a team with a winning percentage over .600.
With Dunkel predicting a Kansas victory by the score of 75-67, take the Tar Heels (-110) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 74.5 points against the Jayhawks.
The over is 5-1 in the Tar Heels’ last six neutral site games as an underdog, is 4-1 in their last five NCAA Tournament games as an underdog and is 6-2 in their last eight games as an underdog overall. The over is also 5-2 in UNC’s last seven NCAA Tournament games, is 17-8-1 in the Tar Heels’ last 26 games overall and is 6-2 in the Jayhawks’ last eight games following an ATS win. N.Car /Kansas OV 152 /By A.Rome
The over is 5-1 in the Tar Heels’ last six neutral site games as an underdog, is 4-1 in their last five NCAA Tournament games as an underdog and is 6-2 in their last eight games as an underdog overall. The over is also 5-2 in UNC’s last seven NCAA Tournament games, is 17-8-1 in the Tar Heels’ last 26 games overall and is 6-2 in the Jayhawks’ last eight games following an ATS win. N.Car /Kansas OV 152 /By A.Rome
The Tar Heels are a perfect 5-0 against the spread in their last five games overall, are 5-0 against the number in their last five games as an underdog and are 12-3-1 at the betting window in their last 16 games when facing an opponent with a winning record. UNC is also 4-0 against the spread in its last four games coming off a win, is 5-0 against the number in its last five games versus an opponent with a winning percentage above .600 and has covered in six of its last eight games played on a Monday. N.Car +4 /A.Rome
The Tar Heels are a perfect 5-0 against the spread in their last five games overall, are 5-0 against the number in their last five games as an underdog and are 12-3-1 at the betting window in their last 16 games when facing an opponent with a winning record. UNC is also 4-0 against the spread in its last four games coming off a win, is 5-0 against the number in its last five games versus an opponent with a winning percentage above .600 and has covered in six of its last eight games played on a Monday. N.Car +4 /A.Rome
The biggest news for the Tar Heels heading into Monday's game is the ankle health of superstar and double-double machine Armando Bacot. He suffered a sprained right ankle against Duke, but X-rays after the game were negative. Bacot had a ridiculous 21 rebounds with 11 points and a blocked shot against the Blue Devils. Leaky Black also pulled down nine rebounds, while RJ Davis had seven boards. In all, UNC grabbed 48 rebounds in the Final Four win.
Head coach Hubert Davis said Sunday that the big man was walking around and feeling good, and that he and the medical staff were encouraged by the lack of swelling around the injured area. Still, it's a huge concern for UNC backers heading into Monday. And, if he plays, and plays to the best of his abilities, it still won't/shouldn't matter.
Kansas had a 35-29 rebounding advantage against Villanova, and will have to up its game on the glass if Bacot is able to play. Jalen Wilson had 11 points, 12 rebounds and a blocked shot, and he'll likely be tasked with trying to outduel Bacot, as well as the inconsistent David McCormack. The latter had a tremendous game against 'Nova, going for 25 points, nine rebounds and a 10-for-12 shooting night.
Head coach Bill Self would love to see more of that, and less of the combined 4-of-13 shooting effort McCormack had against Creighton and Providence in the earlier rounds. The nine boards were his most since the Big 12 title game against Texas Tech. The good news is McCormack seems to shine the most when the lights are brightest. Remy Martin has also been a beast in the postseason, stepping up with 12.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 3.0 APG in eight postseason games while hitting 49.3% from the field.
The biggest news for the Tar Heels heading into Monday's game is the ankle health of superstar and double-double machine Armando Bacot. He suffered a sprained right ankle against Duke, but X-rays after the game were negative. Bacot had a ridiculous 21 rebounds with 11 points and a blocked shot against the Blue Devils. Leaky Black also pulled down nine rebounds, while RJ Davis had seven boards. In all, UNC grabbed 48 rebounds in the Final Four win.
Head coach Hubert Davis said Sunday that the big man was walking around and feeling good, and that he and the medical staff were encouraged by the lack of swelling around the injured area. Still, it's a huge concern for UNC backers heading into Monday. And, if he plays, and plays to the best of his abilities, it still won't/shouldn't matter.
Kansas had a 35-29 rebounding advantage against Villanova, and will have to up its game on the glass if Bacot is able to play. Jalen Wilson had 11 points, 12 rebounds and a blocked shot, and he'll likely be tasked with trying to outduel Bacot, as well as the inconsistent David McCormack. The latter had a tremendous game against 'Nova, going for 25 points, nine rebounds and a 10-for-12 shooting night.
Head coach Bill Self would love to see more of that, and less of the combined 4-of-13 shooting effort McCormack had against Creighton and Providence in the earlier rounds. The nine boards were his most since the Big 12 title game against Texas Tech. The good news is McCormack seems to shine the most when the lights are brightest. Remy Martin has also been a beast in the postseason, stepping up with 12.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 3.0 APG in eight postseason games while hitting 49.3% from the field.
These teams last met on March 24, 2013, so it's been a spell. In a second-round NCAA Tournament game, with UNC as an eight-seed, and Kansas as a one-seed, the Tar Heels actually led 30-21 at halftime. Kansas went on a 14-5 run to tie the game in the first five minutes of the second half, before pulling away for a 70-58 win. The result will be eerily familiar for the Tar Heels here, with a lot more offense.
Look for the Jayhawks to pull away in the second half similar to that '13 game vs. UNC, and the Miami game in the Elite Eight, before inching the total across the finish line for OVER bettors late. Kansas and its fans will celebrate to "One Shining Moment" with a convincing win and cover. Kansas 84-71/ Best Kansas-4/Kansas ML -179/ OV 152/D.Dobish
These teams last met on March 24, 2013, so it's been a spell. In a second-round NCAA Tournament game, with UNC as an eight-seed, and Kansas as a one-seed, the Tar Heels actually led 30-21 at halftime. Kansas went on a 14-5 run to tie the game in the first five minutes of the second half, before pulling away for a 70-58 win. The result will be eerily familiar for the Tar Heels here, with a lot more offense.
Look for the Jayhawks to pull away in the second half similar to that '13 game vs. UNC, and the Miami game in the Elite Eight, before inching the total across the finish line for OVER bettors late. Kansas and its fans will celebrate to "One Shining Moment" with a convincing win and cover. Kansas 84-71/ Best Kansas-4/Kansas ML -179/ OV 152/D.Dobish
The Kansas Jayhawks will battle with the North Carolina Tar Heels for the college basketball title. UNC upset arch-rival Duke in the Final Four, while the Jayhawks routed Villanova in the game before.
Kansas has the edge in Rim & 3 Rate, per ShotQuality. This metric measures efficiency of shots, and while UNC has played better lately, it ranks 121st on offense, while KU ranks 31st on defense. Expect a limited number of efficient shots for the Tar Heels.
In addition, Kansas should have the edge on inside shots. On the season, it has manufactured 54.6% of its points inside the perimeter, per KenPom. UNC allows teams to shoot 47.6% on the season, ranking 87th in the country.
Expect David McCormack to match up well with Armando Bacot in this fashion, especially if Bacot is a bit hobbled from his ankle injury against Duke.
Now, the issue that Kansas might confront is its tendency to allow open 3s. UNC, however, ranks 312th in Open-3 Rate, and even though it has shot well in the tournament, this is not encouraging. If the Heels can’t exploit the Jayhawks’ one major issue on defense, they may be sunk.
Since Kansas limits teams to around 30% from deep and can guard the interior, it would be shocking for UNC to find many holes on the offensive end. The Jayhawks should win the title, as long as they continue to play as they have.
Kansas -4 to -5 /By D.J. James
The Kansas Jayhawks will battle with the North Carolina Tar Heels for the college basketball title. UNC upset arch-rival Duke in the Final Four, while the Jayhawks routed Villanova in the game before.
Kansas has the edge in Rim & 3 Rate, per ShotQuality. This metric measures efficiency of shots, and while UNC has played better lately, it ranks 121st on offense, while KU ranks 31st on defense. Expect a limited number of efficient shots for the Tar Heels.
In addition, Kansas should have the edge on inside shots. On the season, it has manufactured 54.6% of its points inside the perimeter, per KenPom. UNC allows teams to shoot 47.6% on the season, ranking 87th in the country.
Expect David McCormack to match up well with Armando Bacot in this fashion, especially if Bacot is a bit hobbled from his ankle injury against Duke.
Now, the issue that Kansas might confront is its tendency to allow open 3s. UNC, however, ranks 312th in Open-3 Rate, and even though it has shot well in the tournament, this is not encouraging. If the Heels can’t exploit the Jayhawks’ one major issue on defense, they may be sunk.
Since Kansas limits teams to around 30% from deep and can guard the interior, it would be shocking for UNC to find many holes on the offensive end. The Jayhawks should win the title, as long as they continue to play as they have.
Kansas -4 to -5 /By D.J. James
North Carolina (29-9) ranked #16 by KenPom
— Tempo: #40
— Experience: #215
— Continuity: #99
— North Carolina won 17 of its last 20 games.
— Tar Heels shoot 36.2% on arc (#50)
— North Carolina is #2 team in country on defensive boards.
— Tar Heels are 12-3 this season outside the ACC.
— North Carolina’s schedule, to this point: #23
— bench minutes: #346
— UNC’s bench played total of only 13:00 in Saturday’s game
— Quick turnaround for Tar Heels after beating their arch-rival Saturday
— Kansas (33-6) ranked #3 by KenPom
— Tempo: #65
— Experience: #128
— Continuity: #45
— Kansas won its last ten games.
— Jayhawks are shooting 53.8% inside arc (#38)
— Kansas has #26 eFG% defense.
— Jayhawks are 16-2 outside Big X this season
— Kansas schedule, to this point: #3
— bench minutes: #300
— Kansas had stress-free game over shorthanded Villanova Saturday
North Carolina (29-9) ranked #16 by KenPom
— Tempo: #40
— Experience: #215
— Continuity: #99
— North Carolina won 17 of its last 20 games.
— Tar Heels shoot 36.2% on arc (#50)
— North Carolina is #2 team in country on defensive boards.
— Tar Heels are 12-3 this season outside the ACC.
— North Carolina’s schedule, to this point: #23
— bench minutes: #346
— UNC’s bench played total of only 13:00 in Saturday’s game
— Quick turnaround for Tar Heels after beating their arch-rival Saturday
— Kansas (33-6) ranked #3 by KenPom
— Tempo: #65
— Experience: #128
— Continuity: #45
— Kansas won its last ten games.
— Jayhawks are shooting 53.8% inside arc (#38)
— Kansas has #26 eFG% defense.
— Jayhawks are 16-2 outside Big X this season
— Kansas schedule, to this point: #3
— bench minutes: #300
— Kansas had stress-free game over shorthanded Villanova Saturday
Previous #8-seeds to make the championship game:
2014— #8-seed Kentucky lost 60-54 to #7-seed UConn
2011— #8-seed Butler lost 83-41 to #3-seed UConn.
UConn is lowest seed to win a national title; Kansas was a #6-seed when they won the ’88 national title, beating conference rival Oklahoma in the final.
Previous #8-seeds to make the championship game:
2014— #8-seed Kentucky lost 60-54 to #7-seed UConn
2011— #8-seed Butler lost 83-41 to #3-seed UConn.
UConn is lowest seed to win a national title; Kansas was a #6-seed when they won the ’88 national title, beating conference rival Oklahoma in the final.
Kansas ML -180
OVER 153 NC/KU
Over is 5-1 in Tar Heels last 6 neutral site games as an underdog.
Over is 4-1 in Tar Heels last 5 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog.
Over is 6-2 in Tar Heels last 8 games as an underdog.
Over is 5-2 in Tar Heels last 7 NCAA Tournament games.
Over is 17-8-1 in Tar Heels last 26 overall.
Over is 6-1-1 in Jayhawks last 8 Monday games.
Over is 6-2 in Jayhawks last 8 games following a ATS win. By AWR1051
Kansas ML -180
OVER 153 NC/KU
Over is 5-1 in Tar Heels last 6 neutral site games as an underdog.
Over is 4-1 in Tar Heels last 5 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog.
Over is 6-2 in Tar Heels last 8 games as an underdog.
Over is 5-2 in Tar Heels last 7 NCAA Tournament games.
Over is 17-8-1 in Tar Heels last 26 overall.
Over is 6-1-1 in Jayhawks last 8 Monday games.
Over is 6-2 in Jayhawks last 8 games following a ATS win. By AWR1051
North Carolina is a fast team that tends to work advantages against teams that play in a slower lane. While that perhaps benefited UNC against moderately-paced Duke in the Final Four, that’s not the matchup here.
Kansas, which plays at a pace near that of the North Carolina, has really ramped up its defense — a plenty-good defense to begin with — in the tournament. The Jayhawks have the big veteran bodies to hang with UNC inside, and veteran Kansas coach Bill Self is no stranger to coaching in big games.
The Jayhawks have done well to display an uptick in forced turnovers and avoiding opponents’ free throws of late. Those factors loom large in perhaps getting this game to the finish line with a 5-to-7-point cushion. I peg KU as a near-70% proposition for the straight win.
TAKE KANSAS (-190). By S.Snow
North Carolina is a fast team that tends to work advantages against teams that play in a slower lane. While that perhaps benefited UNC against moderately-paced Duke in the Final Four, that’s not the matchup here.
Kansas, which plays at a pace near that of the North Carolina, has really ramped up its defense — a plenty-good defense to begin with — in the tournament. The Jayhawks have the big veteran bodies to hang with UNC inside, and veteran Kansas coach Bill Self is no stranger to coaching in big games.
The Jayhawks have done well to display an uptick in forced turnovers and avoiding opponents’ free throws of late. Those factors loom large in perhaps getting this game to the finish line with a 5-to-7-point cushion. I peg KU as a near-70% proposition for the straight win.
TAKE KANSAS (-190). By S.Snow
UNC is perhaps overcooked in the fatigue department after Saturday’s emotional triumph over rival Duke. The Tar Heels’ surge has them also being overcooked a bit in the eyes of the betting public.
Consider some partial-unit action in a mix with the above: TAKE KANSAS -4.5 (-105).
PASS on a well-made number for a game featuring two up-tempo squads. By S.Snow
UNC is perhaps overcooked in the fatigue department after Saturday’s emotional triumph over rival Duke. The Tar Heels’ surge has them also being overcooked a bit in the eyes of the betting public.
Consider some partial-unit action in a mix with the above: TAKE KANSAS -4.5 (-105).
PASS on a well-made number for a game featuring two up-tempo squads. By S.Snow
While it is a moment I will never forget, that is now in the rearview mirror. Our focus is now on the National Championship, as the red-hot Tar Heels will face the dominant Kansas Jayhawks after Bill Self’s unit dismantled Villanova.
After collecting myself and my thoughts from the aftermath of Duke/UNC while roaming Bourbon Street yelling “TAR HEELS,” I am now once again backing UNC.
Listen, Kansas’ win was as impressive as it gets. At one point, the Jayhawks were shooting 66.7% from 3 and the field. It felt like they were never going to miss, as they tore apart Nova’s vaunted perimeter defense.
It worries me that they now get the same opportunity against an inferior defense, but then it hit me: Kansas’ perimeter defense is atrocious, especially in the half-court.
Ranking 200+ in various perimeter defensive metrics, North Carolina will have just as equal of opportunity to knock down shots from deep, and it has more consistent shooters.
Better yet, Armando Bacot looks like he will play despite an injury suffered vs. Duke. If Bacot helps create second-chance opportunities with his rebounds and commands attention down low, that will open up UNC’s offense even more.
Asking UNC to slow the pace is something I never thought I would say, but the path to beat Kansas is there. Even if this game turns into a track meet — as expected — these are two of the most efficient transition offenses and will be able to go blow-for-blow with each other.
This number on the look ahead a week ago was +3 on FanDuel, and I believe this is an overreaction to what we witnessed in the Final Four.
You can be safe and take UNC with the points, but I will be backing it on the moneyline. I truly believe the Heels have a better shot at winning outright than what is being implied.N.Car ML +158 / By K.Malstrom
While it is a moment I will never forget, that is now in the rearview mirror. Our focus is now on the National Championship, as the red-hot Tar Heels will face the dominant Kansas Jayhawks after Bill Self’s unit dismantled Villanova.
After collecting myself and my thoughts from the aftermath of Duke/UNC while roaming Bourbon Street yelling “TAR HEELS,” I am now once again backing UNC.
Listen, Kansas’ win was as impressive as it gets. At one point, the Jayhawks were shooting 66.7% from 3 and the field. It felt like they were never going to miss, as they tore apart Nova’s vaunted perimeter defense.
It worries me that they now get the same opportunity against an inferior defense, but then it hit me: Kansas’ perimeter defense is atrocious, especially in the half-court.
Ranking 200+ in various perimeter defensive metrics, North Carolina will have just as equal of opportunity to knock down shots from deep, and it has more consistent shooters.
Better yet, Armando Bacot looks like he will play despite an injury suffered vs. Duke. If Bacot helps create second-chance opportunities with his rebounds and commands attention down low, that will open up UNC’s offense even more.
Asking UNC to slow the pace is something I never thought I would say, but the path to beat Kansas is there. Even if this game turns into a track meet — as expected — these are two of the most efficient transition offenses and will be able to go blow-for-blow with each other.
This number on the look ahead a week ago was +3 on FanDuel, and I believe this is an overreaction to what we witnessed in the Final Four.
You can be safe and take UNC with the points, but I will be backing it on the moneyline. I truly believe the Heels have a better shot at winning outright than what is being implied.N.Car ML +158 / By K.Malstrom
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