There are 2 #1 seed teams left in Villanova and Kansas. #3 Michigan made it past Florida State in the Elite Eight and #11 Loyola is seeking to become the first double-digit seed in the championship. Which of these teams stands the best chance of winning it all?
If you look at most United States online gambling sources, the Villanova Wildcats are favored to win the whole thing. They were picked to win it all in many different brackets. At the very least, they were slotted as a Final Four team. The Wildcats have blown through the competition on their way to yet another semifinal spot. They face Kansas, which will be their toughest opponent of the tournament by far. Both of these teams are ranked within the top 5 offenses in the country. Both teams are known to spread the floor with their over 40% successful 3-point shooting. For Nova, a team with multiple players scoring double-digit points and putting up high numbers of rebounds each game, they need to focus on keeping Kansas out of their game.
The Jayhawks are a fast-paced team. They also like to shoot the ball a lot as opposed to driving in. These 2 teams have the potential to go on a considerable run if their shooters get hot. But, things can go south quickly if the shooting rhythm gets off. The Jayhawks have a powerful paint presence duo in Udoka Azubuike and Silvio DeSousa, which could pose problems for the Wildcats. They also have an elite player in Malik Newman, who scored 32 points in the Elite Eight round against Duke. That game went to overtime and saw the Jayhawks fight off a comeback run. They showed they can pull off the upset against Nova.
The Loyola-Michigan game should be interesting for the storylines alone. Loyola is on a glory run and looking to set their place in history with a championship berth. They defeated Miami, Tennessee, Nevada and Kansas State to get here. The first 3 games all ended in dramatic fashion with a late go-ahead shot. The last game against Kansas State showcased their ability to close out a game when leading. Loyola is a well-oiled machine on a warpath to a national title. They may lack big-name stars, but have a cohesive unit that trusts each other in clutch situations. They are considered the underdogs again, but that hasn’t stopped them at any point so far.
Michigan is a dangerous team if they get going offensively. They’ve won in impressive fashion in several rounds this year. Their most recent game was a close fight against the Seminoles, but the Wolverines were able to stave off a late comeback. Michigan is on a 13-game winning streak and has momentum, though Loyola has momentum of their own with their 14-game winning streak. Michigan must keep their composure if Loyola does go on a run. They have the talent to get themselves out of any situation and could finally end the Ramblers’ miracle postseason.
Most online sports betting sites predict a Villanova-Michigan championship game. However, the 2 underdogs pose actual threats. They are no pushover teams. Both point spreads are set at 5 apiece, meaning each game should be close. Don’t expect any major blowouts this round.