So, who does Vegas think is the favorite among the Final Four?



… this may not be a conventional finish 

This year's Final Four may be the most interesting in recent history … or perhaps not. Only one of the four has been a traditional favorite, the North Carolina Tar Heels. Because of their background and success, you would think that conventional wisdom would have them as the favorites this year.

And you would be right, though I think that Vegas may be shaking a little at the thought of this Four.

Vegas has established the Tar Heels as the favorites, according to Odds Shark. In addition, remember that the Tar Heels were in the title game last year only to be nailed by Villanova, 77-74, on a buzzer-beater trey.

Here is the list that they have established as favorites:

North Carolina +140

Gonzaga +180

Oregon +550

South Carolina +750

So, according to this, the championship game should pit the the Tar Heels against the Zags. According to Sporting News, Gonzaga entered the tournament with a +1000 rating, so they have moved up considerably.

However, selling out the other two teams may be premature. Gonzaga and South Carolina have never been to the Final Four, which makes things exciting for each. However, Oregon has been there only once, 1939, so that is also exciting.

Nevertheless, despite those odds, both Oregon and South Carolina have good basketball teams and have been playing very well. Upsets in the semifinals would not be surprising.

Here are the point spreads right now:

Gonzaga (-6.5, 138) vs. South Carolina, 6:09 on Saturday

North Carolina (-5, 152) vs. Oregon, 8:49.

They are the conventional picks, but do not be surprised if there was an upset or two on Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

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