The UConn Huskies, holding the 4th seed and boasting a record of 29-8 (13-7 Big East), the Miami Hurricanes, seeded 5th with a 29-7 record (15-5 ACC), the San Diego State Aztecs also seeded 5th with a 31-6 record (15-3 Mountain West), and the Florida Atlantic Owls, seeded 9th with a remarkable 35-3 record (18-2, Conference USA), are all in contention for the NCAA National Championship this weekend.
For the first time since 2011, no number 1 seed will make a Final Four Appearance. It marks the first-ever Final Four Appearances for the Aztecs, Hurricanes, and Owls. Despite UConn being the top choice, any of these four teams could spring a surprise. If you seek the prime betting odds for the Final Four, crucial information awaits:
UConn Huskies: -125 (Leading favorites according to online betting sites)
Miami Hurricanes: +450
San Diego State Aztecs: +400
Florida Atlantic Owls: +650
UConn Huskies: +2500
Miami Hurricanes: +7500
San Diego State Aztecs: +10000
Florida Atlantic Owls: +13000
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
The last time the Connecticut Huskies reached the final four was in 2014 when they triumphed in the NCAA National Championship against Kentucky. Connecticut has made 36 tournament appearances, secured 6 Final Fours, and clinched 4 Championships. Starting the tournament at +2500, they impressed with a resounding victory against The Gonzaga Bulldogs, 82-54. UConn has covered the spread and the money line in all four games of the NCAA Tournament. UConn effectively held Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga to under 56 points each, hitting the under in those games.
Pros
The UConn Huskies rank 7th in the nation in rebounds per game, totaling 29.9 per game. Led by Forward Adama Sanogo, Connecticut excels as a defensive unit. The Huskies restricted Gonzaga to 54 points, a team that ranked 1st in points scored. Additionally, they limited Saint Mary’s to 55 points and are maintaining an average of 59.3 opponents’ points per game in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Sanogo is an exceptional glass cleaner, displaying relentless prowess on both ends of the court. This team is multifaceted, ranking 7th in the nation with an offensive rating of 116.7. UConn is a dominant force in the second half.
Cons
The UConn Huskies display frequent turnovers, with 48 turnovers in the NCAA Tournament. Dan Hurley and the Huskies need to find ways to minimize turnovers and reduce opponents’ free throw opportunities. UConn ranks 317th in the league, conceding an average of 15 points per game from free throws.
Miami Hurricanes
This marks the Miami Hurricanes’ maiden trip to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. Starting the NCAA Tournament at +7500, they registered an 88-81 victory over Texas. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jim Larranaga, the Hurricanes have covered the spread and money line in all four games of the NCAA Tournament. Moreover, three of their last four games have surpassed the Over. The Hurricanes are averaging 81.3 points per game and exhibit exceptional efficiency on the offensive end.
Pros
The Miami Hurricanes rank 21st in the nation in points per game, amassing 79.6. This is a team capable of efficient scoring from any position on the court. Miami ranks 42nd in three-point percentage, standing at 36.9. Spearheaded by Guards Isaiah Wong, Jordan Miller, Nijel Pack, and Norchad Omier, the Hurricanes are positioned 14th in field goal percentage, boasting 48.4. Miami showcases a remarkable 78 percent free throw success rate, ranking in the top 12 in the Nation. This team demonstrates adeptness in three-point shooting, inside attacks, and versatile scoring techniques. The upcoming matchup against the Huskies’ defense is eagerly anticipated. Notably, this team defeated #1 seed Houston and #2 seed Texas.
Cons
While Miami is an offensive powerhouse, their defensive capabilities fall short in comparison to teams like UConn and San Diego State. They have conceded an average of 70.3 points per game to opponents in the NCAA Tournament, positioning them at 236th in the Nation for points allowed (71.9). It is essential to note that statistics can be deceptive. The Hurricanes displayed strong defensive performances against Drake, limiting the Bulldogs to 29.2 percent shooting from three-point range. Furthermore, Miami restricted Indiana to 69 points and recorded 32 percent three-point shooting and 41.3 percent field goal success.
San Diego State Aztecs
This signals the San Diego State Aztecs’ inaugural entry into the NCAA Tournament Final Four. Despite being the first trip, San Diego State faced early exits in the last two NCAA Tournaments. Commencing the NCAA Tournament at +10000, they emerged triumphant against Creighton with a score of 57-56. Additionally, the Aztecs have successfully covered the spread and money line in all four games of the NCAA Tournament.
Pros
San Diego is a 5th seed that potentially went unnoticed in this tournament. The Aztecs rank 25th in the nation, conceding an average of 62.9 points per game. They exhibit physical toughness and have limited opponents to an average of 57.3 points per game in this year’s March Madness Tournament. Furthermore, they restricted Creighton, an outstanding offensive team, to 63 points per game, and Alabama to 64 points per game. It is noteworthy that this Aztecs team vanquished the #1 seed Alabama, regarded as one of the favorites to win this year’s NCAA Tournament. San Diego State has consecutively hit the under in their last 10 games.
Cons
Despite possessing a formidable defense, the Aztecs stand positioned at 183rd in points per game, with a figure of 71.5, and 153rd in three-point shooting at 34.7 percent. Guard Matt Bradley is the sole player averaging double digits in points, and the team’s field goal success rate stands at 44.1 percent. Their rebounding ranks 86th in the Nation, placing substantial reliance on their defensive prowess.
Florida Atlantic Owls
The Florida Atlantic Owls set foot in the NCAA Tournament Final Four for the very first time. Their sole NCAA Tournament appearance occurred in the 2001-2002 season, where they were eliminated in the opening round. Commencing the tournament with a March Madness betting line of +13000, they achieved an exhilarating win against Kansas State, securing a 79-76 victory. Additionally, the Owls covered the spread in three of their four Tournament games and clinched the money line in all four. Notably, FAU defeated one of the top defensive teams, Tennessee, with a scoreline of 62-55 in the Sweet 16.
Pros
Do not be deceived by the 9th seed status. FAU has demonstrated their worthiness of featuring in the Final Four. This team exhibits exceptional prowess, predominantly from an offensive perspective. The Owls rank 37th in the nation in points per game, accumulating 78. Furthermore, they exhibit adept passing abilities, especially with incisive cuts. Although not the leading team from beyond the arc, they display accuracy in crucial moments of three-point shooting. In terms of defense, FAU positions 45th in the nation for opponents’ points per game (65.1) and ranks 18th in opponent field goal percentage (40.2 percent).
Cons
FAU presents itself as a formidable contender, displaying a well-balanced approach on both ends of the court. Despite securing a point differential of +12.8, their largest point differentials were in closely contested matches such as a mere 8 points against Fairleigh Dickinson. Both triumphs against Memphis and Kansas State were won by a margin of fewer than 5 points.
