NCAA Champion Futures: Best Bets (2022 March Madness)

Mar 24, 2022 - 6:00 AM

Just 16 teams remain, and there are definitely a couple of surprises, but that’s what makes this tournament incredible to watch. What we want to know is will some of these Cinderellas keep the glass slippers on a little longer and cut down the final net? There is one double-digit team we believe that could go all the way, and here are the other best remaining teams to win National Championship.

Gonzaga

Gonzaga was in unfamiliar territory in the second round against Memphis — they trailed at halftime for just the fourth time this year. How they responded will make you believe this year could finally be the year. Drew Timme scored 21 of his 25 points to rally the Bulldogs to an 82-78 win. The top offense in the country has the talent and experience to cut down that final net, with all five starters averaging over 11 points per game. The Zags lead the nation in almost every offensive category and can score from anywhere on the floor.

Current Odds: +220

Kansas

Is Remy Martin getting hot at the right time going to help the Jayhawks make it? The Arizona State transfer was one of the hottest players going into the portal last year, but at 8.1 points per game, that’s less than half of what he averaged with the Sun Devils. He’s been a big contributor coming off the bench, including a 20 point performance against Creighton. He’s been very good at distributing the ball all year, and now if he can be a scoring contributor and be the X-factor to push the already outstanding offensive team.

Current Odds: +425

Houston

They came into the tournament hot with dominating wins in their conference, but many wondered if they’d be able to come through against the power teams on the big stage — beating Illinois, the Big Ten regular-season champs should help. The Cougars excel in every facet of the game — excellent perimeter shooting, power on the boards, and pressing defense. Going against Arizona is undoubtedly going to be a challenge, but we saw the Wildcats play a tough game against TCU with a talented defense, and not only is Houston is better defense but the offense.

Current Odds: +900

Villanova

It’s hard to argue against Wildcats having one of the best starting five in the tournament. The lack of depth on the bench has been pointed before, and down the stretch against Ohio State, that almost cost them an exit. Up just two points with a little over five minutes remaining, they’d finish with an 11-3 run. This team has great shooting from outside with Collin Gillespie, Justin Moore, Caleb Daniels, Eric Dixon all able to hit the three when needed, but the only trouble they could run into is against they plays physical and can rebound. If they continue to hit their shots, they can make a run.

Current Odds: +1400

UCLA

The Bruins’ offense was hot against a Saint Mary’s team some thought could pull off an upset. Four of their five starters scored 14 or more points against a Saint Mary team that held Gonzaga in check a few weeks ago. The core of this team is the same that made the amazing run to the Final Four last year, and they are playing like they want to get there again. Just like a Villanova, they are a team that relies on their outside shooting and can’t match up on the boards. They need to continue to stay hot if they want to go all the way.

Current Odds: +1400

Michigan

The Wolverines are a good team and clearly much better than their 11th seed. The hype is real as they took down one of the hottest teams coming into the tournament that many believe we’re a Final Four favorite in Tennessee. They’ve shot 52% in the first two games, and they were able to hit shots against an outstanding Volunteers defense that was 33rd in opponents effective field goal percentage, so going against 66th Villanova doesn’t scare them. This is a dark horse team that could have a big payout.

Current Odds: +6000

Win $200 if Either Team Hits a Three-Pointer >>

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