The March Madness betting tournament is picking up speed and soon enough sportsbook players will have to be wagering on this year’s title match. Although the championship match will herald the end of the season, but it will also offer one of the largest betting opportunities of the year.
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Few can forget the buzzer beater we witnessed in last year’s title match. However, since Villanova has already been eliminated from this year’s tournament, the duty of providing a dramatic ending will fall onto other March Madness betting household names. Perhaps the likes of UCLA or Kentucky?
UCLA vs. Kentucky – Friday, March 24
When: 9:39 pm ET
Where: FedEx Forum
TV: CBS, NCAA Live Stream
NCAA Basketball Tournament Line:
UCLA Bruins PK (-110) 165 ½ (-110)
Kentucky Wildcats PK (-110) 165 ½ (-110)
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins turned in a 31-4 record this season, a vast improvement from last year’s 15-17 record. UCLA also posted a 15-3 record in Pac-12 play that gave way to a 3rd place finish in the conference. The Bruins were able to advance to the semifinals in the Pac-12 Tournament where they were defeated by Arizona 75-86.
In the NCAA Tournament, the Bruins first faced off against Kent State, and deftly handed the Golden Flashes a 97-80 loss. In the second round of the tournament, UCLA faced Cincinnati and overcame the Bearcats without a problem 79-67. However, neither of those teams can compare to Kentucky and UCLA will certainly have to rise to the occasion this Friday.
In order to overcome the Wildcats the Bruins will need a solid performance from TJ Leaf. Leaf is leading UCLA in points with his average of 16.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per contest. Second in points for the Bruins is Bryce Alford who is draining 15.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest.
Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats ride into Friday’s matchup sporting a 31-5 record (16-2 SEC) that gave way to a first place finish in the conference. In the SEC Tournament, Kentucky was able to prove that they were worthy of a 1st place finish in the conference by overcoming Georgia and Alabama to get to the championship match, where the Wildcats quickly disposed of Arkansas 82-65.
In the opening round of this year’s March Madness betting tournament, the Wildcats faced off against Northern Kentucky and handed the Norse a 79-70 loss. In the second round, Kentucky faced off against Wichita State, and the Shockers nearly shocked Kentucky by upsetting the Wildcats. However, solid defending in the closing seconds of the game assured a Kentucky victory.
The Wildcats will turn to Malik Monk to lead them over UCLA. Monk is currently averaging 20.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest. Second in points for Kentucky is De’Aaron Fox who is netting the team 16.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per matchup.
