Vegas Odds Ncaa Tournament Final Four
Past Champions & Their Chances of Winning the Final Four. The table below lists the championship team for each season. The preseason column shows each team’s preseason chances to win the tournament. Since the 2007 tournament, the Connecticut Huskies have the two biggest upsets in terms of overcoming their preseason odds. Want college basketball odds? We have NCAA basketball lines for 08 March, 2021. Compare the best NCAA basketball odds & college basketball lines.
Final Four 2021 Predictions and Picks
The 2021 Final Four will start in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, April 3 and will conclude with the NCAA College Basketball National Championship Game on Monday, April 5. The Final Four will be made up of the winners of the South, East, West, and Midwest regions of the NCAA Tournament, which begins play on March 18, 2021.
So who will cut down the nets and be crowned college basketball’s champion for 2021? Here’s our early prediction of which teams look like they could win the Final Four this April from Indiana.
Also, be sure to see the latest odds on who will March Madness and get NCAA Tournament picks from our expert handicappers.
VegasInsider.com Thom Cunningham
'2021 March Madness will be unique, but very Chalky!'
Final Four and Championship Predictions
Gonzaga
The Bulldogs are arguably the best team in the nation, with the most points per game and the best offensive efficiency out of 347 schools. Gonzaga has three Wooden Award caliber players in Drew Timme, Corey Kispert and NBA Draft lottery projection Jalen Suggs. The Bulldogs defense isn’t as good as the offense, but the scoring is so frequent and often that it's difficult for any team to keep pace with Gonzaga anyways.
Michigan
The Wolverines prompt one of the better selections to win March Madness this season. They are elite enough to be considered with both Gonzaga and Baylor, while almost nobody will be picking them to win. This is a key strategy in picking brackets for office pools, as you want to pick a team that no one is picking but has a realistic chance to win (think Virginia in 2019). Michigan offers that option this season, a complete and dangerous team although the Big Ten is notorious for coming up short in this event.
Baylor
Baylor offers the most intrigue for March Madness picks this season for two reasons. One, they’re not Gonzaga - who will be the most selected team to win this year’s event. Also, the Bears have the best offensive-to-defensive efficiency ratio among top teams this season. This is an important trait to carry into March Madness, for obvious reasons. Jared Butler, MaCio Teague and Davion Mitchell can counter the three-headed monster for Gonzaga, as the Bears play better defense and just as good of offense as the Bulldogs.
Alabama
Many saw what Nate Oats was able to pull off with Buffalo the last few years, as Alabama should be no different. This is one of the most electrifying offenses in all of college basketball, attempting three-pointers on a regular basis. John Petty, Jaden Shackelford and Herb Jones are a three-headed monster that is tough for any defense to slow down.
National Semifinals Expert Picks
- Gonzaga over Alabama
- Baylor over Michigan
NCAA Tourney Expert Pick: Gonzaga
Most Popular March Madness Tools
What is the Final Four Tournament?
There are few things as exciting as placing a bet on the finalists for the NCAA tournament. Final Four betting is all about making the right choices and putting money on the team with the best chances. This is an event that attracts millions of bettors with determination and drive.
During March madness betting season, everybody eyes up the Elite 8 and awaits the Final Four bracket. This is where the best of the best compete. It’s the cream of the crop. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so intense and moves so many people.
The Final Four tournament is the last set of games in the NCAA tournament. They involve the four teams remaining in their respective brackets. These compete in two games of a single-elimination tournament’s final round. The two teams that win face-off to decide first and second place. The remaining teams duke it out to place third.
Picking the Final Four
When money’s on the line, it’s important to make informed decisions. So, you need to look in every nook and cranny for little details that might give you an edge when selecting a team in the Final Four bracket. You can check previous Final Four scores, read into the NCAA bracket, and perhaps participate in Elite 8 betting as practice.
Both the players and the coaches matter. Deep dive into their backgrounds and performance over time. You can also find more information on Final Four betting through social means. You might ask friends, online forums, or explore different websites. Most importantly, though, you need to gather and analyze the information you find.
Sadly, Final Four betting isn’t a black and white business. There are many gray areas. Consider the team composition, injured players, MVPs, strengths and weaknesses, and other key factors. Also, note when to place your bets.
The further from the Final Four games you place your bet (known as March Madness betting), the more money you can make. However, betting closer to the event means you’ll have more information for your decisions. After all, the odds for each team can change drastically as the games approach. It’s a balancing act between how much money you’d like to win and how high you want your chances to be.
Final Four Schedule & Dates
Selection Sunday for the NCAA tournament will take place on the 14th of March. The First Four games will all take place on one day, which is Thursday March 18 from Indianapolis, Indiana. Afterward, other games continue from Friday March 19 through March 30.
Finally, the Final Four begins on Saturday April 3 and concludes on Monday April 5 from Indiana.
So, if you’re interested in Final Four betting, you should decide when to start placing bets as soon as possible.
Final Four Bracket
Sixty-eight teams play their hearts out to make it to the Final Four bracket. As it stands, the finalists have yet to be determined. However, you can expect some fierce competition from the usual standouts. It’s important to find the outliers and exceptional teams early on. They’re usually the teams that make it to the final games.
Final Four betting revolves around these last matches. Once all other teams have lost, they’re the remaining competitors.
How to Bet on the Final Four?
As with most popular sports, the NCAA tournament creates some serious buzz. There’s a huge fanbase that participates a bit more than the rest. They do so in the form of bets and wagers. Generally, these bettors find advice online for each NCAA bracket.
However, others gather to debate the best Final Four betting tactics and strategies before they start their March Madness betting.
There’s never a right answer until it ends and the Final Four scores conclude. However, if you want to place a few bets, there are a couple of ways to do so. To start, you should sign up at one of many online sportsbooks. The process is simple:
- Visit the sportsbook of your choice and hit “sign up” or “register”
- Fill out the registration form
- Proceed to make your first deposit
- Place your bets
Generally, bettors like to play it safe with spread and straight bets. However, you can make your Final Four betting a little more fun. Try Final Four Prop bets. They work as follows:
- Team to score first 10 points in the final game
- Total points each team
- Total Team Points - Team Two
You should also consider Elite 8 betting. It’s a great way to practice. These represent different approaches to the betting game and can turn a fun wager into something even more enjoyable.
Past Final Four Tournaments
All Final Four tournaments play out with a certain level of excitement and anticipation.
However, some matches stand out more than others. For example, in 1994, Connecticut beat Duke 77-74 when they were an extreme underdog at the time with some impressive Final Four scores. So, even when oddsmakers look down on some teams, it’s important to make decisions with some independent thought.
Other examples include Kansas and Villanova, who both won the tournaments while considered 8-point underdogs. Kentucky and Arizona also provided major upsets for bettors when they beat their rivals in nail-biting finales.
Vegas Point Spread Ncaa Tournament
Final Thoughts on Final Four for March Madness 2021
March Madness betting can feel like a bit of a mess. However, with some reading and information seeking, you’re more likely to place sensible bets. When 68 teams face-off for the big win in under one month’s time, the excitement might take you by surprise. Stay focused, and think straight.
Using an online sportsbook to place bets is probably the best choice for players across the country. It’s easy to do and accessible to most citizens. Also, remember to check the different types of wagers you can place.
There are tons of strategies you can pick, and your success rate will depend on your knowledge of the players, coaches, and past successes each team has. Experts also suggest practicing with Elite 8 betting.
Overall, the Final Four tournament is a chance to have some fun and make some money on the side. Win or lose; you’re sure to enjoy yourself with friends, family, and great food.
I have gone back in history and dug up the scores from previous Final Four & NCAA Championship games. The information you will find in the tables below stems back to 1985, which is when the NCAA Tournament was expanded to 64 teams.
I was only able to find the lines for all Final Four games dating back to 2003. I was able to find all of the lines for the NCAA Championship Game since 1985. I’ll make a couple of notes about what I have found that will hopefully help you handicap not only this year’s Final Four, but the Final Four in years to come.
Final Four Results & Vegas Point Spreads
Vegas Odds Ncaa Tournament Winner
Year | Matchup | Line | Score | SU Winner | ATS Winner |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | Virginia (1) vs. Auburn (5) | Virginia -6 | 63-62 | Virginia | Auburn +6 |
2019 | Texas Tech (3) vs. Michigan State (2) | Michigan State -2 | 61-51 | Texas Tech | Texas Tech +2 |
2018 | Villanova (1) vs. Kansas (1) | Villanova -5 | 95-79 | Villanova | Villanova -5 |
2018 | Michigan (3) vs. Loyola-Chicago (11) | Michigan -5.5 | 69-57 | Michigan | Michigan -5.5 |
2017 | Gonzaga (1) vs. South Carolina (7) | Gonzaga -6.5 | 77-73 | Gonzaga | South Carolina +6.5 |
2017 | North Carolina (1) vs. Oregon (3) | North Carolina -4.5 | 77-76 | North Carolina | Oregon +4.5 |
2016 | Villanova (2) vs. Oklahoma (2) | Villanova -2.5 | 95-51 | Villanova | Villanova -2 |
2016 | North Carolina (1) vs. Syracuse (10) | North Carolina -10 | 83-66 | North Carolina | North Carolina -10 |
2015 | Kentucky (1) vs. Wisconsin (1) | Kentucky -5 | 71-64 | Wisconsin | Wisconsin +5 |
2015 | Michigan State (7) vs. Duke (1) | Duke -5 | 81-61 | Duke | Duke -5 |
2014 | Florida (1) vs. Connecticut (7) | Florida -7 | 63-53 | Connecticut | Connecticut +7 |
2014 | Wisconsin (2) vs. Kentucky (8) | Kentucky -1 | 74-73 | Kentucky | PUSH |
2013 | Louisville (1) vs. Wichita St (9) | Louisville -9.5 | 72-68 | Louisville | Wichita St +9.5 |
2013 | Michigan (4) vs. Syracuse (4) | Michigan -1.5 | 61-56 | Michigan | Michigan -1.5 |
2012 | Kentucky (1) vs. Louisville (4) | Kentucky -8.5 | 69-61 | Kentucky | Louisville +8.5 |
2012 | Ohio State (2) vs. Kansas (2) | Ohio State -3 | 64-62 | Kansas | Kansas +3 |
2011 | Kentucky (4) vs. Connecticut (3) | Kentucky -2 | 56-55 | Connecticut | Connecticut +2 |
2011 | VCU (11) vs. Butler (8) | Butler -3.5 | 70-62 | Butler | Butler -3.5 |
2010 | Michigan St (5) vs. Butler (5) | Butler -1.5 | 52-50 | Butler | Butler -1.5 |
2010 | W. Virginia (2) vs. Duke (1) | Duke -2.5 | 78-57 | Duke | Duke -2.5 |
2009 | Michigan St. (2) vs. Connecticut (1) | Connecticut -4.5 | 82-73 | Michigan St | Michigan St +4.5 |
2009 | Villanova (3) vs. N. Carolina (1) | N. Carolina -7 | 83-69 | N. Carolina | N. Carolina -7 |
2008 | N. Carolina (1) vs. Kansas (1) | N. Carolina -2.5 | 84-66 | Kansas | Kansas +2.5 |
2008 | Memphis (1) vs. UCLA (1) | Memphis -2 | 78-63 | Memphis | Memphis -2 |
2007 | Florida (1) vs. UCLA (2) | Florida -3 | 76-66 | Florida | Florida -3 |
2007 | Georgetown (2) vs. Ohio State (1) | Georgetown -1 | 67-60 | Ohio State | Ohio State +1 |
2006 | LSU (4) vs. UCLA (2) | LSU -1.5 | 59-45 | UCLA | UCLA +1.5 |
2006 | George Mason (11) vs. Florida (3) | Florida -6 | 73-58 | Florida | Florida -6 |
2005 | Illinois (1) vs. Louisville (4) | Illinois -3 | 72-57 | Illinois | Illinois -3 |
2005 | N. Carolina (1) vs. Michigan St (5) | N. Carolina -5.5 | 87-71 | N. Carolina | N. Carolina -5.5 |
2004 | Ga Tech (3) vs. Oklahoma St (2) | Oklahoma St -4 | 67-65 | Ga Tech | Ga Tech +4 |
2004 | Duke (1) vs. Connecticut (2) | Connecticut -2 | 79-78 | Connecticut | Duke +2 |
2003 | Marquette (3) vs. Kansas (2) | Marquette -4 | 94-61 | Kansas | Kansas +4 |
2003 | Texas (1) vs. Syracuse (3) | Texas -3 | 95-84 | Syracuse | Syracuse +3 |
2002 | Indiana (5) vs. Oklahoma (2) | 73-64 | Indiana | ||
2002 | Maryland (1) vs. Kansas (1) | 97-88 | Maryland | ||
2001 | Arizona (2) vs. Michigan St (1) | 80-61 | Arizona | ||
2001 | Duke (1) vs. Maryland (3) | 95-84 | Duke | ||
2000 | Wisconsin (8) vs. Michigan St (1) | 53-41 | Michigan St | ||
2000 | Florida (5) vs. N. Carolina (8) | 71-59 | Florida | ||
1999 | Duke (1) vs. Michigan St (1) | 68-62 | Duke | ||
1999 | Ohio State (4) vs. Connecticut (1) | 64-58 | Connecticut | ||
1998 | N. Carolina (1) vs. Utah (3) | 65-59 | Utah | ||
1998 | Stanford (3) vs. Kentucky (2) | 86-85 (OT) | Kentucky | ||
1997 | Kentucky (1) vs. Minnesota (1) | 78-69 | Kentucky | ||
1997 | N. Carolina (1) vs. Arizona (4) | 66-58 | Arizona | ||
1996 | Mississippi St (5) vs. Syracuse (4) | 77-69 | Syracuse | ||
1996 | UMass (1) vs. Kentucky (1) | 81-74 | Kentucky | ||
1995 | Arkansas (2) vs. N. Carolina (2) | 75-68 | Arkansas | ||
1995 | Oklahoma St (4) vs. UCLA (1) | 74-61 | UCLA | ||
1994 | Arizona (2) vs. Arkansas (1) | 91-82 | Arkansas | ||
1994 | Florida (3) vs. Duke (2) | 70-65 | Duke | ||
1993 | Kentucky (1) vs. Michigan (1) | 81-78 (OT) | Michigan | ||
1993 | N. Carolina (1) vs. Kansas (2) | 78-68 | N. Carolina | ||
1992 | Cincinnati (4) vs. Michigan (6) | 76-72 | Michigan | ||
1992 | Duke (1) vs. Indiana (2) | 81-78 | Duke | ||
1991 | UNLV (1) vs. Duke (2) | 79-77 | Duke | ||
1991 | N. Carolina (1) vs. Kansas (3) | 79-73 | Kansas | ||
1990 | Ga Tech (4) vs. UNLV (1) | 90-81 | UNLV | ||
1990 | Duke (3) vs. Arkansas (4) | 97-83 | Duke | ||
1989 | Illinois (1) vs. Michigan (3) | 83-81 | Michigan | ||
1989 | Duke (2) vs. Seton Hall (3) | 95-78 | Seton Hall | ||
1988 | Kansas (6) vs. Duke (2) | 66-59 | Kansas | ||
1988 | Arizona (1) vs. Oklahoma (1) | 86-78 | Oklahoma | ||
1987 | UNLV (1) vs. Indiana (1) | 97-93 | Indiana | ||
1987 | Providence (6) vs. Syracuse (2) | 77-63 | Syracuse | ||
1986 | LSU (11) vs. Louisville (2) | 88-77 | Louisville | ||
1986 | Duke (1) vs. Kansas (1) | 71-67 | Duke | ||
1985 | St. John’s (1) vs. Georgetown (1) | 77-59 | Georgetown | ||
1985 | Memphis State (2) vs. Villanova (8) | 52-45 | Villanova |
NCAA Championship Game Odds & Score Results
Year | Matchup | Line | Score | SU Winner | ATS Winner |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | Virginia (1) vs. Texas Tech (3) | Virginia -2 | 85-77 | Virginia | Virginia -2 |
2018 | Villanova (1) vs. Michigan (3) | Villanova -7 | 79-62 | Villanova | Villanova -7 |
2017 | North Carolina (1) vs. Gonzaga (1) | North Carolina -1 | 71-65 | North Carolina | North Carolina -1 |
2016 | Villanova (2) vs. North Carolina (1) | North Carolina -2 | 77-74 | Villanova | Villanova +2 |
2015 | Duke (1) vs. Wisconsin (1) | Wisconsin -1 | 68-63 | Duke | Duke +1 |
2014 | Kentucky (8) vs. Connecticut (7) | Kentucky -2.5 | 60-54 | Connecticut | Connecticut +2.5 |
2013 | Michigan St (4) vs. Louisville (1) | Louisville -4 | 82-76 | Louisville | Louisville -4 |
2012 | Kansas (2) vs. Kentucky (1) | Kentucky -6.5 | 67-59 | Kentucky | Kentucky -6.5 |
2011 | Butler (8) vs. Connecticut (3) | Connecticut -3 | 53-41 | Connecticut | Connecticut -3 |
2010 | Butler (5) vs. Duke (1) | Duke -7 | 61-59 | Duke | Butler +7 |
2009 | Michigan St (2) vs. N. Carolina (1) | N. Carolina -7.5 | 89-72 | N. Carolina | N. Carolina -7.5 |
2008 | Memphis (1) vs. Kansas (1) | Memphis -2 | 75-68 (OT) | Kansas | Kansas +2 |
2007 | Ohio State (1) vs. Florida (1) | Florida -4 | 84-75 | Florida | Florida -4 |
2006 | Florida (3) vs. UCLA (2) | Florida -1 | 73-57 | Florida | Florida -1 |
2005 | Illinois (1) vs. N. Carolina (1) | N. Carolina -2 | 75-70 | N. Carolina | N. Carolina -2 |
2004 | Ga Tech (3) vs. Connecticut (2) | Connecticut -5 | 82-73 | Connecticut | Connecticut -5 |
2003 | Syracuse (3) vs. Kansas (2) | Kansas -5.5 | 81-78 | Syracuse | Syracuse +5.5 |
2002 | Indiana (5) vs. Maryland (1) | Maryland -7.5 | 64-52 | Maryland | Maryland -7.5 |
2001 | Arizona (2) vs. Duke (1) | Arizona -4 | 82-72 | Duke | Duke +4 |
2000 | Florida (5) vs. Michigan St (1) | Michigan St -4 | 89-76 | Michigan St | Michigan St -4 |
1999 | Connecticut (1) vs. Duke (1) | Duke -9.5 | 77-74 | Connecticut | Connecticut +9.5 |
1998 | Utah (3) vs. Kentucky (2) | Kentucky -3.5 | 78-69 | Kentucky | Kentucky -3.5 |
1997 | Arizona (4) vs. Kentucky (1) | Kentucky -7 | 84-79 (OT) | Arizona | Arizona +7 |
1996 | Syracuse (4) vs. Kentucky (1) | Kentucky -14 | 76-67 | Kentucky | Syracuse +14 |
1995 | Arkansas (2) vs. UCLA (1) | UCLA -3 | 89-78 | UCLA | UCLA -3 |
1994 | Duke (2) vs. Arkansas (1) | Arkansas -6 | 76-72 | Arkansas | Duke +6 |
1993 | Michigan (1) vs. N. Carolina (1) | N. Carolina -2.5 | 77-71 | N. Carolina | N. Carolina -2.5 |
1992 | Michigan (6) vs. Duke (1) | Duke -5.5 | 71-51 | Duke | Duke -5.5 |
1991 | Kansas (3) vs. Duke (2) | Duke -3 | 72-65 | Duke | Duke -3 |
1990 | Duke (3) vs. UNLV (1) | *No Line | 103-73 | UNLV | *No Line |
1989 | Seton Hall (3) vs. Michigan (3) | Michigan -2 | 80-79 (OT) | Michigan | Seton Hall +2 |
1988 | Kansas (6) vs. Oklahoma (1) | Oklahoma -8 | 83-79 | Kansas | Kansas +8 |
1987 | Syracuse (2) vs. Indiana (1) | Indiana -4.5 | 74-73 | Indiana | Syracuse +4.5 |
1986 | Louisville (2) vs. Duke (1) | Duke -1 | 72-69 | Louisville | Louisville +1 |
1985 | Villanova (8) vs. Georgetown (1) | Georgetown -8 | 66-64 | Villanova | Villanova +8 |
There haven’t been many upsets in the Final Four in recent years. In fact, the favorite has won 14 of the last 18 meetings since 2010. However, the underdog has been a very good bet in recent seasons. UConn pulled off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history in 2014 year with a 63-53 win as 7-point underdogs to Florida, and in 2015 Wisconsin beat an undefeated Kentucky team.
Oddsmakers have expected close games in the Final Four. That’s indicated by the fact that only six teams have been underdogs of 7 or more points since 2003.
Favorites in the NCAA Championship Game have been a good bet historically, however, the underdog has won against the spread in three of the last six years.
Vegas Odds Ncaa Tournament Final Four Schedule
There have been some huge upsets in the history of the NCAA Championship Game. The biggest of them all was Connecticut beating Duke 77-74 as 9.5-point underdogs back in 1999. Kansas won as an 8-point underdog to Oklahoma 83-79 in 1988, while No. 8 Villanova defeated No. 1 Georgetown 66-64 as 8-point dogs in 1985. Arizona won as a 7-point underdog to Kentucky in overtime by a final of 84-79 in 1997 as the fourth-biggest upset in history.
Vegas Odds On Ncaa Tournament Final Four
There were a lot bigger point spreads dating back further in the Championship Game than there are now. From 1985 to 1999, there were four instances where one team was favored by at least 8 points, with the biggest being Kentucky (-14) over Syracuse in 1996. Since 2000, there hasn’t been one instance where a team was favored by more than 7.5 points. That just goes to show the parity in college basketball these days compared to before the turn of the century.