Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
Two teams are left standing in the South Region of the 2022 NCAA Tournament, and it’s the lower seed that actually has the better Final Four odds. With No. 2 Villanova and No. 5 Houston set to meet in the Elite Eight, the Cougars are favored to win the South and continue their March Madness run.
Houston has -145 odds at BetMGM in Saturday’s South Regional Final with a trip to the Final Four on the line. Coming off an upset of No. 1 Arizona in the Sweet 16, the Cougars are 2.5-point favorites against Villanova.
Villanova is a +120 underdog against Houston in the Elite Eight. The Wildcats defeated No. 11 Michigan for their third straight NCAA Tournament win.
Houston is trying to reach the Final Four for a second straight year. A trip to the Final Four would be Villanova’s third in the last six NCAA Tournaments.
Will it be Houston or Villanova that represents the South Region in the 2022 Final Four?
Who will win the South Region in the 2022 NCAA Tournament?
A look at the latest Final Four odds in the South Region from BetMGM:
- No. 2 Villanova +120
- No. 5 Houston -145
- Point spread: Houston -2.5
- Over/under: 128.5
Why is Houston favored to make the Final Four?
It’s become abundantly clear that Houston was underseeded by the selection committee. After going 29-5 as the AAC regular-season and tournament champions, the Cougars have been the most impressive team in March Madness. Houston is the only team that has won all of its NCAA Tournament games by double digits, including a 72-60 win over Arizona.
Arizona was the nation’s third-highest scoring team and had the most wins in Division 1 college basketball. You wouldn’t have known it by watching the South’s top seed lose to Houston, which never trailed in the game and held Arizona to 33.3% shooting. In the second round, the Cougars neutralized First-Team All-American Kofi Cockburn and No. 4 Illinois for a 68-53 victory.
Houston ranks first in opponents’ field-goal percentage, holding teams to 37.5% shooting. The Cougars have had a different leading scorer in every NCAA Tournament game. Jamal Shead is averaging 17.0 points and 5.3 assists during March Madness. Kyler Edwards is scoring 19.7 points per contest, leading a backcourt that is playing well enough to win a national championship.
Final Four odds for Villanova
Prior to being named a +120 underdog in the Elite Eight, Villanova took care of business in each round of March Madness as the clear favorite. The Wildcats dismissed No. 15 Delaware 80-60 in their first 2022 NCAA Tournament game. Villanova beat No. 7 Ohio State 71-61 in the Round of 32. No. 11 Michigan rolled into the Sweet 16 red hot and sure looked like a Final Four contender, but the Wolverines never had a second-half lead in Villanova’s 63-55 victory.
Back-to-back Big East Player of the Year Collin Gillespie is the best player remaining in the South Region. Despite an underwhelming performance against Michigan, the senior guard came up big with a three-pointer in the final two minutes that put the game out of reach. Villanova is good enough to survive a poor shooting night from Gillespie because of veterans like Jermaine Samuels and Justin Moore, who combined for 37 points on 26 shot attempts. The Wildcats rank in the top 25 both in scoring defense and three-pointers made.
Villanova has experienced more March Madness success than any team in recent years. The Wildcats have made eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances and won two national championships since 2016. It should come as no surprise if Jay Wright’s squad wins their side of the bracket, once again.
Villanova vs. Houston Prediction
Don’t expect to see a repeat of Houston’s Sweet 16 matchup, during which the Cougars controlled the game and forced an often flustered Arizona team into committing 14 turnovers. Villanova had just seven turnovers against Michigan. Only 13 teams in the entire country average fewer turnovers per game than the Wildcats.
Houston can frustrate high-powered offenses that like to get up and down the court. Villanova, on the other hand, is perfectly fine playing a slow game. Villanova ranks 342nd in pace of play, led by veteran guards who are able to find quality shots in the halfcourt.
The Cougars went 9-20 from three-point range in the Sweet Sixteen, knocking down a few wide-open threes when Arizona threatened to make a comeback. That won’t be the case when facing Villanova’s perimeter defense. Villanova has held opponents to 26.7% shooting from three-point range in the tournament.
The Cougars will make life difficult for the Wildcats, but they are likely to come up short. Villanova is the right pick in the South Regional Final.
Prediction: Villanova over Houston, 67-63
How to Bet on March Madness
Maybe your NCAA Tournament bracket pool isn’t enough, and you want to make some March Madness futures bets for the first time. Don’t worry, FTNBets is here to help. In order to get started, you must know which sportsbooks are available in your state to set up a betting account.
Step 1: Set up a sports betting account
Most sportsbooks offer a sign-up bonus for first-time users. After downloading the app, you’ll need to create an account with an email address. Submit your name, address, phone number and other basic information.
Step 2: Deposit money into your account
Check out any deposit bonuses that the sportsbooks in your state might offer. Use a verified bank account to add money into your account before making any wagers.
Step 3: Make a March Madness futures bet
Now, you’re ready to bet! Make sure you understand the odds. For example, a $100 bet on Arizona +130 to make the Final Four comes with a $130 profit if the wager is successful. If you bet $100 on Villanova +250 to win the South, a Villanova Final Four appearance results in a $250 profit.
March Madness futures odds will continue to change as the 2022 NCAA Tournament moves along.
