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Chris Meaney
This NCAA Tournament has put the “madness” in March Madness. We have two double-digit seeds in the Elite Eight and only one No. 1 seed remaining. The Midwest will be decided by a matchup between the lone remaining No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks and the No. 10 seed Miami Hurricanes. This may look like a mismatch on paper, but we have said that too often this March.
Kansas is the clear favorite entering the matchup as they are -275 favorites (73.33 implied probability) at DraftKings Sportsbook.
However, the Hurricanes (+270) have pulled off a handful of upsets and are used to being the underdog at this point. We’ve seen them take down USC as a 2.5-point underdog and then followed that up with a victory over Auburn as 6.5-point underdogs.
The spread for this matchup shows just how much respect Miami has gained from oddsmakers as they are shorter underdogs against the No. 1 seed than they were against the No. 2 seed.
Who Will Win the Midwest Region in the 2022 NCAA Tournament?
Here are the current odds to take down the Midwest Region, per DraftKings Sportsbook:
- No. 1 Kansas -275
- No. 10 Miami +220
- Point spread: Kansas -6
- Over/under: 147
Why is Kansas Favored to Make the Final Four?
It certainly is not surprising that the Jayhawks have made it to this point, as they were the odds-on favorites to come out of the region. Their run began with a thrashing of Texas Southern, but things would not be so easy after that.
In their next matchup against Creighton, the Blue Jays would give the Jayhawks all they could handle before Kansas eventually pulled away late to come out with a seven-point victory in a game that was actually much closer.
Then, in the Sweet 16, Kansas finally sent the luckiest team in college basketball home as they defeated the Providence Friars to be a part of the Elite Eight.
Kansas has a flurry of talent, but their leading men, Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack, have yet to hit their stride and have struggled through the tournament thus far. However, they are too talented to shrug off, and their performances will determine how far they go.
Fortunately, Remy Martin and Jalen Wilson have risen to the occasion for the Jayhawks. After missing a chunk of the season with a knee injury, Martin has had his talent on full display this March. He is averaging 19 points per game, and it is clear he thrives under the bright lights.
Jalen Wilson has emerged as a force for Kansas on the scoreboard and the backboard. He is averaging nearly 14 points and over ten rebounds per game in the tournament.
Can Miami Take Down Another Giant?
The Hurricanes entered the tournament as a team with plenty of talent but a tough road to the Final Four. They have taken down each team in their path and could very well take down Kansas.
Miami is a very potent offensive team that uses multiple talented guards to generate offense. They all can score from anywhere on the court and are not afraid to facilitate. In addition, each guard has his own unique skill set. So it could be any one of Isaiah Wong, Kameron McGusty or Charlie Moore to have a big night and send the Hurricanes to New Orleans.
We have seen a tremendous improvement from the Hurricanes on the defensive end of the floor as they have held their last two opponents to under 40% in terms of effective field goal percentage.
Kansas vs. Miami Game Prediction
This game will be a treat to watch as we’ll have two high-powered offensive teams trying to go shot for shot with one another. However, this game will be won by whoever can defend better, and that is most likely the Jayhawks.
Miami has had an impressive run, and they would not have gotten here without playing solid defense, but this Kansas team is one of the most talented they will have faced all year, and their season-long stats point to some regression here.
On the other end of the court, Kansas has a lot of size and length, with McCormack, Agbaji, Braun and Wilson to match up with the Hurricanes.
Miami may throw the first punch, but I see Kansas pulling away late yet again.
Prediction: Kansas over Miami 80-71
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 Purdue +160 to make the Final Four comes with a $160 profit if the wager is successful. If you bet $100 on North Carolina +280 to win the East, a UNC Final Four appearance results in a $280 profit.
March Madness futures odds will continue to change as the 2022 NCAA Tournament moves along.
