After a wild and unpredictable March Madness betting tournament, we have officially arrived at this year’s championship match. Even though this year’s tournament delivered a dose of uncertainty with each round, it should come as no bombshell to see this year’s title match pit the likes of Gonzaga and the Tar Heels against each other. North Carolina has now made back to back appearances in the NCAA Tournament’s championship and the best online sportsbook players will be hoping that this year’s finale is as thrilling as the one we witnessed last year.
Longtime US sportsbook players will recall the fantastic finish Villanova delivered in last year’s championship match to beat out the Tar Heels. With the score tied at 74, and the final seconds of the clock winding down, the Wildcats were able to drain a fantastic three-pointer to shock UNC. The Tar Heels now have an opportunity to wash that bad taste out of their mouth, but in the end, Gonzaga is more than capable of dealing the Tar Heels another heartbreak.
Gonzaga vs. North Carolina – Monday, April 3rd
What: NCAA Tournament, Championship, Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
When: 9:20 pm ET
TV: CBS
Best Online Sportsbook Betting Line:
Gonzaga Bulldogs +1½ (-110) 153½ (-110) +105
North Carolina Tar Heels -1½ (-110) 153½ (-110) -125
It’s not exactly unexpected, but seeing the Tar Heels get pegged as the best online sportsbook option is a bit of a surprise. Perhaps it has something to do with UNC’s championship experience; this isn’t the Tar Heels first rodeo. With 6 national titles to their name, UNC has the third-most tournament titles in the NCAA. 2017’s title match will mark the 11th championship appearance the Tar Heels have made, while this is Gonzaga’s first time advancing past the Elite Eight.
First Shot at Glory
Over the last couple of years, the Bulldogs have been making a name for themselves on the national stage. But this year represents the first time that Gonzaga has had the opportunity to bring glory to the program. The Bulldogs made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament back in 1995 but didn’t make it to the Sweet Sixteen round until 1999, when they made their first appearance in the Elite Eight. However, the Bulldogs have only made it to the Elite Eight once since then (2015), and this year marks the first time Gonzaga has competed a national title. Will the Zags be able to capitalize on such a rare opportunity?
Why the Bulldogs will Bring Home the Title
One word: Defense. Gonzaga’s defense has unrivaled in this year’s tournament and their dominance was on display in their most recent contest against South Carolina. The Gamecocks laid it all on the line but in the end, solid defending on behalf of Gonzaga assured the Bulldogs would be the ones advancing.
With an average of 61.2 points allowed per game, Gonzaga comes into this contest sporting the nation’s 7th best defense. But in order to come out on top, the Bulldogs will also need to put some points on the board. To help accomplish that endeavor Gonzaga will turn to none other than Nigel Williams-Goss who is leading the team in points with his average of 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per contest.
