Top sportsbooks players have been making the best out of this year’s tournament, and after raking in as much profits as possible, players are set to pick a winner in this year’s championship match. It’s been a tumultuous journey, but the Gonzaga Bulldogs are set to face the North Carolina Tar Heels for all the marbles. Both teams are dangerous and trying to figure out who will come out on top is easier said than done.
Those who are getting set to place a bet at the best online sportsbooks will likely reminisce about last year’s fantastic ending that came down to the final seconds. The Tar Heels certainly remember, as they were on the losing end of that breathtaking, buzzer-beating shot. But this is Gonzaga’s first appearance in an NCAA Tournament championship match, and best online sportsbook players can be certain that the Bulldogs will not let this opportunity go to waste.
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
Top Sportsbook Betting Line:
Gonzaga Bulldogs +1 ½ (-110) 153 ½ (-110) +105
North Carolina Tar Heels -1 ½ (-110) 153 ½ (-110) -125
While bettors might initially want to question these odds, once you’ve taken into consideration the Tar Heels’ ample championship experience over Gonzaga, it’s easy to understand why the bookies came out in favor of UNC. Overall, the Tar Heels have more NCAA championships than Gonzaga has Elite Eight appearances.
Not the First Time We See UNC
The Bulldogs may be making their first appearance in a championship match but the Tar Heels are the farthest thing from. The Tar Heels won their first NCAA Tournament back in 1957, and since then North Carolina has brought home the title 4 other times. Additionally, UNC has been a NCAA Tournament runner-up 5 times. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that the Tar Heels program is used to this type of competition. Nevertheless, UNC will be looking to win it all this year, instead of suffering a last-minute loss like they did to Villanova in 2016.
Why 2017 Will Have A Different Result for North Carolina
The Bulldogs will be motivated to make their inaugural title match a good one, but UNC is arguably even more energized. Fresh off of last year’s heart-crushing result, the Tar Heels will not settle for anything other than a victory. On top of that, North Carolina looks slightly better on paper. UNC is 12th in points scored per game while Gonzaga ranks 15th in the same category. The Tar Heels get more rebounds than any other team in the nation, but the Bulldogs are 6th on the list. Lastly, North Carolina ranks 4th in assists per game, but the Bulldogs rank 62nd in that category.
To help win another national title, the top sportsbook favorites will turn to leading point-scorer Justin Jackson. Jackson is averaging 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per outing. Jackson will be looking for some help from Joel Berry III. Berry is putting up 14.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per matchup.
