Despite being No. 1 seeds, this isn’t the title game many anticipated. But it’s the best possible result after a tumultuous Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.
Both teams will bring size and experience to the floor today, and it should be another great title game, much like last year’s championship tilt.
Here’s my expectation for the NCAA title game.
Under 154.5
This is a pretty high total for a championship game, but both teams are not scared of scoring the basketball. Both teams like to get up and down the floor, so it’s not surprising this number is so high.
But I generally tend to favor the under in these high-pressure situations. Both teams will be under a lot of pressure, so that will make it tougher to make baskets. Also, both defenses are pretty good, as evidenced by Gonzaga’s recent string of solid efforts.
Even if it appears this game is going over, I anticipate a slowed down approach in the final five to seven minutes. That should keep this game in the high 60s to low 70s, which would put it out of reach for the over.
North Carolina -1.5
I’ve been pretty against the Tar Heels the entire tournament…which hasn’t been in my best interest. North Carolina hasn’t exactly dominated its opponents (three games could have easily gone the other way) but that’s the way it is in March.
The Tar Heels are the more experienced team and maybe the revenge factor is working in their favor. They bring back plenty of players who have been in the spotlight from last year, and that should work to their advantage.
Gonzaga is not used to a team matching up with their size. North Carolina can do that and more, with better post players. The Bulldogs haven’t seen that this season.
This game will be close, but the Tar Heels will utilize that size to their advantage, and will cut down the nets.
Scott Levine is the Associate Editor for the Clinton Herald. During his free time, he blogs about fantasy sports and handicaps games. To see more, check out Against The Chalk.
