Excitement Builds as ESPN Analysts Weigh in on Men’s Final Four Predictions
As the anticipation for the men’s Final Four games reaches a fever pitch, basketball enthusiasts are eager to know which teams the experts are backing. This weekend, the spotlight is on the matchups between Auburn and Florida, and Duke and Houston. The big question on everyone’s mind is: who will emerge victorious and ultimately cut down the nets in San Antonio on Monday night?
To get a sense of the prevailing opinions, ESPN conducted a poll involving 56 personalities who have been closely following the men’s college basketball season. This diverse group includes past national champions like Jim Boeheim and Jay Williams, as well as the well-known Bracketologist Joe Lunardi. Their task was to predict the winners of the two semifinal games and to select their national champion.
Interestingly, the results of the semifinals predictions align closely with the odds at ESPN BET, but there’s a twist when it comes to the choice for the title winner.
Duke and Florida Emerge as Favorites in the Final Four
In the first semifinal matchup, Walter Clayton Jr. and the Florida Gators have been picked by 59% of the analysts (a 33 to 23 split) to triumph over Johni Broome and the Auburn Tigers. This prediction is almost identical to the implied probability (60%) of Florida’s -155 money-line odds.
Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils have garnered the support of 73% (or 41) of the respondents to defeat L.J. Cryer and the Houston Cougars. This prediction closely matches the implied probability (72%) of Duke’s -260 money-line odds.
Duke Favored to Win It All, But Houston Could Surprise
When it comes to predicting the national champion, the majority of analysts have placed their bets on the Blue Devils. With 61% of the support (or 34 votes), Duke is the favorite to cut down the nets at the Alamodome on Monday night.
However, there’s an interesting twist in the tale. Unlike the futures market at ESPN BET, which gives Florida the second-best odds to win it all, the second-most picked team isn’t from the SEC. Instead, 11 of the 15 analysts who picked Houston to win its Final Four matchup against Duke have the Cougars going all the way.
Florida and Auburn also have their share of supporters, with Florida receiving seven votes and Auburn four. Here’s a quick breakdown of the votes:
- Duke: 34 votes
- Houston: 11 votes
- Florida: 7 votes
- Auburn: 4 votes
As the games approach, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the analysts’ predictions hold true or if there will be any surprises in store. The excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of college basketball action.
Originally Written by: ESPN
