Duke’s Dominance: A Final Four Favorite
As the college basketball season reaches its thrilling climax, the Duke Blue Devils find themselves in a familiar position: heading into the Final Four as the favorites to win the national championship. This year’s Final Four is a unique one, featuring all No. 1 seeds, and Duke stands out as the team to beat.
According to ESPN BET, the Blue Devils are +105 to win the title after the Final Four was set on Sunday. Trailing them in the odds are Florida at +275, Houston at +450, and Auburn at +500. Duke’s semifinal matchup against Houston sees them as a 4.5-point favorite, while Florida is a 2.5-point favorite over Auburn in the other semifinal game. The stage is set for an exciting showdown in San Antonio this Saturday.
Throughout the tournament, Duke has lived up to their billing as the favorites. They have cruised through their games, winning four matches by an average margin of 23.5 points. This dominant performance has not gone unnoticed by bettors. Duke has attracted more bets and more money to win the national championship than any other school during the regular season at multiple sportsbooks. As a result, they remain a significant liability for most betting shops.
Adrian Horton, director of North American sports trading at ESPN BET, shared some insights into the betting trends. “Duke was our most-bet team coming into the tournament by a good margin, and patrons have continued to back them at a high rate given their performances,” Horton said. “In terms of liability, it’s Duke all the way.”
Patrick Berbert, who oversees college basketball odds for Caesars Sportsbook, echoed similar sentiments. “At this juncture, we are strong supporters of anyone capable of achieving the upset against this formidable Duke team,” Berbert said. “We are in great standing with all the other teams remaining.”
It’s not just Duke’s dominance that has defined this year’s tournament. The overall lack of upsets has been a notable feature. With three games remaining, betting favorites are 51-13 straight-up, tying the 2007 tournament for the best record for favorites since the field expanded in 1985. This statistic highlights the strength and consistency of the top teams this year.
- Duke is +105 to win the national championship.
- Florida follows at +275, Houston at +450, and Auburn at +500.
- Duke is a 4.5-point favorite over Houston in the semifinals.
- Florida is a 2.5-point favorite over Auburn in the other semifinal.
- Betting favorites are 51-13 straight-up in this tournament.
As we look forward to the Final Four, the anticipation is palpable. Will Duke continue their dominant run and claim the national championship, or will one of the other top seeds rise to the occasion and pull off an upset? The answers will unfold on the court, and fans, bettors, and analysts alike will be watching closely.
In the world of sports betting, the stakes are high, and the excitement is even higher. As the Final Four approaches, all eyes are on Duke, the team that has captured the attention and the bets of many. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this year’s Final Four promises to deliver unforgettable moments and intense competition.
Originally Written by: David Purdum
