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2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Futures: Betting Odds

2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Futures

The 2012 NCAA Tournament gets underway this Tuesday with the first two games of the First Four Round, but the bulk of the action kicks-off on Thursday and Friday with a full slate of 32 second-round games.

The ultimate prize is a trip to New Orleans to compete in this year’s Final Four for a shot at a national title. The following is a look at this year’s top contenders with odds provided by Bovada.

Kentucky 9/4

The Wildcats have clearly been the best team in men’s college basketball all season long with just two straight-up losses verse 32 wins. If they can continue to play to form for five more games, they win the national title.

Ohio State 11/2

It is hard to find the value in such low odds as the Buckeyes are an upset target in the third round against Gonzaga and in the Sweet 16 against Florida State or Cincinnati if they make it that far.

North Carolina 13/2

As long as North Carolina can quickly shake-off a disappointing 85-82 loss to Florida State in the ACC Championship and John Henson is ready to go, the only real obstacle in the Tar Heels way to the finals is No.2-seed Kansas.

Michigan State 17/2

There is some solid value in these odds as the Spartans appear primed for a long run this year. They have New Mexico and Missouri lurking in the bracket down the road, but the momentum is clearly on their side. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Syracuse 10/1

The Orange come in as the second-best team in the tournament at 31-2, but their inability to put teams away sets them up as a prime upset candidate against teams such as Kansas State or Cincinnati.

Missouri 10/1

You have to respect a team that has won 30 games while playing in a power conference. The Tigers have been streaky that could easily make it to the Final Four if they get hot, but unfortunately, Kentucky is on their side of the bracket.

Kansas 12/1

The Jayhawks’ stock was definitely on the rise, but an early February loss to Missouri and an 81-72 loss to Baylor in the Big 12 Tournament as 6.5-point favorites has taken some of the luster away from this team.

Duke 20/1

Consistency continues to be an issue for the Blue Devils with two losses in their last three games and that is the type of problem that eventually gets you booted-out of this tournament.

Florida State 30/1

The value for the Seminoles as a longshot is definitely there after an impressive run in the ACC Tournament and if everything falls into place at the right time, they can get by the likes of Kansas and Syracuse to get to the Finals.

Marquette 30/1

This is the type of team that could make a painfully early exit or go on a roll and make it all the way to the Final Four. Missouri looks like the major stumbling block to the Golden Eagles’ title plans in the Sweet 16.

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By Dave Schwab

David Schwab is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. While not cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles David can be found working on his blog at www.eaglesinc.com. David wants to hear from you so please comment below.