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NCAA

Who is favored to win March Madness? Who are the standout players?

As a college basketball fan, this is the best time of year. Let’s take a look at this year’s favorite to win the NCAA’s National Championship.

UConn Huskies center Donovan Clingan (32) and teammates react after a play.
David Butler IIUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

You know things are getting serious when March Madness rolls around. From upsets to the unbelievable, it’s a time when stars are born, and those that already exist stake their claim for what lies ahead: a future in the NBA.

Welcome to March Madness

There is nothing quite like March when it comes to NCAA basketball. Indeed, ‘March Madness’ has given us some epic basketball moments over the years. Last year, we watched the UConn Huskies defeat the San Diego State Aztecs, 76–59, in the championship game on April 3 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Things are expected to be no different this year. After a sensational run to the finals last year, UConn started this season as the team projected to be No. 1. They’re still keeping their number one spot and have the biggest chance to win their sixth title.

Introducing UConn

Different Sportsbooks have released odds for the winner of March Madness. UConn, the defending champion and overall No. 1 seed in the tournament, is the favorite to bring home the national title at +420.

The defending national champions are on the brink again, with a stifling defense and plenty of depth to become the first back-to-back winners in Division I since the 2006-07 Florida Gators.

They may not be the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, but the oddsmakers have them as the chalk for a reason. At no point this season has the Connecticut Huskies looked like they’re coasting, as their effort and energy level remain amongst the best in the country.

Who are the stars of the Cougars?

The Houston Cougars are second in odds to win the NCAA Tournament this season at +550 odds.

The Cougars had an excellent season and finished as the top-ranked team in the country. They won the conference title, which allowed them to become the top seed in the tournament. Unfortunately, they lost to Iowa State by 28 points in the Big 12 championship game.

Despite the loss, Kelvin Sampson’s team is still the South Region’s top seed and will face Longwood in their first matchup. Although they faced some challenges on the offensive side, Houston’s defense is ranked number one in the nation, giving them the second-best odds of winning March Madness. In summary, the Cougars pose a real threat this year. However, the question remains whether they will live up to expectations.

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