Navigate

2024 NCAA Tournament Final Four Odds, Picks & Predictions

by |

We’ve got some surprises in the Final Four this year!

Most expected the UConn Huskies to reach the Final Four. Many also had the Purdue Boilermakers making it this far. However, a very select few had Alabama or North Carolina State slotted into the Final Four.

North Carolina State finished the regular season 17-14 and then didn’t stop winning once the ACC Tournament began. Meanwhile, Alabama’s defense was a major red flag for many sports bettors.

That said, Alabama’s defense has come together, while North Carolina State’s experience has contributed to its run. Can Alabama or North Carolina State sneak their way into the Championship game?

Here are my best bets to consider for the two Final Four matchups.

2024 NCAA Tournament Picks Challenge: Win a Lifetime BettingPros Subscription! >>

    2024 NCAA Tournament Final 4 Odds & Picks

    Odds courtesy of ESPN BET | All wagers are for 1 unit

    NC State Wolfpack vs. Purdue Boilermakers

    After a first-round exit from Purdue last year, the Boilermakers are two wins away from a National Championship in Zach Edey’s final season with the program.

    Edey is only getting better. He just added a 40-point double-double against Tennessee to help Purdue reach the Final Four. The Boilermakers also built their team very well around Edey. While Edey is a monster, Purdue has some of the best three-point shooters. This season, the Boilermakers have nailed 40.6% from downtown. In addition, Purdue has earned 38% of offensive rebounds and gets to the foul line at a very high rate.

    On the defensive end, Purdue limits foul shots. This helps them typically win that foul-shot matchup, which is one of many reasons why the Boilermakers have 33 wins this season and just four losses.

    The Wolfpack haven’t been nearly as consistent as Purdue throughout the season. NC State will hold onto the ball but has only shot 34.7% from three and 50.4% from inside the arc. That’s not good enough to beat Purdue.

    NC State has been a juggernaut throughout tournament play, but it’ll end on Saturday. Back Purdue -9.

    Bet: Purdue -9 (-110)

    Alabama Crimson Tide vs. UConn Huskies

    The UConn Huskies have been so good that they’ve won their last two games by a combined 55 points against top-25 teams like San Diego State and Illinois.

    It’s hard to imagine a team like Alabama getting enough stops to win this game against the Huskies. After all, Alabama has allowed 30.9% of offensive rebounds and fouled at a high rate this season.

    The Crimson Tide are good at defending the three but have still allowed teams to shoot nearly 51% from inside the arc. With the Huskies currently hitting at 59.1% from inside the arc, it’s clear Alabama will have no answers defensively around the rim.

    While Alabama is very efficient offensively, the numbers won’t be nearly as good as in previous games. The Huskies have held teams to a 44.1% effective field goal percentage, including 30.9% from deep and 43% from inside the arc. Sometimes the Crimson Tide moves too fast for their own good. They’ve even been blocked 12.4% of shots, and UConn has added 14.2% of blocks this season. Donovan Clingan will clean up.

    With a UConn win and cover, we’ll get the matchup we’ve been waiting for: Clingan vs. Edey. Back UConn at -11.5.

    Bet: UConn -11.5 (-115)

    Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: