South Region Prediction
After a crazy opening weekend in the South Region, which of the four teams remaining will reach of the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament? Here’s our prediction.
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Kentucky is now the favorite, as it has -115 odds to prevail. Other odds are Nevada (+350), Kansas State (+450) and Loyola-Chicago (+550). The South Regional semifinals and final will take place from Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bet on the 2018 NCAA Tournament
THE FAVORITE
Kentucky is the best seed remaining in the region at No. 5. The Wildcats escaped the weekend by edging Davidson, 78-73, and then rolling past Buffalo, 95-75. Kentucky clearly has the most talent remaining in the region. Though young, the Wildcats have the most NBA-ready players and a coach that has guided teams through the NCAA Tournament.
DARK HORSE
Hard to say Nevada is a dark horse at +350, but I feel like the Wolf Pack are the best bet outside of Kentucky. The seventh seed, Nevada is a team that won’t be rattled by a deficit. They have trailed big in both wins over Texas and Cincinnati, yet managed to rally. Loyola is a tough opponent, but Nevada has the shooting to get past a the defensive-minded Ramblers. A one-game shot against Kentucky can be won with more strong shooting.
STAY AWAY
Kansas State. The Wildcats were given a gift by getting to face a 16 seed in the second round. While winning that, it was an ugly victory. I don’t see Kansas State having the athletes to compete with Kentucky and I wouldn’t like their chances against Nevada, or even Loyola. Kansas State hasn’t won more than three straight games since December.
PREDICTION
I said last week that I liked Kentucky to win the region and the odds were much more favorable last week at +750. UK has won five straight games, all on a neutral floor, all while covering the spread. A tough regular season has led to Kentucky finally peaking at the end of the year. Considering the teams remaining, it feels like it would be a big upset for anyone other than the Wildcats to prevail from this region.
SOUTH REGION PREDICTION: KENTUCKY -115