The legend of the 2014 Kentucky Wildcats grows with each incredible tournament victory. No. 1 Wichita State, No. 4 Louisville and No. 2 Michigan have all fallen to their un-freshman-like clutchness. Another tough test awaits in Texas, as No. 2 Wisconsin plans to make its first trip to the Final Four under head coach Bo Ryan last a while longer.
No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers vs. No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats Final Four Betting Preview
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington
When: Saturday, April 5, 8:50 PM ET
Line: No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers (+2.5) at No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats (-2.5) – view these lines
Betting on the Wisconsin Badgers
Known for its depth and balanced scoring, No. 2 Wisconsin turned into a one-man team in its Elite Eight clash with Arizona, and that man delivered the Badgers the 64-63 win and a trip to the Final Four.
7-0 center Frank Kaminsky exploded with 28 points (11-20 from the field and 3-5 from three) and 11 rebounds even against the defensively formidable Arizona frontline. After a slow start against American, Kaminsky is averaging 22 points in his last three tournament games.
Wisconsin’s three-point attack was restricted to 6-17 shooting (35%), their second consecutive game of just six makes. The three-pointer is a valuable piece of the Badgers’ arsenal, and Bo Ryan must devise ways for the likes of Ben Brust and Josh Gasser to get open looks in support of Kaminsky.
Wisconsin is 4-0 SU and ATS in the tournament, while the totals in three of their four games have gone under.
Betting on the Kentucky Wildcats
The 2014 Kentucky Wildcats are quickly becoming the “Cardiac ‘Cats” after another dramatic 75-72 win over No. 2 Michigan sealed their improbable place in the Final Four.
Following up his last-second heroics against Louisville, Aaron Harrison once again delivered the game-winning three-pointer with 2.3 seconds remaining. Julius Randle also notched his fourth straight tournament double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
On the other end, the long and rangy Wildcats held a Michigan offense that had been hitting over 10 threes a game at a 50% clip to an ordinary 7-18 (40%). That length and athleticism may also disrupt Wisconsin’s stable of deadly shooters.
For the third straight game, the talented Kentucky freshmen have taken down the more experienced, veteran-laden team in a close game. The Harrison twins have a penchant for the clutch, and any close, late-game situation should favor the Wildcats.
Kentucky is an impressive 7-0 ATS in its last seven games following the narrow cover against Michigan. The total has also gone over in each of its last three tournament games.
Prediction
Kentucky will have the size and athleticism to subdue Kaminsky and corral the other Badgers in the perimeter. That should give the Harrisons enough leeway to work their twin magic and eke out another clutch win.
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