Odds to Win the NCAA Championship: Arizona Wildcats
Written March 25, 2009 by Jay Horne
The Arizona Wildcats are possibly on the verge of becoming this year’s Cinderella story in the NCAA Tournament. However, they will have to prove they can pull of the most improbable of upsets against overall number 1 seed Louisville in the sweet sixteen before they can earn the title. Arizona was heavily criticized for being selected into the NCAA Tournament after a horrible end to the season where they lost 5 of their last 6 games. The Wildcats had just barely an above average season closing out the year with a record of 19-13. However, Arizona received some grace from the selection committee and against popular approval they were selected into the Tournament after having only a 9-9 record in the Pac-10 this season. The Arizona Wildcats are listed as a 50-to-1 shot to win the NCAA Tournament, even after advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.
Arizona came into the NCAA Tournament with a lot to prove after all the criticism they faced before even getting the chance to prove that they belonged. Arizona got things started off right in the first round when they upset 5th seeded Utah in a big way. The Wildcats dominated the game and cruised to an 84-71 victory ending their two straight years of losing in the first round of the tournament. Arizona backed up that impressive showing against an unlikely opponent in Cleveland State in round two. Cleveland State scored an upset as well in the opening round against Wake Forest, but could not overcome an eager Arizona team that once again showed that they do belong. The Wildcats victory moved them into the sweet sixteen where they will now take on the Louisville Cardinals giving them the greatest chance of all to show the world how well they can play.
Arizona comes into the sweet sixteen at 50/1 odds to win the National Championship. The very profitable odds come by the assumption that they will likely be beaten by Louisville and never make it out of the sweet sixteen. However, if the Wildcats march for vengeance from the media scrutiny were to continue there odds make them a huge profit for bettors. The Wildcats appear to be playing their best basketball of the season and it is unclear if they have what it takes to defeat Louisville and cast another upset. However before you consider throwing in a bet, there has never been a number 12 seed to make it past the Elite Eight. Arizona will not only try to become the first 12 seed to make the Elite Eight, but also the first to win the National Championship. You can bet on the Wildcats +50000 at BetUS.
Arizona is the type of team that can get really streaky from the floor. The Wildcats can score points and shoot the ball very well considering they are shooting 48% as a team this season which is among the top 25 shooting teams. Arizona has a couple of big time players that will be trying to lead the upset over Louisville. Jordan Hill is the biggest impact player posting 18.4 points and 11 rebounds per game. Hill has also averaged double-double type numbers in the two tournament games to go along with his season average. Forward Chase Budinger is equally important to the Arizona offense sporting a stout 18 point average this season. Also, junior guard Nic Wise is also sporting a 16 point average this season. Between these 3 standouts there is an average of 51 points per contest which will be difficult for any team to defend. The question is will these star players have what it takes to capture a National Championship with the least favorable odds of any team in the sweet sixteen.
When you bet on NCAA basketball, do you not want to make sure you are getting the best lines on every game? Check out our comparative college basketball odds page to see the point spreads from several different online sportsbooks. Betfirms also offers the best college basketball picks in the business with our proven group of expert handicappers.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- Odds to Win the NCAA Championship: Villanova Wildcats
- Arizona vs Louisville: NCAA Tournament Odds & Predictions
- Odds to Win the 2009 NCAA Championship
- Purdue Boilermakers Odds to Win NCAA Championship
- March Madness Predictions: Cleveland State vs Arizona
Got something to say?
No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!