The 2021-22 college basketball season is well underway, and the action has gotten off to an unbelievable start. Some of the best teams in the country are now making it a habit of playing each other, providing plenty of March Madness previews.
The betting odds to win the 2022 NCAA Basketball Tournament were released almost immediately after the Baylor Bears cut down the nets. These odds have changed a few times since that time, and that will continue to happen as the season rolls along.
Here are the updated odds to win the 2022 NCAA Basketball Tournament with some comments about certain teams.
Quick Look at the Odds:
- Gonzaga Bulldogs +450
- Purdue Boilermakers +750
- Duke Blue Devils +800
- Kansas +1400
- UCLA +1400
- Villanova +1400
- Michigan +1500
- Texas +1600
- Kentucky +1800
- Alabama +2000
- Baylor +2000
- Memphis +2200
- Illinois +2200
- Ohio State +2200
- Arkansas +3000
- Florida State +3000
- Michigan State +3000
- Everyone Else +3500 or Higher
Gonzaga-Duke Set For Rematch
The Gonzaga Bulldogs and Duke Blue Devils are two of the betting favorites to win the championship, and they will likely remain there throughout the season. Both programs are perennial Final Four contenders, and they aren’t afraid of playing some big games in the non-conference.
The Bulldogs and Blue Devils actually took the court against each other at the end of November. The result was an instant classic. Duke came away with an 84-81 victory in that game, but it likely won’t be the last time the teams meet up this season.
Gonzaga is likely going to be a Number 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament as they should walk through the West Coast Conference. Similarly, Duke will battle in the ACC, but the Blue Devils are inspired to win in Coach K’s final season.
Three other blue-blood programs; Kansas, UCLA, and Villanova, all have odds set at +1400 to win the title, and each team will be tough to beat in March.
Can Big Ten End the Streak?
The Michigan State Spartans were the last Big Ten team to win the NCAA Championship. That title came all the way back in 2000. While the Big Ten continues to be one of the best in the country, its members have continued to struggle once the NCAA Tournament begins.
You will notice that a number of teams from the Big Ten Conference are on the shortlist of betting favorites to win the NCAA Championship. The Purdue Boilermakers are at the top of the list as betting odds for that team have been slashed to +750.
The next Big Ten Conference team to be on the list is the Michigan Wolverines at +1500. Last season, Michigan was just one game away from the Final Four, and they are loaded once again.
Illinois, Ohio State, and Michigan State are also going to be tough teams to beat in March. The Big Ten Conference will be well-represented in the NCAA Tournament, but it remains to be seen if a team can go all the way.
Always Some Upsets
When betting on the NCAA Tournament, it’s important to remember that there are always going to be some upsets. This is why the tournament is called “March Madness,” and picking the eventual champion is something that isn’t easily done.
This could also lead to some big payouts when making this future wager. There is plenty of betting value on some teams further down the list. While there is a bigger risk involved with choosing an upset, it could be the right play at NCAA Tournament time.