March Madness Championship Preview: Kansas Favored (-4) Against North Carolina

March Madness Championship Preview: Kansas Favored (-4) Against North Carolina

By Michael Peterson

February 11, 2025 at 08:30 AM

The 2022 NCAA March Madness National Championship features #1 Kansas Jayhawks (33-6) facing #8 North Carolina Tar Heels. Kansas enters as 4-point favorites.

Team Analysis:

North Carolina

  • Averaging 78 points per game
  • Limited bench depth (only 2 bench points in semifinal)
  • Led by Caleb Love (28 points vs Duke) and Brady Manek
  • Defensive struggles (allowing 68 ppg)
  • Plays at fast tempo despite short rotation

Kansas

  • Strong defense (holding teams to 61 ppg)
  • 10-game winning streak
  • Averaging 80 points per game
  • Hot 3-point shooting (13 threes vs Villanova)
  • Led by Ochai Agbaji (6/7 from three in semifinal)

Key Factors:

  • Kansas' superior defense should limit UNC's transition game
  • North Carolina's lack of depth (7-8 player rotation) vs Kansas' deeper bench
  • Kansas' balanced offense and defensive prowess
  • UNC coming off emotional win vs Duke

Betting Pick: Kansas -4.0

Prediction: Kansas' elite defense, deeper bench, and consistent offensive performance should lead them to a comfortable victory over North Carolina's tired legs. The Jayhawks' ability to control tempo and limit transition opportunities will be the difference-maker.

NCAA Championship Game

NCAA Championship Game

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