We are just hours away from the beginning of the NCAA Tournament. Yes, the First Four started a couple days ago, but nobody takes those games seriously. Thursday is the day when the real madness happens and your office betting pool runs wild.
NCAA basketball tournament odds 2015: Kentucky remains the heavy favorite
Of course Vegas is pegging Kentucky to run the table. Did you expect anything else?
Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
If you’re following the Vegas odds, there should be no surprise -- Kentucky is the heavy favorite to run the table and finish the season, 40-0, with 6/5 odds. The real intrigue is in the runner-up teams, and which one might give the Wildcats their biggest fight. Arizona is the top non-Kentucky favorite to win the tournament at 15/2, followed by Wisconsin (17/2), Duke (9/1) and Villanova (10/1). If Kentucky somehow stumbles in the tournament, those teams are your top bet to claim the trophy.
If you like betting on mid-majors, Gonzaga is the top pick at 16/1, followed by Wichita State (50/1), Northern Iowa (66/1) and -- depending on if you feel the American is a mid-major or not -- SMU (100/1).
Here are the top 25 odds favorites. You can check out the full list at OddsShark.
Kentucky 6/5
Arizona 15/2
Wisconsin 17/2
Duke 9/1
Villanova 10/1
Virginia 10/1
Gonzaga 16/1
Notre Dame 25/1
Iowa State 33/1
Utah 33/1
Kansas 40/1
Michigan State 40/1
North Carolina 40/1
Baylor 50/1
Oklahoma 50/1
Wichita State 50/1
Louisville 66/1
Maryland 66/1
Northern Iowa 66/1
Arkansas 100/1
Butler 100/1
Georgetown 100/1
Ohio State 100/1
SMU 100/1
Texas 100/1
