Final Four betting playbook: UNC vs. Duke

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Well, well, well, look what we have here. In any other year, Duke facing North Carolina in the Final Four would already be a massive game. But with Coach K poised to retire after the season, this game takes on even more importance. The Tar Heels now have a chance to keep Coach K from ending his career with a national championship. However, the Blue Devils are currently listed as four-point favorites over UNC and the betting favorites to win the national championship heading into the Final Four.

Before we get to the matchup, we have to mention that the BetQL college hoops model went 39-19 (67.3%) on all bets during the Sweet 16 and Elite 8! BetQL subscribers can see all of the best bets for the Final Four (and every sport) with star ratings for every game. Click below to sign up for a BetQL Day Pass!

Odds in this article are subject to change. Check the latest college basketball betting lines here: Latest College Basketball Odds | Latest Over/Under | Expert picks

The Tar Heels already spoiled Coach K’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and they would love nothing more than to end his career one game short of the national title game. That win over Duke played a huge role in propelling North Carolina to the Final Four. The Tar Heels have won 10 of their last 11 games, going 9-2 against the spread during that stretch. While UNC may have benefited a little from playing Cinderella team Saint Peter’s in the Elite Eight, the Tar Heels also took down top seed Baylor and No. 4 UCLA on their way to the Final Four. They’ve looked far better than the typical No. 8 seed during the tournament and have won four consecutive games straight up when listed as the underdog.

BETQL STAFF PICKS: VILLANOVA-KANSAS | UNC-DUKE

In many ways, it would be a fitting conclusion for Coach K to end his record-setting career with a national championship. But the Blue Devils having to go through their biggest rival to get there is far from ideal, especially after their 13-point home loss to the Tar Heels to close out the regular season. Duke has bounced back nicely in the NCAA tournament with wins over Michigan State, Texas Tech, and Arkansas. Perhaps more importantly, the Blue Devils have managed to put an end to their five-game losing streak against the spread, a stretch that began with the loss to UNC. The Blue Devils have covered in three straight, which is an indication that they are starting to live up to their incredible talent. That wasn’t the case the last time these two teams crossed paths.

MORE FINAL FOUR: TEAM TRENDS | BETQL MODEL TRENDS

This has the potential to be a game for the ages. Both teams have played some of their best basketball of the season during the NCAA tournament, so each will be confident that they can advance to Monday night. Nerves figure to play a key role in this matchup, especially for a young Duke team that is desperate to deliver a championship for its retiring coach. But while the Tar Heels know that they can get the better of Duke, it’s the Blue Devils that still have an edge in talent, not to mention a far more experienced coach.

MORE: BETTING PLAYBOOK FOR VILLANOVA-KANSAS

BetQL subscribers can see even more betting trends and all of our best bets with star ratings for every game. Click here to sign up for a BetQL Day Pass!

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