The Kansas Jayhawks (33-6) face the North Carolina Tar Heels (8-seed) in the 2022 NCAA Championship game. Kansas enters as 4-point favorites after dominating their tournament run, including an 81-65 win over Villanova in the Final Four.

Key Factors:

• Kansas's elite defense allows just 61 PPG while scoring 80 PPG
• UNC averages 78 PPG led by Caleb Love (28 pts vs Duke) and Brady Manek
• Ochai Agbaji shot 6/7 from three in Kansas's Final Four victory
• UNC's lack of bench depth (2 points in Final Four) could be decisive

North Carolina's Style:

• Plays up-tempo despite limited depth
• Relies heavily on starters (only 7-8 man rotation)
• Defense allows 68 PPG, which could be problematic vs Kansas

Kansas's Advantages:

• 10-game win streak
• Superior defense and perimeter shooting
• Better depth and conditioning
• Strong inside-outside offensive balance

Betting Pick: Kansas -4.0

The Jayhawks' defensive prowess, deeper bench, and efficient offense should prove too much for North Carolina's limited rotation over 40 minutes. Expect Kansas to control the pace and pull away for a comfortable championship victory.

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