North Carolina opened as a small favorite over Villanova for Monday's national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston.
The Tar Heels were installed as consensus two-point favorites over the Wildcats at multiple Las Vegas sportsbooks. Sportsbook operator CG Technology opened North Carolina as a 1.5-point favorite. Station Casinos went with North Carolina at minus-2.5, and the Westgate SuperBook, William Hill and the Wynn went with the Tar Heels at minus-2.
North Carolina blew past tournament-upstart Syracuse 83-66 on Saturday night to reach the national championship game. The Tar Heels are looking for their sixth title.