Four Sneaky College Basketball Teams With Final Four Potential

The college basketball season is in full swing, and as the action heats up, it’s never too early to start thinking about the madness of March. With that in mind, I’ve identified four teams—at a range of BetMGM odds—that I believe have the potential to punch their ticket to the Final Four.

Iowa State +350 

The Cyclones are off to a phenomenal start this season, boasting a 9-1 record and dominating opponents with double-digit victories in all but three games. Highlighting their resume is an impressive win over then-No. 5 Marquette, which has propelled Iowa State to No. 3 in the AP Top 25. Their lone loss came in a tight two-point battle against Auburn, the current No. 2 team in the country.

A major improvement for Iowa State this season has been its offense. The Cyclones have become far more dynamic on that end of the floor, led by Keshon Gilbert, who ranks fourth in the Big 12 in scoring at 16.4 points per game, and Curtis Jones, who sits 11th with 15.7 points per game. For comparison, Gilbert finished 15th in the conference last season, and no other Cyclone cracked the top 20.

This year's success is also powered by a core group of experienced veterans—Gilbert, Jones, Tamin Lipsey, and Milan Momcilovic—who all bring valuable tournament experience to the table. Combine that with TJ Otzelberger's signature defensive approach, and Iowa State has a recipe for sustained success. The Cyclones are allowing just 64.9 points per game, while their relentless, disruptive defense continues to force turnovers and hold opponents to low shooting percentages— a proven formula for winning in March.

Florida +650

Florida is out to a perfect 10-0 record, showcasing its dominance despite facing a relatively soft early-season schedule. The Gators have earned double-digit victories in every game, imposing their will from start to finish.

Florida’s success stems from its elite perimeter trio of Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard, which ranks among the best backcourts in the nation. All three are averaging double figures and are complemented by forward Alex Condon, whose versatility in the paint adds another layer to Florida’s offensive output. When their offense is clicking, the Gators can go toe-to-toe with any team in the country, capable of turning games into track meets while maintaining their efficiency.

The Gators have a great balance of rebounding, depth, and defensive discipline to go along with a strong mix of chemistry and experience. Plus, playing in the SEC will provide them with the tests they need to prepare for March.

Memphis +1300

Memphis has quietly built a strong resume this season, sitting at 5-1 in Quad 1 wins with victories over No. 2 UConn, Michigan State, and No. 16 Clemson. Their recent win against Clemson was particularly impressive—playing on the road for a morning game right after a tough loss to Arkansas State. Memphis' guard play has been key, leading them to a No. 4 ranking in strength-of-schedule-adjusted defensive rating, No. 8 in adjusted offensive rating, and No. 5 in adjusted net rating.

Despite their success, Penny Hardaway’s squad is still flying under the radar, largely because they play in the American Athletic Conference. But this is a battle-tested team that has proven it can rise to the occasion against top competition. At +1300, Memphis offers excellent value as a sleeper.

Oregon +1800

The Oregon Ducks have been making a statement this season with standout wins over No. 20 Texas A&M, San Diego State, and No. 9 Alabama. What’s even more impressive? They scored at least 78 points in all three of those games. Against Texas A&M, which boasts the No. 6 defense on KenPom, Oregon dominated in the paint and outpaced them in transition. It was a similar story versus Alabama, whose No. 34 defense had no answer for the Ducks’ efficient attack.

Offensive balance is a major strength for Oregon, with five players averaging double figures. This gives the Ducks the versatility to thrive even if one player has an off night. Their success has translated into a 3-1 record in Quad 1 wins and 2-0 in Quad 2 wins, which will play a big role when it comes to tournament seeding. At +1800, the Ducks have both the firepower and resume to make a deep run.

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