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North Carolina replaces Kentucky as national title favorite

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

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Kentucky is no longer the betting favorite to win the NCAA Tournament, as the latest odds from the Las Vegas Superbook have installed North Carolina as the new top dog at 6/1.

The Wildcats, who dropped to 8/1, were also passed by Kansas, Gonzaga, and UCLA, as that trio finds themselves 7/1 to win the championship. It's a huge leap for both the Bulldogs and the Bruins, as both teams opened the season at 80/1 to win the title.

Team Current odds Opening odds
North Carolina 6/1 15/1
Kansas 7/1 10/1
Gonzaga 7/1 80/1
UCLA 7/1 80/1
Kentucky 8/1 6/1
Villanova 8/1 8/1
Oregon 10/1 20/1
Louisville 12/1 10/1
Arizona 15/1 20/1
West Virginia 20/1 30/1

The Tar Heels have been on a roll as of late, and that has certainly caught the eye of the oddsmakers in Las Vegas. Last year's national finalist has won 13 of its last 15 games, including big wins over Virginia and Louisville.

Kentucky has righted the ship after losing three out of four games in late January and early February, reeling off six straight wins, but the margin of victory apparently hasn't impressed the oddsmakers.

How each team's bracket plays out will play a huge role in their national championship chances, and with Selection Sunday just 13 days away, that mystery will be solved soon enough.

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