The West Regional is the most tightly contested, according to Vegas. Four teams \u2013 Kansas, UCLA, Gonzaga, and UConn \u2013 have odds of +500 or better to claim the regional\u2019s Final Four bid, and picks will undoubtedly be split among brackets across the country. If you correctly select the escapee from Las Vegas in your bracket pool, you will have a serious leg up on the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Odds-On Favorite:<\/strong> 1 Kansas<\/a> (+350), 2 UCLA<\/a> (+350)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other Favorites:<\/strong> 3 Gonzaga<\/a> (+410), 4 UConn<\/a> (+500)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Challengers:<\/strong> 6 TCU<\/a> (+800), 5 Saint Mary\u2019s<\/a> (+1100), 8 Arkansas (+2000)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kansas is No. 7 in the nation in KenPom\u2019s<\/a> adjusted defensive efficiency, and with how well this team does on the defensive glass, it can be tough for opponents to find opportunities for second-chance points. Dajuan Harris Jr. won the Big 12\u2019s Defensive Player of the Year award<\/a>, and the backcourt combination of him and Kevin McCullar makes for one of the most intimidating perimeter defenses in college basketball.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Case for the Favorites<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1 Kansas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n