Final Four 2015: Odds and Predictions for Teams Seeking NCAA Title Game Berth

The NCAA tournament is always among the most exciting events on the sports calendar, but this year's version has set itself for the best finish in years.

No matter who advances from the Final Four, there is certain to be a thrilling final with plenty of storylines. Even the semifinals could be among the best we have ever seen with four legendary coaches playing with elite talent that has gotten better throughout the year.

Of course, the overarching question remains whether anyone can beat Kentucky and prevent the squad from being the first team to finish 40-0.

So which teams will advance from the Final Four to reach the national championship game? Here is a look at predictions for the two upcoming battles.

Time (ET)	Matchup	TV	Odds*
6:09 p.m.	Duke vs. Michigan State	TBS	Duke -5
8:49 p.m.	Kentucky vs. Wisconsin	TBS	Kentucky -5

Duke vs. Michigan State

Not many people expected Michigan State to make it this far after watching the squad earlier in the season. However, Tom Izzo always finds a way to get his players to peak at the right time.

The key has been the emergence of Travis Trice, who was a third option for much of the year behind Denzel Valentine and Branden Dawson. This is no longer the case with the guard averaging 19.8 points per game in the NCAA tournament.

Still, the difference in this matchup will be Jahlil Okafor. Although the freshman center has been limited over the past two games while being held to single digits in scoring, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski explained why this doesn't matter:

The past two rounds featured opponents with the size inside to cause problems for Okafor. Utah's Jakob Poeltl and Gonzaga's Przemek Karnowski could at least slow down the big man, while double-teams also helped.

Unfortunately for Michigan State, no one on the roster has the defensive ability to handle the center. Okafor should resemble the player who scored 47 points over the first two tournament games while the players around him like Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook are left with open shots.

With Justise Winslow emerging as a dominant force on both ends of the court as well, Duke should be able to come away with the victory.

Prediction: Duke 67, Michigan State 58

Kentucky vs. Wisconsin

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No one is perfect, but Kentucky has been this year. Even when the squad plays a bad game, it always finds a way to come through to get a win.

The Elite Eight victory over Notre Dame showed what happens when an opponent utilizes great offense by spreading things out with shooters all over the floor. Still, the Wildcats were able to escape with a narrow win.

The Irish were able to prove they had what it takes to succeed against this defense. That's good news for Wisconsin, which has similar traits to Notre Dame but can add size up front to match up with players like Willie Cauley-Stein and Karl-Anthony Towns.

When ESPN's Jeff Goodman discussed the upcoming matchup with anonymous coaches, one summed it up well:

"

Wisconsin wins. Kentucky hasn't played anyone like them. They are so much more athletic than Kentucky will think they are. They will go 1-on-1 and score and Kentucky will be surprised. They are very comfortable in a game in the 50's or 70s. They will score inside and out at a higher percentage than other teams have against them this year.

"

Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker have been outstanding during this tournament, while Nigel Hayes is also capable of doing damage in the frontcourt. While Kentucky is great defensively, this trio will present new problems down low as well as on the perimeter.

Considering the fact Wisconsin has thought about revenge in this matchup since losing in the Final Four a year ago, the Badgers will figure out a way to pull out a narrow victory in a massive upset.

Prediction: Wisconsin 61, Kentucky 60

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