Top 5 Schools Poised for a March Madness Final Four Cinderella Run

Creighton Bluejays

Midwest Region Odds: +450
National Championship Odds: +2500

We've been high on the Creighton Bluejays for quite some time. Their lethal combination of balanced scoring, elite defense, and experience make Creighton a dark horse contender to upend brackets before the end of the tournament.

The Bluejays narrowly escaped a second-round clash with the Oregon Ducks. Needing double-overtime to secure the win, Creighton punched its ticket to the Sweet Sixteen and an impending clash with the Tennessee Volunteers. 

Creighton's gut-wrenching second-round victory only strengthened our resolve in backing them as National Championships. Previous iterations of this team would have come up short against the Ducks. But with their backs against the wall, Baylor Scheierman and Steven Ashworth delivered the exact type of performance that we expected them to. 

The betting odds might not reflect it, but Creighton remains a top threat to win it all.

North Carolina State Wolfpack

South Region Odds: +1600
National Championship Odds: +12000

Bettors continue to sleep on the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The lowest seed remaining in the tourney, NC State has the longest odds to cut down the nets at State Farm Stadium on April 8. Still, they are worth the investment. 

Since the start of the ACC Conference Tournament, NC State has been underdogs in five of its seven outings. More impressively, they are a perfect 7-0 over that stretch -- a trend they can continue against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the Sweet Sixteen.

DJ Burns has been the cornerstone of their success, but the Wolfpack get contributions from all of their starters. Most recently, in the Round of 32, all five starters hit double-digits in scoring, with Burns and Mohamed Diarra racking up double-doubles. 

North Carolina State deserves more respect than their getting in the betting market. Count us as believers that they parlay this current streak into a much deeper run. 

San Diego State Aztecs

East Region Odds: +1200
National Championship Odds: +7500

Apparently, a run to last year's National Championship isn't enough to convince bettors that the San Diego State Aztecs are legit contenders. Don't overlook the value they present in the National Championship futures market. 

Darrion Trammell was the emotional leader on last year's run, and although he was relatively quiet for most of the season, he responded with an A+ effort in Round 2. The senior guard dazzled with an 18-point, five rebound, four assist, and three steal stat line, showcasing his efforts in all aspects of the game. 

This is the poetic ending Trammell and the graduating class deserve. Seeking retribution for last year's championship loss, the Aztecs can knock off the UConn Huskies in the Sweet Sixteen. If they can, San Diego State will soar to the top of the futures board.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

Midwest Region Odds: +480
National Championship Odds: +2500

This year hasn't been the usual cakewalk for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Typically, the Zags don't face any sincere competition until the big dance, but this year they've faced more resistance in the West Coast Conference. Gonzaga's resiliency has been tested, and they've passed with flying colors. 

The Bulldogs rate as one of the top teams in adjusted efficiency. Altogether, they've compiled the seventh-best offensive rating and 41st defensive rating, resulting in the 12th-best efficiency margin. Those talents have been on full display in the opening rounds, with Gonzaga easily covering both games as favorites. 

Gonzaga's last three finishes in the NCAA Tournament have been Elite Eight, Sweet Sixteen, and Runner Up. Continuity and coaching could help them pull off a few more upsets en route to the Ship, and set the bar even higher in 2024.

Creighton Bluejays

Midwest Region Odds: +450
National Championship Odds: +2500

We've been high on the Creighton Bluejays for quite some time. Their lethal combination of balanced scoring, elite defense, and experience make Creighton a dark horse contender to upend brackets before the end of the tournament.

The Bluejays narrowly escaped a second-round clash with the Oregon Ducks. Needing double-overtime to secure the win, Creighton punched its ticket to the Sweet Sixteen and an impending clash with the Tennessee Volunteers. 

Creighton's gut-wrenching second-round victory only strengthened our resolve in backing them as National Championships. Previous iterations of this team would have come up short against the Ducks. But with their backs against the wall, Baylor Scheierman and Steven Ashworth delivered the exact type of performance that we expected them to. 

The betting odds might not reflect it, but Creighton remains a top threat to win it all.