'The Barn' at Mineapolis is expecting nothing less than an absolute barn-burner this afternoon as the heavy favorite No. 15 Ole Miss Rebels take on the WCC Champions the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
The Rebels have dominated the predictions and odds right from the beginning, and there are plenty of reasons why. As a mid-major team, the Zags' schedule hasn't prepared them for this level of SEC-caliber physicality, one that is also a defensive buzzsaw.
Coach Yo is an expert at creating that aggressive pressure on the court, one that bullies the opponent's offenses into poor shots and turnovers. Everyone is concerned that the Bulldogs might not have enough offensive tools to even put up a close fight against the Rebels' defensive wall.
Vegas clearly doesn't. The final odds have a clear favorite for Friday's tipoff, and the odds heavily leaning on one team scream that it's going to be a double-digit blowout.
Ole Miss women's basketball vs. Gonzaga Final odds
On Friday, March 20, FanDuel updated its odds to reflect how big a heavyweight Ole Miss is entering the Williams Arena.
Point spread: Ole Miss -14.5
Moneyline: Ole Miss -1050 | Gonzaga +630
Total (over/under): 135.5
Up from yesterday's -13.5, the growing point spread clearly shows the growing belief the bookies have in the Rebels. The massive difference in the money line just doubles down on Coach Yo's squad being the heavy favorite to advance to Round Two.
Following last year's deep Sweet 16 run, anything less than a second weekend appearance would feel like a missed opportunity for McPhee-McCuin's squad.
All that's left to see now is whether Coach Yo can make a run deeper than last season, and do the never-done-before by leading Ole Miss to the Final Four.