Elite Eight: Kentucky Wildcats (4) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (2) Sun. March 27, 2011 5:05 p.m. EST

The Sweet 16 is officially in the books and with just two games remaining in the Elite Eight, the Final Four of the 2011 NCAA Tournament is almost set in stone. With the Butler Bulldogs (8) and the UConn Huskies (3) already punching their tickets to the Final Four with wins over the Florida Gators and the Arizona Wildcats, there are two spots left and perhaps the most anticipated game of the Elite Eight is the Kentucky Wildcats (4) taking on the North Carolina Tar Heels (2).

The consensus around the country at this point in time is that the UConn Huskies (3) are the team to beat in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. With arguably the best all-around player in college basketball in Kemba Walker, the UConn Huskies (3) will be extremely tough to beat, but even though one of these two teams will ultimately have to face Walker and company in the Final Four, they will be concentrating on just making the next step.

Coming into this matchup in the Elite Eight, the North Carolina Tar Heels (2) have the edge in my opinion as they are by far the more experienced team with a battle tested head coach in Roy Williams. Being just two years removed from their last NCAA title definitely helps things, but in an interesting twist, the Kentucky Wildcats (4) have been favored.

As of right now, the Kentucky Wildcats will be the team to beat in this matchup as they have a -1.5 point spread in their favor. Even though the Wildcats will give the Tar Heels a run for their money, I believe Roy Williams will lead his team to another Final Four appearance.

Take North Carolina at +1.5.

The online sportsbook odds for this matchup are:

Diamond Sportsbook:
Spread: Kentucky Wildcats -1.5 & North Carolina Tar Heels +1.5
Moneyline: Kentucky Wildcats -125 & North Carolina Tar Heels +105
Over/Under: Kentucky Wildcats 110 North Carolina Tar Heels 110 under (146)

Bookmaker Sportsbook:
Spread: Kentucky Wildcats -1.5 & North Carolina Tar Heels +1.5
Moneyline: Kentucky Wildcats -125 & North Carolina Tar Heels +105
Over/Under: Kentucky Wildcats 110 North Carolina Tar Heels 110 under (146)

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