Identifying the true NCAA contenders ...

Identifying true title contenders

You'll be filling out your bracket in less than two weeks, so if you haven't come up with a short list of teams that can win the 2025-26 NCAA basketball championship now is the time to do so. Our list is divided into two categories:

Legitimate championship threats: Michigan (+330), Duke (+350), Arizona (+475), Florida (+800) and UConn (+1600). Others with a chance: Houston (+1000), Iowa State (+1900), Michigan State (+4000) and Tennessee (+7000).

We'll be surprised if the champion doesn't come from the first list, but the teams on the second list may be worth a wager since you can always find a creative way to make money on them if they reach the Final Four.

Here's a snapshot of how things look at the moment: Projected No. 1 seeds: Duke, Michigan, Arizona and UConn. Last four in: Ohio State, Indiana, Auburn and New Mexico. First four out: TCU, VCU, San Diego State and Cincinnati*

RBROWNBETS.COM: It was a good weekend as we cashed with Michigan on the moneyline Friday night, and our wager Nicolai Hojgaard paid off when he finished in the Top 10 (tied for sixth) at the Cognizant Classic. Nothing on tonight's betting menu jumps off the page, although we may put a few dollars on Iowa State if the Cyclones are getting +8 or better at Arizona. Also, for you NBA bettors, be sure to check the injury report before wagering any $$$ on tonight's Bucks-Celtics game. Both teams played Sunday, and the Celtics often rest players (see Jaylen Brown) for one game when they play on back-to-back nights. Good luck with your bets.

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