Michigan State-Connecticut Battle of the Boards

Final Four betting players have seen Connecticut roll over their competition, as they've really once been challenged once so far in the NCAA Tournament. However, their opponent in one of Saturday's Final Four matchup, Michigan State, has already eliminated Big East champion Louisville, and the Spartans will be eager to claim another team from the nation's toughest conference.

Michigan State vs Connecticut odds - Saturday, April 1, 6:07 PM ET

The Spartans, seeded second in the Midwest, began their quest to the Final Four with a 77-62 win over Robert Morris, as the country's top rebounding team held a 43-25 edge on the glass over the Colonials. Next, the Spartans held USC to 40.4% from the floor in a 74-69 win, outrebounding the Trojans 33-24, while Travis Walton hit 18 points. In the Sweet 16, Michigan State eliminated the defending champions with a 67-62 victory over Kansas, as the Spartans hit 16 of their 17 free-throw attempts. Finally, the Spartans put together their best defensive performance in a 64-52 win over Louisville, holding the Cardinals to 38.3% from the floor. Michigan State's opponents have shot only 41.2% against the Spartans, and that sort of defense makes them very capable of a Final Four betting upset.

The Huskies opened their Tournament with a 103-47 romp over Chattanooga, as three players scored at least 20 points, and UConn had a massive 57-33 edge on the glass. Against Texas A&M, the Huskies outrebounded the Aggies 36-22 and got 27 points from A.J. Price in a 92-66 blowout despite foul trouble for Hasheem Thabeet. Next was Purdue, and while the Boilermakers put up a good fight, they still lost 72-60 to the Huskies, who outrebounded Purdue 42-31. UConn then reached the Final Four with an 82-75 win over a pesky Missouri team, outrebounding the smaller Tigers 45-26.

The Huskies are a 4-point favorite in this contest according to Final Four odds , and Michigan State's biggest task will be to keep the Huskies from dominating the boards as they have. With both teams ranking in the national top three in rebounding, the battle on the boards will be a bruising affair, but one that probably decides the outcome of this game. UConn will have the size advantage, but that hasn't stopped Michigan State from outrebounding bigger teams in the past. Based on the roads to this stage of the Tournament for both teams, Final Four betting players should keep an eye on the glass.