Prop bets target big men’s battle

Admire him or not, Tyler Hansbrough has been remarkably productive in his four years at North Carolina. While his effort is off the charts, critics say his style leaves a little to be desired.

It's no secret Oklahoma sophomore Blake Griffin has a much higher upside. He's the top player in college basketball and a sure-fire NBA star.

The stage is set for a high-profile duel in today's South Region final -- Hansbrough and the top-seeded Tar Heels against Griffin and the second-seeded Sooners.

North Carolina is favored by 61/2 to 7 points, and Nevada sports books are posting several proposition bets on what has the potential to be one of the best games of the NCAA Tournament.

The props on Griffin and Hansbrough, and how their performances measure up, will be interesting to monitor.

"I think Griffin is the better player," Cal Neva sports book director Nick Bogdanovich said. "But there's a lot of pressure on Griffin because he doesn't have the better supporting cast. If he doesn't play well, I don't think Oklahoma can win."

Bogdanovich set the prop for Griffin's total points and rebounds at 381/2. In three NCAA Tournament games, the 6-foot-10-inch Griffin has averaged 30.3 points and 14.7 rebounds. He had 30 points and 14 rebounds Friday in OU's 84-71 victory over Syracuse.

The prop on Hansbrough's total points and rebounds is 30. He had 24 points and 10 rebounds Friday in the Tar Heels' 98-77 win over Gonzaga.

"Carolina plays track meets. It's always up and down and it's always entertaining," Bogdanovich said.

The total is 165. Both games Saturday went over, and most signs point to Oklahoma-North Carolina being another high-scoring game, but Sooners coach Jeff Capel said his team will not try to run with the Tar Heels the entire time.

Other props posted by Bogdanovich at Cal Neva locations, including the Binion's and Tuscany sports books in Las Vegas:

• Total points and assists for Tar Heels guard Ty Lawson: 231/2.

• Total points for the Tar Heels' Wayne Ellington: 16.

• Total points for Sooners guard Willie Warren: 15.

• Total 3-point goals made by both teams: 141/2.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0353.