The 2022 NCAA Tournament wrapped up on Monday with Kansas leading the largest comeback in National Championship Game history in a 72-69 win over North Carolina. The Jayhawks erased a 15-point halftime deficit and outscored the Tar Heels 47-29 in the second half.
Despite Kansas coming back to earn their fourth national title in program history, it wasn't all positive for those that had a betting interest in the game.
Kansas held a 72-69 lead with 4.6 seconds remaining and just had to successfully inbound the ball to seal the win. However, when the Jayhawks inbounded the ball, Dajuan Harris Jr. stepped out of bounds as he was racing towards the Kansas basket. The play was reviewed and it was determined that Harris did in fact step out of bounds, which gave the ball back to North Carolina in the final seconds.
Why was this play so important?
Well, depending on which sportsbook bettors placed a spread wager with, the pregame spread was -4. or -4.5. If Harris stayed in bounds and got fouled, he would've had a chance to knock down at least two free throws and potentially win spread bets for many bettors. One successful free throw would've given bettors a push (during the 2021-22 season, Harris was an 79.2 percent free-throw shooter).
It was a wide range of emotions for Kansas spread bettors because Kansas was only clinging to a three-point lead down the stretch. North Carolina's Brady Manek initially had the ball with second left, but threw the ball out of bounds, which resulted in the inbounds play to Harris. Bettors really went from needing a turnover to get Kansas some free throws to receiving that miracle to having it ripped away as a result of Harris stepping on out of bounds.
Considering that Kansas was trailing by 15 points at halftime, it seemed insane that bettors even had a shot to win their wagers if they bet on the Jayhawks. Still, the spread came so close to hitting before this bad beat took effect.
Kansas Jayhawks championship gear released
In historic fashion, the Jayhawks have won their first national title since 2008. You can now buy Kansas championship shirts, hats, jerseys, hoodies, and much more to celebrate the historic win. Get gear here now.
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