Monday, March 24, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
With the top seeds from three regions already reaching the Final Four, all that was left was for Arizona to make sure Cinderella Providence was home by midnight.
But the Wildcats' chariot ride to Indianapolis nearly vanished as quickly as its 85-78 lead in the final minute of regulation. The Friars tied the score at 85, and when the clock struck 3.9 seconds, Providence had a chance to win.
But Corey Wright's three-point attempt looked like an ugly stepsister, much to the delight of Arizona fans, and especially bettors.
The Wildcats had opened as 3-point favorites and were bet up to 4, before the number finally settled at 3 1/2. An Arizona free throw in the waning seconds led to a 96-92 final, and a fairy tale ending for Arizona bettors.
The representation of major conferences that comprise this Final Four should make for an interesting finish, as Kentucky from the SEC, Minnesota of the Big 10, North Carolina of the ACC and the Pac 10's Arizona vie for the national crown next weekend.
"Arizona's win adds a little Western flavor," said Jay Kornegay, sports book director at the Imperial Palace. "If we would have got UCLA in there, it would have really helped the handle, because they are so popular in this area. But this being Minnesota's first Final Four appearance gives it a little new excitement."
The Golden Nugget sports book resembled a Minnesota pep rally whenever the Gophers were in action.
"We had a lot of people that came in from Minnesota this week -- we do a lot of tour groups that travel here and this was like their home away from home," said David Sanchilli, sports book director at the downtown hotel-casino. "It was a sea of Gopher fans in here. They look like a team of destiny. Their shots are falling and the ball is bouncing their way."
Kentucky is a 6 1/2-point favorite against Minnesota, with an over/under line of 148. Kornegay predicts balanced betting.
"Kentucky isn't as strong as last year, but we always anticipate some favorite money on them. It's a solid number," Kornegay said.
North Carolina opened as a 5-point pick over the Wildcats. The over/under is 153.
With baseball season opening next week, some sports books are offering season-long propositions.
Caesars Palace is offering odds on which player will lead the major leagues in home runs, one of its most popular wagers.
The Imperial Palace offers a similar wager, with Albert Belle and Ken Griffey Jr. as favorites.
The IP also is offering some unique head-to-head propositions, such as which New York team will win more regular season games. The Yankees opened at 8 1/2 more wins than the Mets, and have been bet up to a 10-win differential.
Frank Thomas is a minus-145 money-line bet to hit more homers than Andres Galarraga, and if you prefer to see players fail, you can bet the "most whiffs" matchup between Sammy Sosa and Greg Vaughn. Sosa is a 25-strikeout favorite.
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