Kentucky new Vegas favorite for NCAA title

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas casinos have tabbed Kentucky the latest favorite in an NCAA tournament full of upsets, and are hoping that Virginia Commonwealth ends its improbable run without a title.

Executive Director Jay Kornegay of the Las Vegas Hilton race and sports book said Sunday night that Kentucky was a 2-point favorite to win its semifinal game against Connecticut, while Butler was a 2 1/2-point favorite over Virginia Commonwealth.

Race and Sports Director Mike Colbert of Cantor Gaming says his books made Kentucky an 8-5 favorite to win the title. Connecticut is the next favorite at 11-5, while Cantor is giving Butler 4-1 odds and VCU 7-1 odds to win it all.

Colbert and Kornegay say a VCU title would be troubling for their casinos given some big bets on the long shots.