How Many Total Points Are Scored On Average During The Final March Madness Game? A Deep Dive

Author Krops 05 Apr 2025

Alright folks, let me start by dropping this bombshell: March Madness is more than just a basketball tournament—it’s a cultural phenomenon. If you’re wondering how many total points are scored on average during the final March Madness game, you’re not alone. This question has been buzzing around like a basketball in the hands of a pro. Let’s break it down, shall we? The Final Four and championship game are where the real drama unfolds, and understanding the scoring trends can give you a serious edge.

Now, before we dive into the numbers, let me tell you why this matters. Basketball fans, gamblers, and analysts alike are always on the lookout for patterns. Knowing how many points are scored on average during the final game of March Madness isn’t just trivia—it’s a key piece of the puzzle when predicting outcomes or even placing bets. So buckle up, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the world of March Madness scoring.

But hold your horses for a second. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. March Madness is a tournament that brings together the best college basketball teams in the country. It’s a spectacle that captures the hearts of millions, and the championship game is its grand finale. If you’re here, you’re probably wondering, “What’s the average score in this epic showdown?” Stick around, because we’ve got all the answers you’re looking for.

Understanding March Madness: A Quick Recap

March Madness is the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, a 68-team single-elimination competition that kicks off every spring. It’s a thrilling ride, with games filled with drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. But what makes the final game so special? It’s the culmination of weeks of intense competition, where two teams battle it out for the ultimate prize: the national championship trophy.

Over the years, the final game has delivered some of the most iconic moments in sports history. From buzzer-beaters to legendary performances, this game has it all. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the scoring. How many total points are scored on average during this high-stakes showdown? Let’s dig into the data and find out.

Historical Scoring Trends in March Madness Finals

When you look at the history of March Madness finals, you’ll notice a fascinating trend. On average, the championship game sees around **75-80 total points** scored by both teams combined. That’s right—this isn’t just a random number; it’s a pattern that has held steady over the years. But why does this happen? Let’s explore the factors that influence scoring in the final game.

Factors That Impact Scoring in the Championship Game

Team Matchups: The style of play between the two teams can drastically affect the total points scored. For example, if one team is known for its fast-paced offense while the other relies on defense, the scoring dynamics will shift.
Coaching Strategies: Coaches often adjust their game plans based on their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. This can lead to more conservative play, resulting in lower scores.
Player Performance: Star players stepping up in clutch moments can push the total points higher. Conversely, off nights can lead to lower scores.
Game Tempo: The pace of the game plays a huge role. Teams that push the tempo tend to score more points, while slower-paced games often result in lower totals.

The Importance of Total Points in Betting

For those of you who like to wager on the games, understanding the average total points scored in the March Madness final is crucial. Sportsbooks often set over/under lines based on historical data and team matchups. If you know the trends, you can make more informed bets.

Here’s a fun fact: Over the past decade, the over/under line for the championship game has typically been set around **140-150 points**. While this might seem high, remember that both teams are elite and capable of putting up big numbers. But don’t let that fool you—defense can also dominate, leading to lower-scoring games.

Breaking Down Recent Championship Games

Let’s take a closer look at some recent March Madness finals to see how the scoring has played out:

2022 Championship Game: Kansas vs. North Carolina. Total points: 143.
2021 Championship Game: Baylor vs. Gonzaga. Total points: 147.
2019 Championship Game: Virginia vs. Texas Tech. Total points: 125.

As you can see, the total points vary from year to year, but they generally hover around the 140-150 mark. This consistency is what makes predicting the final score so intriguing.

Statistical Insights: Analyzing the Data

Numbers don’t lie, and when it comes to March Madness, the stats tell an interesting story. According to ESPN and other reputable sources, the average total points scored in the championship game over the last 20 years is **77.5 points per team**, or about **155 combined points**. That’s a pretty solid benchmark to keep in mind.

But here’s the kicker: the scoring trends aren’t always linear. Some years see incredibly high-scoring games, while others are defensive battles. For example, in 2016, Villanova and North Carolina combined for 169 points, one of the highest totals in recent history. On the flip side, the 2019 game between Virginia and Texas Tech saw just 125 total points, one of the lowest.

Why Do Some Games Have Higher Scores?

There are several reasons why some championship games produce more points than others:

Offensive Powerhouses: When both teams have strong offenses, the points can pile up quickly.
Three-Point Shooting: Teams that excel from beyond the arc often rack up more points.
Fast Break Opportunities: Teams that force turnovers and convert them into easy baskets can boost their scoring totals.

Defensive Dominance: When Points Are Scarce

Not all championship games are high-scoring affairs. In fact, some of the most memorable finals have been defensive battles. Take the 2019 game, for instance. Virginia and Texas Tech played a grind-it-out contest, with neither team breaking 70 points. This kind of game highlights the importance of defense in March Madness.

So, what makes these games so low-scoring? It often comes down to:

Half-Court Defense: Teams that excel at slowing the game down and limiting easy shots can keep the score low.
Rebounding: Controlling the glass prevents second-chance points, which can make a big difference.
Turnover Prevention: Teams that minimize mistakes and avoid giving up fast-break opportunities are more likely to keep the score in check.

Examples of Low-Scoring Finals

Let’s look at a couple of examples where the points were few and far between:

2019 Championship Game: Virginia vs. Texas Tech. Total points: 125.
2006 Championship Game: Florida vs. UCLA. Total points: 123.

These games prove that defense can win championships, even in a tournament known for its high-scoring showdowns.

March Madness Betting Tips: How to Use Scoring Trends

If you’re thinking about betting on the March Madness final, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Study the Teams: Look at their offensive and defensive statistics leading up to the final. Are they known for scoring in bunches, or do they rely on defense?
Consider the Matchup: How do the two teams’ styles of play complement or clash with each other? This can give you insight into whether the game will be high-scoring or low-scoring.
Check the Weather: Okay, maybe not literally, but external factors like injuries or fatigue can impact scoring.

Remember, betting is all about making informed decisions. Use the data to your advantage, and you might just hit the jackpot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few mistakes to watch out for when betting on March Madness:

Ignoring Historical Trends: Past performance can be a strong indicator of future results.
Overreacting to Recent Games: Just because a team had a high-scoring game in the semifinals doesn’t mean the final will follow suit.
Forgetting About Defense: Defense often plays a bigger role in championship games than people realize.

Conclusion: What We’ve Learned About March Madness Final Scoring

So, there you have it, folks. The average total points scored during the final March Madness game is around **77.5 points per team**, or about **155 combined points**. But as we’ve seen, the actual total can vary widely depending on the teams, their styles of play, and other factors.

Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just looking to make a smart bet, understanding these scoring trends can give you a leg up. So, the next time someone asks, “How many total points are scored on average during the final March Madness game?” you’ll know exactly what to say.

Now, here’s your call to action: Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Do you agree with the trends we’ve discussed, or do you have a different perspective? And don’t forget to share this article with your friends—knowledge is power, and the more people who understand March Madness scoring, the better!