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Final Four TV ratings highest since 2005

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Mike Miller

People love underdogs, but they prefer to watch college hoops heavyweights. At least in the Final Four.

TV ratings for games featuring the likes of Kentucky-Louisville and Kansas-Ohio State were the highest since 2005, which had North Carolina, Illinois, Louisville and Michigan State.

The games earned an overnight rating of 9.0 and a 17 share (number all TVs tuned into the game), one percent increase over last year’s Final Four that had Kentucky, Connecticut and non-BCS schools VCU and Butler. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s notable given TV ratings had been flat compared to last year’s tournament.

Also notable? That 2005 Final Four generated a 10.5 rating and a 19 share for two blowouts. Neither of Saturday’s games were routs, yet the ratings were lower.

Anyway, it’ll be interesting to see what happens for Monday’s title game given Kentucky and Kansas are two of college hoops’ heavyweight programs and come from two of the areas where TV love watching college hoops.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.