When it comes to the Sweet 16 of the March Madness bracket, this is a diverse group of schools that have paved a unique path to the second weekend of the tournament.
When it comes to Sweet 16 bets to make, there are a number of close matchups. Whichever teams survive, and advance will be marching one step closer to the Final Four.
Here’s a look at the best bets for the Sweet 16.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Kansas State Wildcats (+107)
The Wildcats have been one of the NCAA basketball teams that caught everyone by surprise this season. Kansas State Wildcats was picked to finish last in the Big 12 and surprised everyone by earning a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats are led by Florida transfer Keyontae Johnson, who averages 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Markquis Nowell also averages 17.1 points per game. NCAAB odds show that Kansas State has a 23-11 record against the spread this season. The Wildcats are 5-1 straight up on a neutral floor this season.
Michigan State Spartans, which is a No. 7 seed, upended Marquette in the second round. The Spartans are 5-3 straight up on neutral floors. When looking at the March Madness schedule, many expected Michigan State to make a quick exit. However, the Spartans have pulled together to become a threat. Kansas State will lean on its defense and grab a minor upset.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. UCLA Bruins (-2)
The Gonzaga Bulldogs and UCLA Bruins will have a hard time replicating their heart-stopping Final Four battle from two seasons ago. While Gonzaga was a juggernaut that caught UCLA that season, this Bulldogs team is a little more vulnerable.
All-American forward Drew Timme remains for Gonzaga, but the Bulldogs took their share of lumps in the regular season. When it comes to NCAA basketball games today, few teams can score like the Zags.
Gonzaga shoots 52.9 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from the 3-point line while scoring 87.5 points per game. Timme is one of those college basketball players that is a must-watch, as he averages 21.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Who can step up and fill the gaps?
While the college basketball injury report has hurt UCLA’s depth, the Bruins still have veteran players Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell available.
The NCAAB schedule shows UCLA hasn’t had too much difficulty in the tournament so far. In the second round, the Bruins built a 10-point halftime lead and had to fend off a ferocious comeback attempt by Northwestern.
Anyone looking to make Sweet 16 bets will see that Jaquez and Campbell form a formidable duo by averaging 17.5 and 13.4 points per game, respectively. UCLA will use its experience and defense to get revenge on the Zags.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Tennessee Volunteers, under 130.5
The Owls made a splash in the regular season by topping the college basketball standings in total wins. Florida Atlantic then got lucky and drew a No. 16 seed in the second round after pulling an upset over Memphis in the first round. Making Sweet 16 bets shows this is a good opportunity to see the game go under the total.
The Tennessee Volunteers have a habit of making teams play at their pace. People making NCAAB picks on Tennessee have seen the total go under in 21 of Tennessee’s 35 games. Since the postseason started, the Volunteers have seen three of their four games go under the total.
When it comes to March Madness picks, styles make fights. Florida Atlantic, which has seen 17 of its 34 games go over the total, prefers to push the pace. However, Tennessee plays at a different pace and with better athletes than the Owls saw during the regular season.
This one will go under the total.
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