It’s been a wild opening two rounds of the tournament where two No. 1 seeds (Purdue, Kansas) didn’t’ advance out of the first two rounds and we had several other crazy outcomes.
Now we look to the Sweet 16 and 5 Bets is ready. We went 3-2 in the first round and look to better that mark this week.
I feel pretty confident with my selections for the Sweet 16. I’m taking four underdogs to cover and an underrated Big East team to win as a favorite. We also have more picks for the Sweet 16 here.
5 bets to Make this Week
- Kansas State +2 over Michigan State
- Princeton +9.5 to cover against Creighton
- Miami +7.5 to cover against Houston
- Gonzaga +2 to cover against UCLA
- UConn -3.5 over Arkansas
Kansas State Smothers Spartans
The Kansas State Wildcats are the higher ranked seed but an underdog against the Michigan State Spartans.
Some of that has to do with coaching. Tom Izzo is one of the old guards still standing and has loads of NCAA Tournament experience.
But he and the Spartans will find it hard to overcome a stifling Wildcats defense. In addition, MSU has struggled against teams from the Big 12. They were 1-6 against them. Look for that to continue as the lone team from the Big 10 goes down on Thursday.
Prediction: Wildcats +2 over Spartans (-110 at Caesars)
Watch: Thursday, 6:30 p.m. ET, TBS or FuboTV
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Princeton Stands up to Creighton
Everyone loves an underdog and the Princeton Tigers are the darlings of this year’s NCAA Tournament. As a No. 15 seed, the Tigers knocked off No. 2 Arizona Wildcats and the No. 7 Missouri Tigers.
Now they face the No. 6 Creighton Bluejays and are a 9.5-point underdog. That seems extremely high for what should be a back and forth contest on Friday.
Both teams have dominant big men, though Princeton’s Tosan Evbuomwan might find it challenging to score with a strong defense from Creighton. That means they will have to find offense from outside and the team has shown the ability to score from three.
Princeton’s run will probably come to an end on Friday, but it will be a nail biter. Take the Tigers and the points.
Prediction: Tigers +9.5 against Bluejays (-107 at BetRivers)
Watch: Friday, 9 p.m. ET, TBS or FuboTV
Miami Hangs with Houston
The Miami Hurricanes have been betting favorites among gamblers this season, especially as an underdog. The team is 7-1 against the spread in its last eight games as a dog.
They are getting 7.5 points at BetMGM against the Houston Cougars and the game should be more defensive in nature. The Cougars have held its last two opponents to 32% shooting. Miami will have to overcome that defense if they’re going to have any success.
In their win against the Indiana Hoosiers, Miami shot more than 50% from the field, so they are very capable of a similar game against Houston.
Prediction: Miami +7.5 against Cougars (-115 at BetMGM)
Watch: Friday, 7:15 p.m. ET, CBS or FuboTV
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Bruins Injuries Cost Them
The UCLA Bruins would be a big favorite in this game with the Gonzaga Bulldogs if it wasn’t for the injuries the team has suffered. It began with Jaylen Clark, who hurt his Achilles in the regular season finale.
The Bruins also saw Adem Bona miss the first round and David Singleton went down in second round. Both are expected to play but it’s not known how strong they will be.
Gonzaga seems to be peaking at the right time. The Bulldogs have won their last 11 and seem like a great pick, getting two points. UCLA might not have an answer for All-American Drew Timme and he could have a big night.
Prediction: Bulldogs +2 against UCLA (-110 at Golden Nugget)
Watch: Thursday, 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS or FuboTV
UConn Runs Over Arkansas
The UConn Huskies are proving it should have been a higher seed. The No. 4 Huskies won its first-round game by 24 and its second round contest by 15.
Now they face the No. 8 seed, the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shocked the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks in the second round.
There might be a hangover effect after such a big win and the Razorbacks can have no distraction if they’re going to take care of the Huskies.
I don’t think that will happen. I believe UConn has too many weapons and Arkansas will get hammered by double digits.
Prediction: Huskies -3.5 over Arkansas (-110 at Golden Nugget)
Watch: Thursday, 7:15 p.m. ET, CBS or FuboTV
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