The Sweet 16 starts Thursday. What does your bracket look like? This is the opportunity to jump on the teams that will continue to dance until the Elite Eight. There are eight games and I’ve got and nine sweet selections for the next eight games. We have more picks here.
UCLA Upsets Gonzaga
The UCLA Bruins are favored by 2.5 points against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The total is 145.5.The Bruins have been impressive in the opening rounds. They have done so without two key members of their rotation.
Gonzaga is hot at the right time and are appearing in their fourth consecutive Sweet Sixteen. Bruins are resilient and find ways to win, This is not a formidable Bulldog team. The money line is -135 for UCLA. Take the money line in this game.
Prediction: UCLA ML against Gonzaga (-135 at BetMGM)
Watch: Thursday, 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS or FuboTV
Aztecs Keep it Close
The Alabama Crimson Tide is favored by 7.5 against the San Diego State Aztecs. The total is 136.5. The money line is Alabama -375 and the Aztecs +280.
Alabama is one of two number one seeds remaining. Alabama has beaten both of their opponents by more than 20 points. The Aztecs will play a physical game and keep things interesting. While I have Bama as my national Champion, this will be a tough game. Grab the Aztecs and the 7.5.
Prediction: Aztecs +7.5 against Alabama (-110 at Unibet)
Watch: Friday, 6:30 p.m. ET, TBS or FuboTV
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Sasser Still Not 100%
The Houston Cougars are facing the Miami Hurricanes and favored by 7.5 and the total is 137.5. The money line is Cougars -300 and Miami +240. The Cougars are playing well despite Marcus Sasser not close to 100% due to injury.
Miami is the one lone team from the ACC in the Sweet 16. Miami was nearly upset in the first round. The prop bet that jumps out at me is Sasser’s points. He is projected at 17.5. The price is -125 if you take him under.
Prediction: Sasser Under 17.5 points (-125 at bet365)
Watch: Thursday, 7:15 p.m. ET, CBS or FuboTV
Texas, Xavier Scoring Machines
The Texas Longhorns play the Xavier Musketeers and are favored by 4.5. The total is 148.5. This has the making of a high scoring game. Xavier averaged 78 points in their two opening round games.
Texas averaged 76 points in both of their wins. If this trend continues, they exceed 150 for the game. Take the total Over.
Prediction: Texas-Xavier Over 148.5 (-110 at Caesars)
Watch: Friday, 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS or FuboTV
UConn Shave Razorbacks
The Connecticut Huskies play the Arkansas Razorbacks. UConn is -3.5 and the total is 140. This game is so appealing that I’m going to make two selections. I love the Huskies because they are sound on offense and defense. They are ranked in the top 15 in the nation in both categories. Take UConn minus the 3.5 and over 140.
Prediction: Huskies -3.5 over Razorback (-110 at Tipico)
Watch: Thursday, 7 p.m. ET, CBS or FuboTV
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Tennessee Wins Low-Scoring Contest
The Tennessee Volunteers face the Florida Atlantic Owls. The line is Tennessee -5.5 and the total is 130.5. The Tennessee defense is stingy and ranked in the top 15 in the nation. The Vols held the Duke Blue Devils to 52 points after beating LA-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns, 58-55. The Vols handle Florida Atlantic and the game goes under.
Prediction: Vols -5.5 against Owls (-110 at BetMGM)
Prediction: Vols-Owls Under 130.5 points (-110 at BetMGM)
Watch: Thursday, 9 p.m. ET, TBS or FuboTV
Spartans Lean on Coach’s Experience
The Michigan State Spartans face the Kansas State Wildcats. The line is Michigan State -2 and the total is 137.5.
Spartan Coach Tom Izzo is tournament tested. He has a record of 53-23 in the NCAA Tournament. While the Wildcats are representing a tougher conference, it is hard to overlook Izzo’s record. Take the Spartans minus the two.
Prediction: Spartans -2 over Wildcats (-110 at BetRivers)
Watch: Thursday, 6:30 p.m. ET, TBS or FuboTV
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