The Second Round of the NCAA Tournament will wrap up on Sunday, and the Sweet 16 will be set. There is still some work to be done before that, and eight games will be played on Sunday.
Here are five of the best bets to make on Sunday, March 20, in the NCAA Tournament.
Houston Cougars vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Houston vs. Illinois Predictions
Best Bet: Houston -4.5
The Houston Cougars advanced all the way to the Final Four a season ago, and they are trying to make a return to the Sweet 16. Houston had little trouble with UAB in the First Round, but the same can’t be said for Illinois.
The Fighting Illini led for a total of 25 seconds in the First Round but were able to sneak past the Chattanooga Mocs to set up this showdown. Illinois shot poorly in that game, but it was their defense that allowed them to advance.
This should be a terrific defensive battle, but Houston is simply playing too well. The Cougars win this game by five points at least to advance to the next round.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Villanova Wildcats
Ohio State vs. Villanova Predictions
Best Bet: Villanova ML (-215)
One of the best games of the day will take place in the South Region as the Villanova Wildcats take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Villanova is a 5.5-point favorite over Ohio State, but this is a game in which you might want to look at the moneyline.
The Wildcats lit it up from deep in the First Round, but they can also be a great defensive team. Ohio State will have the size advantage in this game, but the Buckeyes have just been too inconsistent.
E.J. Liddell and company will keep Ohio State in this game, but Villanova just does too many things really well. The Wildcats win and move on to the Sweet 16.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa State vs. Wisconsin Predictions
Best Bet: Wisconsin -3
Wisconsin survived an upset attempt by Colgate in the First Round, but they are still favored to win on Sunday. Iowa State looked sharp against LSU, and they did most of the damage from the perimeter.
Don’t expect much offense in this game, as both teams are okay with playing slow. Wisconsin has the best player on the floor in Johnny Davis, and that should be the difference down the stretch.
Take the Badgers -3.0 over the Cyclones in this matchup.
Texas Longhorns vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Texas vs. Purdue Predictions
Best Bet: Purdue -3.5
Purdue and Texas meet up on Sunday in what could be one of the most interesting matchups of the day. The Boilermakers want to score points in a hurry, and the Longhorns want to win this game with its defense.
Purdue has incredible depth, and they also have a pair of bigs that have been tough for opponents to deal with. Texas always seems to play terrific defense, but the Longhorns struggle to score at times.
It’s going to take points to upset Purdue, and Texas just doesn’t score well enough. Take the Boilermakers -3.5 as they advance to the Sweet 16.
TCU Horned Frogs vs. Arizona Wildcats
TCU vs. Arizona Predictions
Best Bet: Arizona -9.5
Sunday looks like a day that is filled with terrific matchups, but not all of the games are going to be close. The biggest chance for a blowout takes place in the final game as the Arizona Wildcats take on the TCU Horned Frogs.
TCU blew out Seton Hall in the First Round, and the Horned Frogs can really defend. The Horned Frogs have had a terrific season, but that defense is not going to be good enough to slow down Arizona.
The Wildcats win this one by double-digits to advance to the Sweet 16.
