We’re down to the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAAB tournament. Friday was another crazy day, as the two remaining #1 seeds were eliminated. The tourney is wide open and any remaining team could win it all.
The Elite Eight starts today with the first two games and then there are two games on Sunday. After this weekend’s games, the action will pick up again next Saturday (April 1st) with the Final Four games.
Florida Atlantic vs. Kansas State Predictions
Florida Atlantic vs. Kansas State Preview
When: Saturday, March 25th 2023 at 6:00 PM ET
Spread: Owls +1.5 (-110) vs. Wildcats -1.5 (-110)
Total: Over 143.5 Points (-110) vs. Under 143.5 Points (-110)
The #9 Florida Atlantic Owls eliminated #4 Tennessee (62-55) in the Sweet 16. Johnell Davis is leading the Owls in scoring during the tournament (18.7 PPG), but this is a team with a deep rotation. The Owls are scoring 77.3 PPG (31st) and allowing 65.1 PPG (36th) this season.
The #3 Kansas State Wildcats needed overtime to eliminate #7 Michigan State (98-93) in the S16. They also knocked out #6 Kentucky. Markquis Nowell (21.3 PPG) and Keyontae Johnson (17.7 PPG) have been unstoppable. The Wildcats are scoring 76.2 PPG (48th) and allowing 69.6 PPG (140th).
The Owls are an underrated team and I’m backing them to continue the Cinderella run.
Best Bet: Owls ML (+105)
UConn vs. Gonzaga Predictions
When: Saturday, March 25th 2023 at 8:40 PM ET
Spread: Huskies -2.5 (-110) vs. Bulldogs +2.5 (-110)
Total: Over 153 Points (-110) vs. Under 153 Points (-110)
The #4 UConn Huskies had no problem eliminated #8 Arkansas (88-65) in the S16, while the #3 Gonzaga Bulldogs eliminated #2 UCLA (79-76) in a thriller. Gonzaga are scoring 86.1 PPG (1st) and allowing 74.0 PPG (265th), while UConn are scoring 78.7 PPG (21st) and allowing 64.7 PPG (32nd).
This is a tough game to predict. Will UConn’s defense be able to shut down Drew Timme and the Zags offense? Both teams are averaging over 80.0 PPG in the tourney, so I’m betting on the over.
Best Bet: Over 153 Points (-110)
Creighton vs. San Diego State Predictions
When: Sunday, March 26th 2023 at 2:20 PM ET
Spread: Bluejays -1.5 (-110) vs. Aztecs +1.5 (-110)
Total: Over 133.5 Points (-110) vs. Under 133.5 Points (-110)
The #5 San Diego State Aztecs just eliminated #1 Alabama (71-64). I didn’t see that coming, but there’s a good chance the Aztecs can pull off another upset in the Elite Eight against the #6 Creighton Bluejays.
Creighton are scoring 77.0 PPG (36th), but they allow 68.7 PPG (120th). The Aztecs play at a slow pace and only allow 63.3 PPG (2rd), but they’re only scoring 71.2 PPG (161st). This is going to be a close game that’ll come down to the wire and I’m backing the Aztecs to pull off the upset.
Best Bet: Aztecs ML (+105)
Miami vs. Texas Predictions
When: Sunday, March 26th 2023 at 5:00 PM ET
Spread: Hurricanes +4 (-110) vs. Longhorns -4 (-110)
Total: Over 149.5 Points (-110) vs. Under 149.5 Points (-110)
The #5 Miami Hurricanes exploded for 89 points in a win against #1 Houston in the S16. Miami rank #15 in scoring (79.4 PPG), but they allow 71.7 PPG (211th). The #2 Texas Longhorns are the highest seed remaining in the tournament. Texas just defeated #3 Xavier (83-71).
Texas have won all three tournament games by double-digits. Miami are going to make it difficult, but I have the Longhorns advancing. The Longhorns have a deep rotation and Miami will struggle to keep up.
Best Bet: Longhorns -4 (-110)
