The Sweet Sixteen round will conclude tonight with the last four games on the schedule. We’re going to analyze the betting lines for today’s game and I’ll share my best bet for every match-up.
There were some fireworks yesterday. Kansas State needed overtime to defeat Michigan State, the Zags won a thriller against UCLA and Florida Atlantic pulled off an upset against Tennessee.
Will we see any underdogs win straight-up tonight?
San Diego State vs. Alabama Picks
Aztecs vs. Crimson Tide Preview
Spread: Aztecs +7.5 (-110) vs. Crimson Tide -7.5 (-110)
Total: Over 137.5 Points (-110) vs. Under 137.5 Points (-110)
This is a big point spread for the Sweet 16, but #1 Alabama have been crushing opponents. Since losing to Texas A&M in the regular season finale, Bama are 5-0 with all wins coming by double-digits.
#5 San Diego State have had an easy path to the Sweet 16. The Aztecs play slowly and only average 68.4 possessions per game (260th), but Bama score 82.3 PPG (3rd). I’m siding with Bama to cover.
Best Bet: Crimson Tide -7.5 (-110)
Miami vs. Houston Picks
Hurricanes vs. Cougars Preview
Spread: Hurricanes +7.5 (-110) vs. Cougars -7.5 (-110)
Total: Over 138 Points (-110) vs. Under 138 Points (-110)
#1 Houston are going to be tested against #5 Miami tonight. Miami dominated #4 Indiana (85-69). The Hurricanes score 79.1 PPG (18th), but Houston are only allowing 56.6 PPG (2nd).
Something will have to give in this game. Miami are a great three-point shooting team (36.8% – 34th) and will be able to keep this game close. I’m betting on the Hurricanes to cover against the spread.
Best Bet: Hurricanes +7.5 (-110)
Princeton vs. Creighton Picks
Spread: Tigers +10 (-110) vs. Bluejays-10 (-110)
Total: Over 140.5 Points (-110) vs. Under 140.5 Points (-110)
Most of us will be cheering on #15 Princeton to pull off another upset, but that’s unlikely. #6 Creighton are a very good team. They just dominated #3 Baylor (85-76). Creighton score 76.7 PPG (39th).
The Tigers have already eliminated #1 Arizona and #7 Missouri. If Princeton can hit some threes in this game, they’ll be able to keep it within single digits. Creighton are allowing 68.5 PPG (118th).
Best Bet: Tigers +10 (-110)
Xavier vs. Texas Picks
Musketeers vs. Longhorns Preview
Spread: Musketeers +4.5 (-110) vs. Longhorns -4.5 (-110)
Total: Over 149 Points (-110) vs. Under 149 Points (-110)
#3 Xavier and #2 Texas will meet in the last game tonight. It should be the best game. The Musketeers haven’t been tested yet. The Longhorns have also had a relatively easy path to the Sweet 16.
Both teams score a lot of points. Xavier score 81.2 PPG (6th) and Texas score 77.8 PPG (25th). Texas are much better defensively. They allow 67.2 PPG (76th), while Xavier allow 73.8 PPG (259th).
Best Bet: Longhorns -4.5 (-110)
