The NCAA March Madness Tournament has definitely lived up to the hype so far, leaving zero perfect brackets as early as round one. Now, the Sweet 16 round kicks off on Thursday, March 23, and there are contests scheduled that could end in more upsets. As the March Madness field dwindles down, the odds rise.
Before the tip-off of the next few games, we put together our predictions of point totals and spreads for the matchups scheduled for Thursday, including Tennessee’s matchup against FAU.
Take a quick look to see if any catch your eye as a possible wager option on any of your favorite online sportsbooks.
Best Bets for March Madness Sweet 16
East Region: No. 3 Kansas State vs. No. 7 Michigan State, 6:30 p.m. ET (TBS)
Kansas State has two of the most explosive guards in the country in Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell, both of whom are averaging 17 points per game. Kentucky focused on slowing Johnson down in their second-round matchup, and Nowell showed he can explode when needed, putting up 27 points and nine assists on 50% shooting. Kansas State averages 75 points and has stayed true to that average in the tournament.
Michigan State doesn’t have any players as explosive as Nowell and Johnson, but its offensive production has been similar in the tournament, and it has faced the tougher teams to this point. The offense is the calling card for both teams, and neither defense is anything to write home about, so you can expect a lot of points to be scored in this one.
Pick: Over 137 Points
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West Region: No. 4 UConn vs. No. 8 Arkansas, 7:15 p.m. ET (CBS)
The Razorbacks have five scorers who average double digits. They are also one of the most efficient teams in college hoops, shooting 47% from the field. The Huskies have nearly four double-digit scorers of their own, including star forward Adama Sanogo and star guard Jordan Hawkins. They are two of the best scorers in the country, and Sanogo is among the most efficient.
Both teams have been among the most consistent offensively, scoring more than 70 points in both March Madness contests. There is no sign that either is slowing down, so the odds of the total going Over in this one are pretty favorable.
Pick: Over 140 Points
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East Region: No. 4 Tennessee vs. No. 9 Florida Atlantic, 9 p.m. ET (TBS)
Alabama has dominated the conversation when it comes to SEC schools in men’s college hoops this season. However, Tennessee has quietly developed into a title contender. The Vols defeated Alabama this season, and their defense has shined to this point in the tournament. The Volunteers have yet to allow 60 points, holding Duke 20 points below their season average in their contest in the last round.
FAU has had a Cinderella run so far, but the Owls have yet to face a defense as stingy as the Vols’ this season. Although Tennessee isn’t the most explosive offensive team, its defense creates 18 points per game. If the defense continues the trend of minimizing their opponents to less than 60 points, their offensive production should be enough to cover the spread in this one.
Pick: Tennessee -4.5
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West Region: No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 3 Gonzaga, 9:45 p.m. ET (CBS)
The Bruins are favorites in this one, but the Bulldogs are the more battle-tested team. From Alabama to Xavier, Texas, Michigan State, and more, Gonzaga has seen a variety of tournament-heavy hitters this season. As the competition tightens, the Bulldogs have the schedule that supports success the most at this point of the tournament.
The Bruins have lost to the Bulldogs the last two times they faced off in the tournament — in the 2015 regional semifinals and in the 2021 national semifinals. Bulldogs senior forward Drew Timme was around for that victory and has gotten even better. It’s also worth noting the Bulldogs’ starting roster this season has no freshman compared to two for the Bruins. Experience could play a role in determining the winner in this one.
Pick: Gonzaga +1.5
Bet on the Zags to cover 1.5 points with $1,250 on Caesars Sportsbook
Article contributed by David Fletcher.
