March Madness betting - Few surprise teams in the Sweet 16
According the March Madness odds, there aren’t many surprise teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament. As the field of 64 has been pared down to what we can now call the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament, only one remaining seed is lower than a No. 5.
Online betting sharps who analyze the remaining teams might realize that for the second straight year – and second time ever – the Final Four could be four No. 1 seeds.
Sweet 16 betting: Remaining seeds are mostly favorites
- Pittsburgh will overcome early-round jitters against Xavier
- Villanova, Syracuse are big sleepers
- Purdue could upset UConn
Let’s take a look at the matchups.
East Region – Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament
No. 1 Pittsburgh vs No. 4 Xavier
Xavier looked frail heading into the Tournament but has been strong through the first two rounds. Both of its two wins have come by double-figures and now it’s in the field of the NCAA Sweet 16.
Pittsburgh was shaky in its first two matches but it tends to play to the level of its opponent. The Panthers are superior to Xavier in every aspect so look for them to advance.
No. 2 Duke vs No. 3 Villanova
The Duke Blue Devils have played well so far in the Tournament and they have found their way to the NCAA Sweet 16. Even so, they rely on the outside shot far too much to get past a good defensive team like Villanova. After a shaky first half against American, the Wildcats have played as well as anyone in the Tournament. Watch out for them.
South Region – Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament
No. 1 North Carolina vs No. 4 Gonzaga
Sportsbook bettors will notice that the Tar Heels are the biggest favorite in the second round and, even though Gonzaga has looked good on the offensive end, it probably won’t give North Carolina too many problems.
The ’Zags losses this year have come against quality teams like Arizona, Memphis and Connecticut, which indicates that they struggle against prime competition. Their defensive lapses figure to be a big issue.
No. 2 Oklahoma vs No. 3 Syracuse
The Oklahoma Sooners have been a one-trick pony so far in this Tournament, relying on Blake Griffin to carry them. While he might be the best player in the NCAA Sweet 16, he might not be enough to get by Syracuse. Quietly, the Orange have been playing their best basketball of the season recently and they have the balance and the defense to get by the Sooners.
Midwest Region – Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament
No. 1 Louisville vs No. 12 Arizona
The Arizona Wildcats are playing with the house’s money as they got a gift from the committee, earning an at-large bid they didn’t deserve, then earning an easy path to the NCAA Sweet 16, facing the only No. 13 seed in the second round.
The Cardinals won’t take them lightly and they have too much depth for the Wildcats.
No. 3 Kansas vs No. 2 Michigan State
Everyone wants to keep doubting the Kansas Jayhawks but they have been fantastic so far in the Tournament. They have a young team that lacks experience, but that hasn’t been on display. The Jayhawks are developing an identity as they go along and they identity centers on Cole Aldrich, who recorded only the sixth triple-double in NCAA Tournament history in the second round.
Look for the Jayhawks to ride their guard-center combo of Sherron Collins and Aldrich for at least another round.
West Region – Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament
No. 1 Connecticut vs No. 5 Purdue
The Connecticut Huskies have destroyed their first two opponents but Purdue will be their toughest test yet. The Huskies have scored 92 or more points in their first two games but look for the Boilermakers to slow this contest down in the NCAA Sweet 16.
Purdue is peaking at the right time and center JaJuan Johnson will present a challenge for UConn’s Hasheem Thabeet. Don’t be surprised if Purdue upends UConn in this contest.
No. 2 Memphis vs No. 3 Missouri
It has been a nice ride for Missouri and it’s been one of the best stories of the college basketball season but the NCAA Sweet 16 is where it ends. The Memphis Tigers are too deep, too versatile and too good to stumble against the rival Tigers. Look for Memphis’ stifling defense to cause too many problems for Missouri.
Check out the Betting Edge daily as we take a look at the NCAA basketball betting aspect of all four regions as we approach the Sweet 16 games this week.
Washington Tucker was practically raised at Rucker Park. Though a freak knee injury cost him a major college basketball scholarship, his “sixth-sense” on the hardwood has translated into a spectacular career in basketball handicapping. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
