If the 2023 edition of the March Madness tournament was all about the underdogs and some shock results, this year is the year of the favorites. Bettors who have been looking for some upsets to get a big win have been left disappointed, as all the top two seeds have made it through to the Sweet 16 stage.
The next stage kicks off Thursday and we are in for some exciting matchups including No. 2 vs. No. 3 games in the East and Midwest regions. Let’s take a look at the odds for all eight matchups ahead of the Sweet 16 stage of this year’s March Madness.
Thursday, March 28
| March Madness Sweet 16 March 28 Games | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game | Teams | Moneyline Odds | Point Spreads Odds | Totals Odds |
(2)  Arizona Wildcats🆚 (6)  Clemson Tigers | Arizona Wildcats | -310 | -7.5 -108 | Over 151.5 -112 |
| Clemson Tigers | +250 | +7.5 -112 | Under 151.5 -108 |
|
(5)  San Diego State Aztecs🆚 (1)  Connecticut Huskies | San Diego State Aztecs | +455 | +11 -110 | Over 135.5 -112 |
| Connecticut Huskies | -625 | -11 -110 | Under 135.5 -108 |
|
(4)  Alabama Crimson Tide🆚 (1)  North Carolina Tar Heels | Alabama Crimson Tide | +154 | +4 -108 | Over 173.5 -110 |
| North Carolina Tar Heels | -185 | -4 -112 | Under 173.5 -108 |
|
(3)  Illinois Fighting Illini🆚 (2)  Iowa State Cyclones | Illinois Fighting Illini | +102 | +1.5 -108 | Over 146 -112 |
| Iowa State Cyclones | -122 | -1.5 -112 | Under 146 -108 |
|
Friday, March 29
| March Madness Sweet 16 March 29 Games | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game | Teams | Moneyline Odds | Point Spreads Odds | Totals Odds |
(11)  North Carolina State Wolfpack🆚 (2)  Marquette Golden Eagles | North Carolina State Wolfpack | +235 | +6.5 -110 | Over 150 -112 |
| Marquette Golden Eagles | -290 | -6.5 -110 | Under 150 -108 |
|
(5)  Gonzanga Bulldogs🆚 (1)  Purdue Boilermakers | Gonzanga Bulldogs | +190 | +5.5 -112 | Over 154 -112 |
| Purdue Boilermakers | -230 | -5.5 -108 | Under 154 -108 |
|
(4)  Duke Blue Devils🆚 (1)  Houston Cougars | Duke Blue Devils | +160 | +4 -110 | Over 134 -110 |
| Houston Cougars | -192 | -4 -110 | Under 134 -108 |
|
(3)  Creighton Bluejays🆚 (2)  Tennessee Volunteers | Creighton Bluejays | +136 | +3 -110 | Over 144 -108 |
| Tennessee Volunteers | -162 | -3 -110 | Under 144 -112 |
|
Story so Far
The ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) has got off to a strong start in the NCAA bracket for this year, going 8-1 through its opening nine games. But should bettors put their faith in ACC teams to continue that record as the tournament really heats up?
The no.4 seed Duke came into the tournament on the back of two straight defeats after losing to North Carolina in the regular season and then NC State in the ACC tournament. However, the Blue Devils have banished any thoughts of suffering a hangover from those games, dominating No.13 seed Vermont and No.12 seed James Madison on the opening weekend of this year’s extravaganza. They now face a daunting task, as they will look to topple No.1 seed Houston this Friday in a South Region blockbuster.
Elsewhere, the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team have reached the Sweet 16 stage of March Madness for the first time in nearly 20 years. Can then continue this run by defeating Iowa State? Are UConn just too good or will someone take them down? (We are looking at you, Houston, Purdue and North Carolina).
Our Sweet 16 Picks
Just purely going by the way the tournament has gone so far, it is really difficult to get behind an underdog and truly believe they can become a genuine contender. I mean, the UConn Huskies have looked formidable in the first two rounds. Of course, anything can happen on any given day in sport, but judging on what we have seen so far, they will take some stopping.
For all of the usual talk and opinions given before the tournament, with a lot of love given to the East Region being the strongest, UConn is a huge 10.5 favorite against the San Diego Aztecs.
In fact, UConn has dropped from +310 to +210 since the bracket was revealed. So, we have been looking for the value and believe it remains with the Houston Cougars, who have barely moved despite their two victories. They are still there with odds of +500 and although they made me and many others sweat against Texas A&M, they will face off against the Blue Devils this week.
| March Madness Sweet 16 March Futures | |
|---|---|
| Connecticut Huskies | +210 |
| Houston Cougars | +500 |
| Purdue Boilermakers | +650 |
| Arizona Wildcats | +900 |
| North Carolina Tar Heels | +1100 |
| Tennessee Volunteers | +1300 |
| Marquette Golden Eagles | +1600 |
| Iowa State Cyclones | +2000 |
