Those who bet on March Madness are getting ready for the Sweet Sixteen to begin on Thursday, and all four matchups should be closely contested, so with no delay, let’s jump into some picks.
UConn San Diego State Betting – Thursday, 7:15 PM ET
In the first-ever meeting between these two, this game is a pick ‘em in Anaheim, and the second-seeded Aztecs are in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time. However, they have a coach in Steve Fisher who has been here before, and they have a big frontcourt that the third-seeded Huskies may have problems with. The Huskies may have the best player on the court in Kemba Walker, but San Diego State has more weapons and can slow the game down. Go with San Diego State.
BYU Florida Betting – Thursday, 7:27 PM ET
The No.2 Gators are a 2.5-point favorite in New Orleans against the No.3 Cougars, and those watching March Madness scores may remember last year’s 99-92 double-overtime win for BYU over Florida, who gave up 37 points to Jimmer Fredette, the favorite for national Player of the Year. But the Gators are a better team than last year, and revenge is a strong motivation at this time of year. Look for a big game from Florida’s Chandler Parsons, one of the best all-around players in the country, as he looks to pick up the slack for Kenny Boynton, who may not be at 100% because of an ailing ankle. Still, we’re taking Florida to go to the Elite Eight.
Arizona Duke Betting – Thursday, 9:45 PM ET
The last time these two met, it was in the 2001 title game, and the Blue Devils came away with the win. This time around, the defending champions from Duke are an 8.5-point favorite in Anaheim against the No.5 Wildcats, and that is far too high. Duke has the edge on the perimeter, but the Wildcats have a guy who can get to the foul line better than anyone in the country in Derrick Williams, and Arizona has some size that can give the Blue Devils some problems. NBA scouts are very high on Williams, and he’s already made some big plays. We think Duke will win the game, but Arizona will cover the spread in this matchup.
Butler Wisconsin Betting – Thursday, 9:57 PM ET
In the nightcap, the No.4 Badgers are 5-point favorites in New Orleans against the No.8 Bulldogs, who have won both of their games with plays in the dying seconds. Wisconsin also needed a big play to edge Kansas State, but we’re going to give the edge to Butler, who have made a living off being an underdog. The Bulldogs went to the title game last year, and they won’t fall under the pressure, while the Badgers may crack. We know the Bulldogs won’t, so take them as the underdogs in your online sportsbook.
