2024 March Madness Betting Odds: Worth Betting On after 2nd Round Sweet 16 Underdogs

Previous Betting News

Every year, the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament brings massive upsets, heart-stopping finishes and brackets being busted. While the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the drama is certainly at a fever pitch from the start of the afternoon window until deep into the night, there are still a number of top teams still alive.

In fact, over half of the Sweet `16 (nine teams to be exact) were expected to get there, based on their seeds being in the top four. What we will look at today are some teams not expected to be playing in the second week of March Madness.

As is always the case, finding value, and playable value at that, is key when it comes to turning a profit betting college basketball games.

NCAAM Sweet 16 Underdogs: Dark Horses to Survive and Advance

East and West

There was no region more decimated with upsets than the East, as the top-seed Purdue became just the second 1 seed in tourney history to get bounced in the opening round. The 2 seed Marquette was sent packing as well in, falling in Round of 32 action. While they were seeded 3 and 4, respectively, nobody expected either Kansas State or Tennessee to advance to Madison Square Garden, as they were both underdogs in their previous games.

The team that offers the most value in this bracket is Michigan State, currently priced at 25/1 at FanDuel. The Spartans did not have a great regular season winning just 19 games. However, since 2010 Tom Izzo has led Sparty to three Final Fours. Yes, the players change, but there is literally not coach left standing amidst the madness of March that we trust more to win games.

In the West, top seed and defending champ Kansas is gone. In this region, there’s two programs that certainly know how to survive and advance and cut down nets in March: UConn and UCLA, not to mention Gonzaga, making its eighth straight Sweet 16 appearance.

The underdog in this portion of the bracket is the Arkansas Razorbacks, a team that, if you are inclined to do so, are 39/1 to win it all on Fan Duel. UCLA has a few key injuries, UCONN’s coach Dan Hurley is somewhat of an unproven commodity in March, and Gonzaga, despite being the top team in the offensive efficiency metric according to KenPom, is 76th in defense, and we don’t have to remind you on the mantra that says defense wins championships. We feel the Razorbacks are worth a play, especially at that price.

College Basketball Pick: | Bet Arkansas to Win Today

MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Midwest and South

Among all eight teams still standing in these two regions, there is one that sticks out to use as a live underdog play, and that’s the Miami Hurricanes. Forget about George Mason’s magical Final 4 run orchestrated by current Canes coach Jim Larranaga. There is more recent evidence that he knows how to win in March; just look at last season.

The Canes always have talent, and lately, they’ve been able to capitalize on it. They made the Elite 8 last season and did so with a high offensive efficiency metric (19th last year and 11th this year) and a less-than-stellar defensive metric (107 last year and 108 this year). There is something in the DNA of this program lately that screams March success, and at 50/1 on Barstool and 55/1 on FanDuel they are definitely worth a play.

It amazes us that they are the second longest shot on the board, ahead of only Princeton in this spot, despite being a Power 5 conference team. Yes, Houston is a tough team but they’re not unbeatable and are prone and susceptible to less than ideal shooting nights, especially from beyond the 3-point line. Take a shot on the Canes.

College Basketball Pick: | Bet Miami to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Previous Betting News

NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 odds are out. Anybody who has experience betting on NCAA Tournament games know that, often, a win or loss against the spread can come down to a final shot, which is why it’s important to handicap games instead of just backing chalk to cover. After handicapping all eight Sweet 16 contests, four dogs appear destined to cover the spread. Check out the four underdogs along with their March Madness Betting Odds you should consider backing ATS in their Sweet 16 matchup. 

NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Underdogs Worth Betting

NCAA Sweet 16 Round

When: Thursday, March 24 – Friday, March 25

Arkansas Razorbacks +8 ½ vs Gonzaga Bulldogs

When: Thursday, March 24

The Zags may be the most talented team left in the NCAA Tournament. But talent isn’t as important as cohesiveness, and in this case, defense.

Arkansas has proven itself against Vermont and New Mexico State, a couple of teams that many thought might beat them straight up. So although the Razorbacks didn’t cover in either one of those wins, they should keep it close against the Zags.

Also, Gonzaga struggled versus Memphis, beating the Tigers 82-78 as a -10 favorite. Arkansas is similar to Memphis. In addition, the Razorbacks have taken more free throws than any team in the nation. So if the Hogs can get Drew Timme or Chet Holmgren or both into foul trouble, they can win this game straight up. 

Duke Blue Devils +1 vs Texas Tech Red Raiders

When: Thursday, March 24

Texas Tech is the chalk. By the time this tips, the Blue Devils might be favored. But for now, Coach K’s squad is the underdog. 

Texas Tech struggled against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. No offense to the Irish. They are a good basketball team. But Duke turned into one of the teams to beat in this tournament after dropping 85 points onto Michigan State. 

Duke has scorers for days, which means the Red Raiders will have to concentrate hard on defense. Make no mistake, Texas Tech has one of the best defenses in the nation. But Tech will find it difficult to guard all of Duke’s shooters and then keep Paolo Banchero and 7’0” center Mark Williams from crashing the boards. Duke wins. 

Providence Friars +7 ½ vs Kansas Jayhawks

When: Thursday, March 24

Yes, Kansas is loaded. But the Friars covered in their first couple of NCAA Tournament games and it wasn’t close. 

Versus scorching South Dakota State, Providence beat the Jackrabbits 66-57 as a -3 chalk. Then as a -3.5 chalk versus Richmond, Providence dominated 79-51. 

The Friars’ defense is very good while Kansas struggled to get past Creighton in their second round game. Don’t be surprised if Providence wins this straight up. 

North Carolina Tar Heels +115 ML vs UCLA Bruins

When: Thursday, March 24

UCLA should be the chalk after destroying St. Mary’s 72-56, but the Gaels couldn’t hit a bucket from anywhere on the court after seemingly making every shot in their first game against Indiana. St. Mary’s suffered the dreaded bounce where a team plays awful in the game after an impressive victory. 

In their Round 2 contest, North Carolina built a 25-point lead against Baylor only to see the lead evaporate and then have to beat the Bears in overtime. North Carolina showed grit to hang in the win.

The Bruins have nobody that can matchup with Armando Bacot. He will dominate the paint. Don’t be surprised if North Carolina beats UCLA  by 6 or more points.   

Previous Betting News

NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchups are set, which means oddsmakers have adjusted National Championship odds. We know teams like Gonzaga, Kansas, Arizona, and Purdue can win the title. But what about teams like North Carolina, Miami, and St. Peter’s? More importantly, which remaining underdogs offer overlay odds? Check out an analysis of the teams offering the highest March Madness Odds to cut down the nets and whether the odds they offer make them an overlay or underlay. 

March Madness Sweet 16 Underdogs Betting Picks | College Basketball Odds

NCAA March Madness Sweet 16

When: Thursday, March 24 – Friday, March 25

March Madness Sweet 16 Underdogs – Overlay or Underlay to Win It All?

North Carolina Tar Heels +1800

Armando Bacot can hang with any big man left in the tournament. Not only that, but the Tar Heels have a great backcourt in R.J. Davis and Caleb Love. 

Also, UNC must only beat UCLA, and Purdue or St. Peter’s to make the Final Four. The Tar Heels offer excellent odds to win it all.  

Overlay or Underlay Odds: Overlay

Miami Florida Hurricanes +3500

Miami is a good team. They should beat Iowa State for sure, but once they get by the Cyclones, the Hurricanes must take down Kansas or Providence just to make the Final Four.

That’s a lot to ask because both the Friars and Jayhawks will pose huge matchup issues for Miami. The +3500 odds are high, but they don’t make the Canes an overlay. 

Overlay or Underlay Odds: Underlay

Arkansas Razorbacks +4000

In a couple of NCAA Tournament wins, Arkansas failed to cover in both. So how can a team that hasn’t covered in 2 straight offer overlay odds to win the championship?

The victory over Vermont came against a team that many felt would beat the Hogs. The win against New Mexico State came after the Razorbacks shut down Timmy Allen. Sure, Arkansas is up against it versus Gonzaga. 

But if they beat the Zags, they can handle Texas Tech or Duke and make the Final Four. At +4000, Arkansas is worth a look. 

Overlay or Underlay Odds: Overlay

Michigan Wolverines +4000

Michigan was a preseason Top 5 team. So the fact they beat Colorado State and Tennessee probably shouldn’t surprise us.

The Wolverines can take it to Villanova. Then, they can upset Arizona or Houston. No team left in the tournament is as battle-tested as the Wolverines. So if you want to take a flyer, they might be your best option. 

Overlay or Underlay Odds: Overlay

Iowa State Cyclones +4000

It’s tough to like Iowa State. The Cyclones did upset Wisconsin. But they got a pass in the first round against LSU, which should have been an 8-seed at best, not a 6-seed.

Iowa State shouldn’t beat Miami. They aren’t a bad basketball team. But they don’t have enough to win the title. Expect much better odds than 40-to-1. 

Overlay or Underlay Odds: Underlay

Providence Friars +5500

55-to-1 on one of the best defensive teams left in the NCAA Tournament constitutes overlay odds. Providence held Richmond to 51 points. 

In their victory before, the Friars held South Dakota State to 57 points. Not only that, but Providence lost 4 games during the season and lost to Villanova by 5 points in one game and 2 points in the other.

Overlay or Underlay Odds: Overlay

St. Peter’s Peacocks +10000

St. Peter’s has had a magical run, but it’s asking a lot of the Peacocks to beat Purdue, then beat North Carolina or UCLA, and then beat Duke, Texas Tech, Arkansas or Gonzaga, and then if they win their Final Four contest, to beat a team like Kansas, Arizona, Villanova, or even Houston or Michigan in the National Championship. 

Purdue will end the Peacocks’ dream on Friday. So even at massive odds, St. Peter’s is an underlay. 

Overlay or Underlay Odds: Underlay 

Previous Betting News

NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 odds are out. Anybody who has experience betting on NCAA Tournament games know that, often, a win or loss against the spread can come down to a final shot, which is why it’s important to handicap games instead of just backing chalk to cover. After handicapping all eight Sweet 16 contests, four dogs appear destined to cover the spread. Check out the four underdogs along with their March Madness Betting Odds you should consider backing ATS in their Sweet 16 matchup. 

NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Underdogs Worth Betting

NCAA Sweet 16 Round

When: Thursday, March 24 – Friday, March 25

Arkansas Razorbacks +8 ½ vs Gonzaga Bulldogs

When: Thursday, March 24

The Zags may be the most talented team left in the NCAA Tournament. But talent isn’t as important as cohesiveness, and in this case, defense.

Arkansas has proven itself against Vermont and New Mexico State, a couple of teams that many thought might beat them straight up. So although the Razorbacks didn’t cover in either one of those wins, they should keep it close against the Zags.

Also, Gonzaga struggled versus Memphis, beating the Tigers 82-78 as a -10 favorite. Arkansas is similar to Memphis. In addition, the Razorbacks have taken more free throws than any team in the nation. So if the Hogs can get Drew Timme or Chet Holmgren or both into foul trouble, they can win this game straight up. 

Duke Blue Devils +1 vs Texas Tech Red Raiders

When: Thursday, March 24

Texas Tech is the chalk. By the time this tips, the Blue Devils might be favored. But for now, Coach K’s squad is the underdog. 

Texas Tech struggled against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. No offense to the Irish. They are a good basketball team. But Duke turned into one of the teams to beat in this tournament after dropping 85 points onto Michigan State. 

Duke has scorers for days, which means the Red Raiders will have to concentrate hard on defense. Make no mistake, Texas Tech has one of the best defenses in the nation. But Tech will find it difficult to guard all of Duke’s shooters and then keep Paolo Banchero and 7’0” center Mark Williams from crashing the boards. Duke wins. 

Providence Friars +7 ½ vs Kansas Jayhawks

When: Thursday, March 24

Yes, Kansas is loaded. But the Friars covered in their first couple of NCAA Tournament games and it wasn’t close. 

Versus scorching South Dakota State, Providence beat the Jackrabbits 66-57 as a -3 chalk. Then as a -3.5 chalk versus Richmond, Providence dominated 79-51. 

The Friars’ defense is very good while Kansas struggled to get past Creighton in their second round game. Don’t be surprised if Providence wins this straight up. 

North Carolina Tar Heels +115 ML vs UCLA Bruins

When: Thursday, March 24

UCLA should be the chalk after destroying St. Mary’s 72-56, but the Gaels couldn’t hit a bucket from anywhere on the court after seemingly making every shot in their first game against Indiana. St. Mary’s suffered the dreaded bounce where a team plays awful in the game after an impressive victory. 

In their Round 2 contest, North Carolina built a 25-point lead against Baylor only to see the lead evaporate and then have to beat the Bears in overtime. North Carolina showed grit to hang in the win.

The Bruins have nobody that can matchup with Armando Bacot. He will dominate the paint. Don’t be surprised if North Carolina beats UCLA  by 6 or more points.   

Previous Betting News

The opening two rounds of the 2018 tournament were about as crazy as it gets, with upsets seemingly the order of the day. We saw, for the first time in tournament history, a #16 seed knock off a #1, which seemed to set the tone for what was to follow. One side of the bracket is somewhat going to form, while the other is in total disarray as we head towards the start of the March Madness Sweet 16 betting action, which gets underway on Thursday afternoon.

The question now is whether the NCAAB betting upsets are over or whether the underdogs can continue to take a bite out of the favorites. We have taken a look at the 8 upcoming match-ups to see which, if any, might deliver an upset, grading the chances as poor, fair, good, or very good.

2018 March Madness Sweet 16 Betting Underdogs Analysis

Season: 2017-18
TV: CBS, TBS, TNT

#9 Kansas State vs. #5 Kentucky

If we are being totally honest, Kansas State perhaps benefitted most from the craziness of the opening rounds, as #1 Virginia going out in the opening round really cleared their path to the Sweet 16. Next up is a Kentucky team that is as hot as it gets.

Upset Probability: POOR

#11 Loyola-Chicago vs. #7 Nevada

Ladies and gentlemen, we have this year’s Cinderella, Loyola-Chicago. They started the ball rolling by taking out Miami, which they then followed up with a win over #3 Tennessee. Next up is Nevada, a team that has an upset of their own over #2 Cincinnati.

Upset probability: GOOD

#9 Florida State vs. #4 Gonzaga

The Seminoles come into this one having already taken a #1 scalp, beating Xavier in the last round. They will be going against a Gonzaga team that is winning, but which has not looked at their best. If I was going to pick just one March Madness Sweet 16 betting upset, this might be it.

Upset Probability: VERY GOOD

#3 Michigan vs. #7 Texas A&M

Michigan came into the tournament on fire but needed a buzzer beater to get past Houston in the last round. The Aggies pounded UNC into submission in the last round and must really like their chances here. I’m not so sure that I do.

Upset Probability: FAIR

#1 Villanova vs. #5 West Virginia

Villanova has barely had to break a sweat through the opening two rounds, laying waste to everyone in their path. West Virginia has played well, too, albeit with a much easier path. I think the Mountaineers run ends here.

Upset Probability: POOR

#3 Texas Tech vs. #2 Purdue

This is a bit of a strange one to look at in terms of upsets, as a #3 taking down a #2 would not really be that shocking. These two teams look really evenly matched and I think this one is going to go right down to the final buzzer.

Upset Probability: VERY GOOD

#1 Kansas vs. #5 Clemson

Clemson has looked very good through the first two rounds, with their hammering of Auburn in the last round being one that caught the eye. Kansas had their work cut out for them against Seton Hall in the previous round, and this one is going to be tougher still.

Upset Probability: FAIR

#11 Syracuse vs. #2 Duke

Syracuse’s win over TCU in the opening round was a surprise, but their beating of #3 Michigan State was a shocker. The Orange have got the job done with defense and now have the ultimate test against a Duke offense that has been on fire through the opening two rounds, which is why they come in as the March Madness Sweet 16 betting favorite.

Upset Probability: POOR

Last 10 NCAA Basketball Champions

Previous Betting News

If you’re looking for some betting on Sweet 16 underdog teams that have legitimate chances of both, covering the spread or winning their respective matchups outright, then you should know that at least half of the eight Sweet 16 games that will take place this Thursday and Friday evening all have a great chance of cashing in for the underdog ballclub.

Thanks to the expert betting analysis that you’re about to get, you’re going to find out which four dogs stand the best chances of being let off the leash in their quests to advance to the Elite Eight.

Okay with that said, let’s get started.

Betting on Sweet 16 Underdog Picks

No. 3 Miami vs. No. 2 Villanova

When: 7:10 PM ET, Thursday, March 24, 2016
Where: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Line: Villanova -4.5
Total: Over/Under: 142.5

Analysis: No. 3 Miami (27-7 SU, 19-13 ATS) has a great chance of not just covering the spread, but of pulling off the outright upset.

While they don’t get the credit they deserve, Miami has an elite backcourt with point guard Angel Rodriguez (12.6 ppg, 4.4 apg) and shooting guard Sheldon McClellan (16.0 ppg) that can contend with any in the country.

Miami can put the ball in the hole consistently, ranking 27th in the nation in field goal shooting while also finishing a solid 52nd in the country in points allowed (66.7 ppg) The Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against a team with a winning percentage above .600 and 13-4 ATS in their last 17 non-conference games.

Miami is also 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 games following a straight up win while the underdog in this series is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Last but not least, Miami has a likely future Hall of Fame head coach in Jim Larranaga that will not be outcoached by Villanova’s (31-5 SU, 17-17 ATS) Jay Wright.

Make no mistake about it, the Miami Hurricanes are a great underdog pick.

The Pick: Miami +4.5 Points

No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Oklahoma

When: 7:37 PM ET, Thursday, March 24, 2016
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Line: Oklahoma -1.5
Total: 145

Analysis: Texas A&M (28-8 SU, 16-13 ATS) is playing their best basketball of the season at just the right time as they get set to face a very good, but beatable Oklahoma (27-7 SU, 12-20 ATS) squad.

The Aggies have scored an identical 92 points in each of their last two games while winning nine of their last 10 games overall including an impressive 79-77 overtime win over Kentucky on February 20.

The Aggies are huge up front with centers Tyler Davis and Tonny Trocha-Morelos combining to average 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game and they have a very solid backcourt with Danuel House (15.7 ppg) and Jalen Jones (15.4 ppg) being their two leading scorers.

Texas A&M ranked 43rd in the nation in points allowed (66.1 ppg) while also ranking a stellar 39th in defensive field goal percentage (40.5%). The Aggies also ranked 38th in rebounding (39.4 rpg) while winning the battle of the boards by an average of 8.6 rebounds per game.

If the Aggies can keep Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield (25.4 ppg) from going off, they could very well pull off the outright upset win.

Now, check out these key trends.

*Aggies are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. Big 12.
*Aggies are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
* Aggies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Aggies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.
* Aggies are 17-8-2 ATS in their last 27 games following a ATS loss.

The Pick: Texas A&M +1.5

No. 7 Wisconsin vs. No. 6 Notre Dame

When: 7:27 PM ET, Friday, March 25, 2016
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Line: Notre Dame -1
Total: 128

Analysis: Wisconsin (22-12 SU, 18-16 ATS) may be a slight underdog against Notre Dame (23-11 SU, 15-16 ATS) in their Sweet 16 matchup on Friday night, but I like Wisconsin to get the outright win because of their stupendous 18th ranked defense (63.9 ppg).

Sure, the Badgers average just 68.1 points per game (282nd), but they do have a huge edge in experience in this matchup with several players on their roster having been on last year’s national championship runner-up.

Wisconsin has a trio of heady and experienced players in forward Nigel Hayes (15.9 ppg), guard Bronson Koenig (13.3 ppg) and forward Ethan Happ (12.4 ppg) that I believe will carry them to the outright win in this contest.

Notre Dame is just 2-5 ATS in their L/7 games against a team with a winning SU record, 3-9 ATS in their last 12 NCAA Tournament games and 1-4 ATS in their last five non-conference games.

The Badgers are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games following an SU win, 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall, 5-1 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games and a blistering 10-2 ATS in their last dozen games against a team with a winning straight up record. Wisconsin wins and cashes in.

The Pick: Wisconsin +1

No. 5 Indiana vs. No. 1 North Carolina

When: 9:57 PM ET, Friday, March 25, 2016
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Line: North Carolina -5.5
Total: Over/Under: 158.5

Analysis: The Indiana Hoosiers (27-5 SU, 19-16 ATS) look like a great underdog pick against North Carolina (30-6 SU, 17-18 ATS) after watching them dispatch red-hot, Kentucky 73-67 on Saturday.

Indiana has four double-digit scorers, including point guard Yogi Ferrell (17.1 ppg) and they’ve recently gotten a string of eye-opening performances out of center Thomas Bryant through two games (16.0 ppg).

In addition to that, I think Hoosiers head coach Tom Crean will outcoach the overrated Roy Williams in this matchup.

North Carolina has four players that average at least 12.0 points per game, including Senior forward Brice Johnson (16.8 ppg) but the Tar Heels are often prone to stretches of incompetent play, due mostly to their lack of experience.

The Hoosiers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.

North Carolina is just 2-6 ATS in their last eight NCAA Tournament games and 0-4 against Indiana in the last four meetings.

I know the Tar Heels are expected to reach the Final Four at the very least, but Carolina could get upset outright in this contest. At the very least, I like the Hoosiers to keep it close and cover the spread.

The Pick: Indiana +5.5 Points

Previous Betting News

If you like cashing in on value-packed underdogs that have a great chance of pulling of Cinderella wins in their respective Sweet 16 matchups, then you’ve come to the right place. In this Sweet 16 betting breakdown, I’m going to identify four teams that all have a great chance of beating their favored opponents when March Madness moves on to its Sweet 16 stage on Thursday and Friday night. With that said, let’s get started and check the latest NCAAB betting odds.

Sweet 16 Cinderella Picks – Cash in On Quartet of Underdogs That Could All Bring Home the Bacon!

No. 5 Maryland vs. No. 1 Kansas -6.5

When: 9:40 PM ET, Thursday, March 24, 2016 Where: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky

Analysis: Maryland (27-8 SU, 16-17 ATS) may be facing an uphill battle in trying to dispatch No. 1 seeded Kansas (32-4 SU, 23-11 ATS), but the Terrapins are a talent-laden team that can literally beat – or lose – to anyone in the country.

Maryland has a pair of excellent guards in Melo Trimble (14.8 ppg) and Rasheed Sulaimon (11.1 ppg) and I believe they’re going to give Kansas’ perimeter-based, three-guard lineup of Wayne Selden, Frank Mason Jr. and Devonte’ Graham, a run for their money in this contest. Maryland has a solid defense that ranked 47th in the nation by limiting the opposition to just 66.3 points per game and the lack of a true superstar could spell doom for the Jayhawks. The Terps are 19-7 ATS in its last 26 neutral site games while Kansas has gone 5-14 ATS in their L/19 games against Big Ten ballclubs. Maryland is my pick to cover the spread in a thriller that they very well could win outright.

No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Oklahoma

When: 7:37 PM ET, Thursday, March 24, 2016
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Line: Oklahoma -1.5
Total: 145

Analysis: Texas A&M (28-8 SU, 16-13 ATS) has scored an identical 92 points in each of their last two games and has the kind of lengthy athletic ballclub that could very well give Oklahoma (27-7 SU, 12-20 ATS) a bunch of trouble, especially down low.

Aggies centers Tyler Davis and Tonny Trocha-Morelos combine to average 18.3 points and 10,5 rebounds per game while the backcourt duo of Danuel House (15.7 ppg) and Jalen Jones (15.4 ppg) can both fill up the bucket and pull down boards as they combine to average a stunning 11.9 rebounds per game, including Jones’ team-leading 7.1 boards per outing.

Texas A&M is playing great basketball right now having won nine of their last 10 games while Oklahoma has suffered three losses in their last 10 games, including a dismal 76-63 smackdown at the hands of mediocre Texas on February 27. The Aggies weren’t on anyone’s radar as a legitimate title contender, but if they beat the Sooners in this contest, which they very well could, they sure will be.

No. 4 Duke vs. No. 1 Oregon

When: 10:07 PM ET, Thursday, March 24, 2016
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Line: Oregon -2.5
Total: 155

Analysis: I’m going to get right to the point by saying that I don’t really like Duke (25-10 SU, 14-18 ATS) to pull off the upset over No. 1 Oregon (30-6 SU, 20-13 ATS)  but the fact of the matter is that they could and besides, at this point there’s nothing I’d put past any Mike Krzyzewski-coached ballclub. Do-it-all forward Brandon Ingram (17.1 ppg) is so talented that he’s being mentioned as a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and shooting guard Grayson Allen (21.8 ppg) looks like a player that could make it at the next level as well.

Oregon has four players that average at least 12.1 points per game and has a pair of stars in forwards Dillon Brooks (16.8 ppg) and Elgin Cook (14.5 ppg), but Duke will have the big edge in coaching and that could be a factor if it’s close in the final minutes. Make no mistake about it, Duke is not much more than mediocre this season, but they’re also a great candidate to pull off a Cinderella win in the Sweet 16.

No. 11 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 Syracuse

When: 9:40 PM ET, Friday, March 25, 2016
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Line: Gonzaga -5.5
Total: 134.5

Analysis: Syracuse (21-13 SU, 18-15 ATS) has looked fantastic in holding Dayton to just 51 points and Middle Tennessee to just 50 points the last time out and that kind of defense means they could beat anyone, including Gonzaga (28-7 SU, 17-15 ATS).

I recognize that the Bulldogs will likely have the best two players on the floor in this matchup in sweet-shooting forward Kyle Wiltjer (20.4 ppg) and center Domantas Sabonis (17.5 ppg), but Syracuse does have a legitimate star in forward Michael Gbinije (17.8 pg) and one of college basketball’s best head coaches in the near legendary Jim Boeheim.

The Orange also have three other double digit scorers on the roster and that doesn’t include do-it-all forward Tyler Roberson, a player that averages 9.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Syracuse went 5-2 in seven neutral site games and recorded quality wins this season over Texas A&M, Duke and Notre Dame among others, so, clearly, a Cinderella win could happen n this matchup, even if it looks like a tall task right now.