The Sweet 16 continues, and by Sunday night we’ll know who will be a part of the Elite Eight. March Madness and the NCAA Tournament has been great so far, and I’m excited to see what happens next.
Below you can find my lock of the day and best picks for each of Sunday’s four games, with three of them entered as part of the Pickswise $10,000 Capper Contest, where I’m going up against some other top college basketball experts.
Make sure you also read the Pickswise team’s thoughts on the side and total for all of Saturday’s Sweet 16 matchups.
Creighton Bluejays vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Two of the great offensive programs in the sport do battle in what should be a fascinating Sweet 16 showdown. Creighton has improved defensively this season, but can it neutralize the Bulldogs in transition? The ceiling for Mark Few’s team seems significantly higher than anyone else who’s still playing. Make sure you closely monitor the point guard matchup between Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs and Creighton’s Marcus Zegarowski.
LOCK: Gonzaga -13.5
Be sure to check out the full game preview for Creighton Bluejays vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs.
The king of March Madness upsets, Rashad Phillips, is back with more picks for the Sweet 16! Read his predictions here.
Florida State Seminoles vs. Michigan Wolverines
This may be the best matchup in the Sweet 16. Michigan isn’t whole without Isaiah Livers, but is still capable. Florida State, meanwhile, finds itself in a familiar place — back in the second weekend for the third straight NCAA Tournament. The Seminoles have the bodies up front to make life difficult for Hunter Dickinson and the overall balance to keep the Wolverines’ defense guessing. Keep an eye on Florida State freshman Scottie Barnes, who hasn’t had the type of season that many expected, but is undoubtedly the best long-term prospect in this game.
PICK: Florida State +3
Be sure to check out the full game preview for Florida State Seminoles vs. Michigan Wolverines.
UCLA Bruins vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama is the second-most explosive team in the country behind Gonzaga and the only way to neutralize the Crimson Tide is to slow them down. UCLA’s Tyger Campbell will play a major role in this game with his ball security. The Bruins also have to guard the three-point line to have a chance. Mick Cronin’s squad is 12-0 this season in games where it has single-digit turnovers.
PICK: Alabama -5.5
Be sure to check out the full game preview for UCLA Bruins vs. Alabama Crimson Tide.
Make sure you find out the picks and best bets from BetsByBob, our college basketball expert! Read his picks and predictions here.
Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans
The Trojans dominated Oregon last month at the Galen Center and also handed Kansas its worst NCAA Tournament loss in program history earlier this week. Several coaches who have played the Trojans believe neutralizing USC’s offense is the key to slowing them down. If guys like Ethan Anderson and Tahj Eaddy start making shots from distance, Andy Enfield could have USC back in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2001.
PICK: USC -1
Be sure to check out the full game preview for Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans.
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