This is it - two games, featuring four teams to go to the Final Four next Saturday in Houston.
So who are we taking?
Here is our official, Saturday Elite Eight gambling preview - presented by Betfred Sportsbook:
East Regional Final: No. 9 Florida Atlantic vs No. 3 Kansas State (-1.5) - Saturday, 6:09 p.m. ET, TBS
This was one of the most unlikely matchups we could get with a Final Four on the line. Kansas State has been led by their stars in this tournament. Markquis Nowell has been the standout and last game he broke the tournament assists record with 19 against Michigan State. He averages 17 PPG and leads the team in assists at eight per game and in steals at 2.5 per game. Keyontae Johnson is one of the best stories in college basketball too. He leads the team in scoring at 18 PPG and in rebounding at 7 per game. Kansas State scores 76 PPG and then allows 69.6 PPG on defense. Florida Atlantic also has a star guard of their own with Johnell Davis leading the way for the Owls. He leads the team in scoring at 14 PPG and in steals at 1.5 per game. Alijah Martin is next up in scoring at 13 PPG for the Owls. This is going to be a close game because Florida Atlantic is 6th in the country in three-point shooting and that’s an equalizer. However, Kansas State is more talented and has the star power to take over this game. Look for the Wildcats to win a close game and get to the Final Four.
The Pick: Kansas State (-1.5)
West Regional Final: No. 4 UConn (-2.5) vs No. 3 Gonzaga - Saturday, 8:39 p.m. ET, TBS
This might be the best matchup in the Elite Eight. UConn has looked like the best team in the tournament next to Texas so far. They’ve won all their games by double digits and have been very physical. Adama Sanogo has been dominant down low for the Huskies. He leads the team in scoring at 17 PPG and in rebounds at 7.5 per game. The Huskies also might be the most complete team remaining. They’re 28th in scoring at 78.7 PPG, and they’re second in point differential at +14. On defense, they’re 39th in points allowed at 64.7 per game, 15th in rebounds at 39 per game, and 20th in blocks at 4.8 per game.
Gonzaga is the best offensive team in the country this season. They also go as Drew Timme goes this season. He leads the team in scoring at 21.5 PPG, in rebounds at 7.5 per game, tied for the lead in assists at 3 per game, and he leads in blocks at 1 per game. Gonzaga is the highest scoring team in the country at 87 PPG and leads the country in field goal percentage at 52.6%. They’re also 3rd in point differential at +13.8. This game is going to be a battle, especially down low with Timme matching up against Sanogo.
The difference is that UConn’s guards are more reliable than Gonzaga’s overall and Gonzaga struggles on defense too.
The physicality will be too much for Gonzaga and UConn should win the game of the tournament and go to the Final Four.
The Pick: UConn (-2.5)
Follow Austin on Twitter - @Jake_Faigus
To get full odds on the entire NCAA Tournament visit Betfred Sportsbook
21+ OH Residents. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler
Comments