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, Sunday Elite Eight gambling preview - presented by Betfred Sportsbook:
South Regional: No. 6 Creighton (-2) vs. No. 5 San Diego State, 2:20 ET, CBS
This is going to be a very physical game with a Final Four berth on the line. Creighton is a very experienced team that bounced back after a rough patch earlier in the year. Ryan Kalkbrenner is a huge difference maker down low for the Blue Jays. He leads the team in scoring at 16 PPG and in blocks at 2 per game. Creighton is solid across the board on both offense and defense. They score 77 PPG and get 16 assists per game. They also allow 68.7 PPG and grab 37 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, San Diego State is one of the more experienced teams remaining with fpur, 5th year players in the starting lineup. Matt Bradley is the standout because he leads the team in scoring at 13 PPG, but he only scored six points against Alabama - a testament to how deep and talented this squad is. The Aztecs are also one of the best defensive teams in the country this season. They’re 25th in points allowed at 63.1 PPG and are fourth in KenPom in adjusted defense with a rating of 90.2. This game is going to be a battle because of the defenses.
San Diego State should win a hard-fought game because of the experience and carry the torch for the West Coast into the Final Four.
The Pick: San Diego State (+2)
Midwest Regional: No. 5 Miami vs No. 2 Texas (-4), 5:05 ET, CBS
This is another interesting matchup, because of the backcourt talent in this game.
From the Texas perspective, the Longhorns had to overcome some off-court issues to be where they’re at today. This is a close and experienced group. Marcus Carr, a sixth-year guard, is their best player this season. He leads the team in scoring at 16 PPG, in assists at four per game, and in steals at 1.7 per game. The Longhorns are also solid across the board on offense and defense. They score 78 PPG and averages 16 assists per game. They also allow 67 PPG on defense, and have help each of their last six opponents to 71 points per game or fewer.
But they'll have their hands full against a Miami team that led the ACC in scoring at over 79 points per game.
The Hurricanes too, are led by their backcourt. Isaiah Wong is their best player, and he leads the team in scoring at 16 PPG, in assists at 3 per game and in steals at 1.3 per game. Their defense is a concern because they give up 71.7 PPG.
This is going to be a great game because of the guards, but Texas is the better team overall and they have more experience too. Texas wins and covers this game to go to the Final Four in their home state.
The Pick: Texas (-4)
Follow Jake 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