Media by Associated Press – Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin (0) tries to drive past Arkansas forward Makhi Mitchell (15) during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
The Sweet 16 is upon us. What that provides is for a number of schools to prove they are ready to take another step toward winning another national championship. There are a number of close matchups set for Thursday night. Here’s a look at a few games worth betting on.
Arkansas Razorbacks (+163) vs. UConn Huskies
Who doesn’t want to see Arkansas coach Eric Musselman celebrate another upset by ripping off his shirt again? While that list actually may be short, there is no denying that Arkansas has become a top program under the fiery coach. The Razorbacks seed was hurt in the regular season when Nick Smith Jr. missed two months due to an injury, and they lost Trevor Brazile for the season with a torn ACL.
While Smith, who averages 12.6 points per game, has struggled in the tournament, being limited to six points in two games, Arkansas is equipped to beat any team in the country. The Razorbacks have covered three of their past four games against the spread.
UConn is a tough, defensive squad that lives up to its Big East roots. The Huskies have seen three of their four postseason games go under the total. UConn has also won both of its NCAA Tournament games by double figures. The Huskies are a strong team equipped to win in March, but Arkansas’ length will help them grab the upset.
Florida Atlantic Owls at Tennessee Volunteers (-5.5)
The Volunteers have no problems sucking the life out of their opponents with their defense. Tennessee has seen the total go under in three of its four postseason games. In the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Volunteers slowed down a red-shot Duke team by limiting the Blue Devils to 52 points.
Tennessee plays at a deliberate pace and isn’t afraid to work the shot clock to win games. Florida Atlantic much prefers to push the pace. The Owls playing at a break-neck tempo helped Florida Atlantic top the 30-win mark for the first time in its program history.
The Owls would prefer to see the game get to both teams in the 70s. Florida Atlantic has seen the total go under in four of its five postseason games. The Owls haven’t been held to fewer than 66 points during that stretch and have gone over 70 points three times.
Gonzaga Bulldogs at UCLA (-1.5)
The Bruins have some injury issues but have the edge in experience over Gonzaga. UCLA benefitted when Jamie Jaquez and Tyger Campbell decided to come back this season. The Bruins are 3-1-1 against the spread since the conference tournaments started.
Gonzaga has been up and down all season. The Zags have had moments, like their win over Alabama in Birmingham, where they look like world-beaters. Gonzaga, however, has fallen flat when its offense isn’t flowing. The Bruins have the defense to frustrate the Zags and will grab a win.
You can find more NCAA basketball picks here.