The NCAA Tournament is reaching its final stages. This weekend’s Elite 8 games will determine which teams advance to the Final Four and potentially put an end to any cinderella stories.
Clemson surprisingly punched its ticket by topping Arizona, while North Carolina became the first No. 1 seed to fall when it lost to Alabama. March Madness is anything but predictable, which makes these last few weeks even more fun to analyze and bet on.
Here are our best bets for the Elite 8.
All NCAAB odds are current as of Friday, March 29, at 10 a.m. ET.
March Madness Elite 8 Best Bets
Clemson vs Alabama: Under 164.5 Points (-110)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
A popular college football championship matchup has made its way onto the hardwood. Clemson and Alabama, two of the most prestigious football schools of the last decade, will battle for a spot in the Final Four.
The Tigers were a common choice to get knocked out by No. 11 New Mexico in the first round of the NCAA Tournament — I had it in my bracket — but Clemson has reclaimed its mid-season form and gone on an impressive run, knocking off No. 3 Baylor and No. 2 Arizona along the way.
The Crimson Tide carry their weight on the offensive end of the floor, leading the nation in points per game (90.7) and ranking fourth in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency rating. Alabama posted 89 points on North Carolina, proving it can take advantage of some of college basketball’s best defenses.
With that said, the Tigers are in a good spot as potential giant-slayers. Not only do they have a terrific defense, but their relatively slow pace could keep the Crimson Tide from registering yet another 90-point effort.
Alabama is one of the best at pushing for the Over, but given the circumstances, I’m locking in the Under at 164.5 points as one of my best college basketball bets for the Elite 8. Clemson won this matchup when they last met in late November, 85-77.
Illinois vs UConn: Over 155 Points (-110)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
UConn showcased its two-way dominance in its 30-point win over San Diego State on Thursday, winning 82-52 in a game that was only close for about 10 minutes. The Huskies’ 82 points were the third-most surrendered by the Aztecs in a game this season.
Meanwhile, Illinois blew through one of the nation’s best defenses in its 72-69 win over Iowa State. The game wasn’t nearly as close as the final score suggests thanks to Terrence Shannon’s 29-point performance.
- See our March Madness betting guide for the Men’s NCAA Tournament.
These are the country’s top two offenses, per KenPom, and although UConn also owns a top-10 defense, I’m leaning toward the Over at 155 points. Few teams have slowed the Fighting Illini’s efficient attack, and it feels more likely that we see a shootout than a defensive clinic.
March Madness Elite 8 Betting Odds
Find odds for this year’s NCAA Tournament games at the best March Madness betting apps.
