The 2024 NCAA Tournament is progressing to its final stages. Sweet 16 action gets underway this Thursday, and by the beginning of next week, we will have whittled down to just four remaining teams.
Although most of the chaos of March Madness is over with, there’s still money to be made by betting on the Sweet 16 and beyond.
Here are our best bets for Thursday and Friday’s Sweet 16 games.
All NCAAB odds are current as of Tuesday, March 26, at 4 p.m. ET.
March Madness Sweet 16 Best Bets
North Carolina -3.5 (-118) vs Alabama
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
North Carolina has always had the markers of being a legitimate title contender, and that’s been on display through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Tar Heels dominated their first two matchups, averaging 87.5 points while limiting opponents to 65.5 points per game.
Alabama has been impressive, too, but this feels like the end of the road for Nate Oats’ team. The Crimson Tide have a stellar offense, but their defense is among the worst in the nation. Unless they deliver their most efficient offensive performance of the season, they may not be able to overcome their defensive deficiencies.
This is one of my favorite college basketball bets for the Sweet 16.
Creighton (+140) vs Tennessee
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
There’s a lot to like about this year’s Creighton squad. On offense, they succeed by taking high-percentage looks inside the arc (fourth in two-point percentage) and sinking the sixth-most three-pointers per game. There are few wasted possessions, and that’ll be important against Tennessee.
Dalton Knecht’s Volunteers are the real deal, but I have my concerns about how they match up with the Bluejays. Creighton boasts a lot of length, and although Tennessee has 6-foot-11 center Jonas Aidoo manning the paint, it lacks the size at other positions.
The Bluejays are also strong on defense, ranking 22nd in the nation in two-point percentage allowed and No. 1 in opponent free-throw attempts. To put it simply, they don’t allow many easy looks, and that’s thanks in large part to three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kalkbrenner.
I only see Tennessee advancing if Creighton has an uncharacteristic night from beyond the arc. That’s worth the price at (+140).
NC State +6.5 (-110) vs Marquette
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
NC State’s improbable run is bound to come to an end at some point, but I won’t be the one to call for it. The 11th-seeded Wolfpack have already knocked off Duke, North Carolina, and Texas Tech over the last two weeks, and their gutsy win over Oakland in the Round of 32 was likely the last thing Marquette wanted to see.
The Golden Eagles have a great team and operate one of the nation’s most efficient offenses, but there’s just something about March that tends to spell trouble for programs like Marquette. Plus, as the lowest remaining seed in the NCAA Tournament, NC State has little to lose.
The Wolfpack may not pull off the upset, but Marquette’s late escape over Colorado in the Round of 32 proved that it’s not invulnerable. Give me the points.
Gonzaga vs Purdue: Over 154.5 Points (-105)
BetMGM Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Gonzaga and Purdue have looked equally dominant in the early part of March Madness. The Bulldogs defeated No. 12 McNeese and No. 4 Kansas by 21 points apiece, while the Boilermakers cruised to a 39-point victory over No. 8 Utah State this past Sunday.
Despite each team’s offensive prowess, the total for this matchup is listed at just 154.5 points. Both sides have averaged at least 83 points per game this season and rank inside the top 10 in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency rating.
- See our March Madness betting guide for the Men’s NCAA Tournament.
These teams combined for 136 points when they last met in late November, but both have come a long way since then. I trust Mark Few to coach his side to another strong showing, while Zach Edey should continue to flourish for Purdue.
March Madness Sweet 16 Betting Odds
Find odds for this year’s NCAA Tournament games at the best March Madness betting apps.
