Mar 23, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils ahead Cooper Flagg (2) dunks the ball in the course of the first half in opposition to the Baylor Bears within the second spherical of the NCAA Event at Lenovo Middle. Necessary Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Photographs As thrilling as the amount within the first two rounds of the NCAA Event could be, the Candy 16 takes it to a different stage with high quality. Gone are the groups that have been pleased simply to make the Dance. Because the aggressive steadiness of the video games steps up, so too has our “Greatest Bets” record.
The next are our greatest Candy 16 bets for Thursday and Friday’s video games.
Candy 16 Greatest Bets: Thursday March twenty seventh
BYU (+180) vs. Alabama (-5.5), o/u 174.5
Time: 7:09 p.m. ET
Date: Thursday, March 27
Protection: CBS
Odds by way of BetMGM
With one of the crucial productive offenses within the sport and one of many worst defenses, it has been onerous to not wager the over at any time when Alabama performs (over is 19-15-1). I do know what you’re pondering: 174.5 is such a excessive quantity for a school basketball sport.
Alabama video games have had a complete of 174.4 or higher 9 occasions this season; the over was 6-3 in these video games.
BYU averages round 81 factors per sport this season (No. 25). Whereas its protection doesn’t rank as little as Alabama’s, it’s not spectacular both (No. 155, 71.4 ppg allowed). Each groups like to shoot threes.
Our choose: These guys are hitting the over on this sport.
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Arizona (+315) vs. Duke (-8.5), o/u 153.5
Time: 9:39 p.m. ET
Date: Thursday, March 27
Protection: CBS
Odds by way of FanDuel
Choosing this sport virtually appears like dishonest. Nothing in opposition to Arizona; the Wildcats have had a strong season and have confirmed themselves to be a superb crew. They’ll put up some factors (No. 17, 82.2 ppg) and are beasts on the boards (No. 11 rebounds per sport, 40.08).
However they only aren’t in the identical class as Duke.
Duke already beat the Wildcats earlier within the season, 69-55. Sure, Arizona has improved considerably since then, however so has Duke. When they’re wholesome, few groups can hold with the Blue Devils, and Arizona will not be one in all them.
Our choose: Duke -8.5
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Candy 16 Greatest Bets: Friday, March twenty eighth
Michigan (+330) vs. Auburn (-8.5), o/u 152.5
Time: 9:39 p.m. ET
Date: Friday, March 28
Protection: CBS
Odds by way of DraftKings
The Wolverines have performed properly up to now. They took care of UC San Diego (68-65) regardless that many analysts thought-about them a major upset candidate. Texas A&M was favored within the second spherical, however the Aggies couldn’t defend within the second half with out fouling.
Nevertheless it won’t be almost as simple in opposition to Auburn. The Tigers are one of many high rebounding groups within the nation, can push the tempo or hit from lengthy vary, and won’t foul almost as a lot as A&M did.
Michigan could hold it shut within the first half, however I anticipate Auburn to guide by 10 on the break. The Wolverines wrestle from the three-point line, so as soon as the lead widens and they’re pressured to start out throwing up three-pointers, it is going to be sport over.
Our choose: Auburn -8.5
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Purdue (+290) vs. Houston (-7.5), o/u 132.5
Time: 10:09 p.m. ET
Date: Friday, March 28
Protection: TBS/truTV
Odds by way of BetMGM
It will probably make for an attention-grabbing sport when two groups with related kinds play one another. Each Purdue and Houston choose to let their defenses paved the way whereas scoring sufficient to win, typically leading to low-scoring video games.
This technique obtained Purdue previous Excessive Level within the first spherical and McNeese State within the second. Ditto for Houston, however with one important distinction: the Cougars are so a lot better at it.
Houston has the No. 1 protection within the nation (58.4 factors per sport allowed). It has held 19 of 34 opponents under that mark this season. On the offensive finish, the Cougars don’t do a lot (No. 152, 74.5 ppg), however since they permit a lot much less, it doesn’t matter what they rating.
The opposite crew will rating much less.
Our choose: Houston -7.5
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