March Madness bets: Thursday's Sweet 16 showdowns
The Sweet 16 should produce a flurry of thrilling contests between title contenders, with some of the country's best teams primed for action. Let's get to our breakdowns for Thursday's action.
No. 6 BYU vs. No. 2 Alabama (-5.5, O/U 175.5)
These are two of the best offenses in the nation. Alabama has the fastest tempo in the country, and BYU has the best offensive rating in the country since Feb. 12, according to Bart Torvik.
The 175.5 total is one of the highest in NCAA Tournament history and is receiving many bets, with more bettors wagering on the under.
Alabama relies heavily on drilling 3-pointers, while BYU has a more balanced offensive approach. The Crimson Tide are susceptible to an upset if they go cold from three, but the Cougars also have to knock down shots if Alabama is nailing its 3-point looks. Both offenses will score early, but this won't be as high-scoring a contest as many expect.
Lean: BYU +5.5 and under 175.5
No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 1 Florida (-6.5, O/U 157.5)
This game will come down to rebounding. Florida has the fourth-best offensive rebounding rate in the country and depth in its frontcourt. The Terps must gang rebound to limit the Gators' second-chance opportunities. Maryland will likely switch less defensively to avoid mismatches where guards must box out bigs.
The Terps boast the highest-scoring starting lineup in the country, and coming off three days of rest, shouldn't play their bench much. Florida has the depth advantage, but Maryland's starters are rarely fatigued late in games. The Gators have an edge in their backcourt with Walter Clayton Jr., the best scorer on the floor, but Maryland's big men, Derik Queen and Julian Reese, can combat Florida's bigs.
Maryland coach Kevin Willard is rumored to be leaving Maryland for Villanova. That could cause a distraction, which turns this from a Maryland pick to a lean.
Lean: Maryland +6.5
No. 4 Arizona vs. No.1 Duke (-9.5, O/U 154.5)
Duke has won 29 of its last 30 games and two tournament contests by an average margin of 33.5. The Blue Devils have three freshmen expected to be selected in the top 10 in the NBA draft, but their on-court maturity resembles seniors more than freshmen. They also have veteran support from guys like Tyrese Proctor, who had 25 points in the Round of 32 against Baylor.
Duke is the most talented team in the country, and has played like it for months. Arizona had a relatively easy path, beating No. 13 Akron and escaping No. 5 Oregon. The Wildcats have been inconsistent for much of the season, and Duke even defeated Arizona by 14 during nonconference play in November.
Arizona's offense follows Caleb Love's lead, but he struggles with efficiency as a 39% field-goal shooter. Duke has the athletes to disrupt Love's rhythm, thus disrupting Arizona's offense.
Pick: Duke -9.5
No. 10 Arkansas vs. No. 3 Texas Tech (-5.5, O/U 147.5)
Texas Tech can beat you inside with JT Toppin and from beyond the arc with its prolific shooting from an array of guards, including Chance McMillian, who should return Thursday after missing the last few contests.
Arkansas is also getting healthier with Boogie Fland returning and Adou Thiero back in the lineup. But the Razorbacks remain an unreliable shooting team, connecting on 33% of their looks from deep, while the Red Raiders have the nation's seventh-best offense since Feb. 1. Texas Tech shoots a ton of threes and rarely turns the ball over.
Arkansas faced more challenging battles to get to the Sweet 16 with wins over Kansas and St. John's, while Texas Tech played mid-major opponents UNC Wilmington and Drake to earn a spot. However, Arkansas' impressive run will end against a talented offensive group.
Pick: Texas Tech -5.5
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.