2024 Sweet 16 Betting Prediction for Midwest Bracket

In the 2024 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament, four heavyweights get it on in the Midwest Region’s Sweet 16. 1 Purdue is a -5 favorite versus West Coast Conference power Gonzaga. Then in the second game, 2-Tennessee takes on 3-Creighton in what should be one of the most exciting matchups so far in the NCAA Tournament.

Which teams move to this weekend’s Elite 8 and which go home to prepare for next season?

Check out more info for both games, March Madness betting lines, and free Sweet 16 Midwest Region picks.

2024 March Madness Betting Lines: Sweet 16 Midwest Region Picks | College Basketball Betting Analysis of the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament

1 Purdue Boilermakers vs. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Zags have won both their games by stellar margins. Gonzaga beat a talented McNeese State group 86-65. Then in their second game, Gonzaga blasted the preseason number one, the Kansas Jayhawks, 89-68. In both contests, the Zags shot lights out and played the type of defense that wins championship.

But at the given odds, +5, the West Coast Conference squad is an underlay for sure. Purdue is playing like they’re not going to lose unless they face off against the Denver Nuggets. The Boilermakers demolished Grambling State 78-50 in their first game.

Then in their second, Zach Edey scored 23 in Purdue’s incredible 106-67 beat down of a good Utah State squad. Edey is getting help from Purdue’s guards this season, which is making a massive difference in the tournament.

Not only that, but Kansas had gone into the game against Gonzaga losers of 4-of-6. So the Zags didn’t see the real Rock Chalk Jayhawk squad. Purdue rolls past this spread.

Purdue vs. Gonzaga
Midwest Region ATS Pick: Purdue Boilermakers -5 | Odds for College Basketball MyBookie Betting Lines for the Tournament

3 Creighton Blue Jays vs. 2 Tennessee Volunteers

The odds imply Tennessee has a slight edge. They might, but 3 points could make the Vols an underlay. In fact, a case can be made that Creighton should be the favorite.

Tennessee lost to Kentucky and Mississippi State to finish the regular season. Neither the Bulldogs nor the Wildcats did anything at this season’s NCAA Tournament. The Vols looked great versus St. Peter’s in an 83-49 victory. But against Texas, the Volunteers almost lost in a 62-58 game.

The Longhorns weren’t special this season, which means Tennessee might be slightly overrated in this matchup.

Creighton rolled into the NCAA Tournament, winners of 7-of-9. The Blueja

ys took it to Akron 77-60 in their first March Madness contest. Then in their second, Creighton outlasted Oregon 86-73 in a two overtime game.

On Friday night, Creighton will prove again that the selection committee made a huge mistake by handing out bids to just 3 Big East teams. Don’t be surprised if Creighton wins this by 6 to 10.

Creighton vs. Tennessee
Midwest Region SU Pick: Creighton +135 | Odds for College Basketball MyBookie Betting Lines for the Tournament

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?