Top March Madness Sweet 16 Betting Matchups

The first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament were dominated by number one seeds and underdogs. Will the Sweet 16 round see dominance by the Cinderellas, or will the favorites take over in the NCAA Basketball odds? Here is a look at the top Sweet 16 round games scheduled for this coming week and a brief guide on how to place your wagers on them.

Top March Madness Sweet 16 Betting Matchups

No. 2 Villanova vs. No. 3 Miami

Spread: Villanova -4½ Date/Time: Thursday, March 24^th, 5:10 PM CT Broadcast: CBS This is perhaps the closest match in the Sweet 16 round. Both teams have been playing in a pretty convincing fashion so far, and the coming round is likely to bring an entertaining game. Both teams seemed more than capable of winning a national championship during the first two rounds of the tournament, but the coming round is perhaps the toughest test they will face so far in this tournament. The Wildcats had an easy run in the Big East championship game, and so far have bested their opponents in their first two tournament games after falling short in the first weekend the past two seasons. Meanwhile, the Miami Hurricanes missed the chance to play for the ACC championship, and while the team has been as dominant as Villanova in its first two games, the ‘Canes have what it takes to turn this game into one of the most intriguing and entertaining matches of the Sweet 16.   Villanova vs. Miami Prediction This is the kind of match that can go on any side. We have two talented rivals that know how to handle the pressure, but I think that Villanova has what it takes to prevail and advance to Elite Eight. Although, bettors looking for some valuable opportunities should consider Miami as a great pick against the spread.  

No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas A&M

Spread: Oklahoma -1½ Date, Time: Thursday, March 24^th, 5:37 PM CT Broadcast: CBS   Led by Buddy Hield, Oklahoma has showed just how dominant they can be. First, the Sooners cruised their way past CSU Bakersfield for a comfortable 92-65 first round win. Then Oklahoma beat No. 10 VCU 85-81 in a much closer match, although Hield’s 36 points and seven rebounds led OU’s to secure the win over VCU and move to the Sweet 16.   In a similar way, the Texas A&M Aggies also pulled of a miracle in their second round game vs. Northern Iowa, rallying from a double-digit deficit in the final minute to force overtime, and then winning the match in double OT.  Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M Prediction The Aggies showed a lot of temple and character in the second round, but the Oklahoma Sooners have the best overall team, and they know how to play tough defense and stop their rivals right when they need to.  

No. 4 Duke vs. No. 1 Oregon

Spread: Oregon -2 Date/Time: Thursday, March 24, 7:55 PM Broadcast: CBS Forget about Sweet 16, this is one of the top games of the season!!! Oregon’s speedy game and versatility is what has made them the top seed in their bracket. On the other hand, the Blue Devils are playing like a mature team, but they still have to address a few issues and get in good shape before they can be seen a safe pick for the Elite Eight. Oregon beat No. 16 Holy Cross 91-52 in the first round, and while the second round game against No. 8 Saint Joseph’s was closer than expected, the Ducks were able to nail it 69-64.  Meanwhile, Duke beat No. 13 UNC Wilmington 93-85 in first round and then beat No. 12 Yale 71-64 in one of the best game we witnessed in the second round.   Duke vs. Oregon Prediction The Ducks are the kind of team that can end up anyone’s run, including Duke’s. Oregon’s game is extremely offensive, but they also know how to accommodate their defense when they need to. I think the Blue Devils won’t be an easy rival and that they will push Oregon to the limit, but I also think the Duck have many tricks in their bag and that will pull out a win.