There’s nothing quite like the first weekend of the tournament. Rambo in the trenches. Game after game after game after game, for four straight days. We weathered the storm well, but now’s not the time to get cocky. The meat and potatoes with the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight are on deck. We’ll give you a similar rundown with our best bets for this round, and who we like for the Final Four.
The biggest trend of the weekend was the influx of Unders, however on Sunday we saw the tide turn and Overs start to pick-up.
If you want to day by day and game by game updates, the best way is Twitter (@thedegenweekly; @steaakfriend, @greg_gogodino).
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South Region
One of the more chaotic regions with the #2, #3, and #4 seeds getting axed before the Sweet 16. Alabama has inched over Houston as the overall favorite to win the Tourney, but in our opinion the chaos is just getting started.
Best Bets:
SDSU +7.5(Degen) - I have SDSU going to the Final Four and I sure as shit ain’t backing down now. What the Aztecs lack in offense they make up for in defense. I expect an ugly game and them to give Bama some fits.
Creighton vs. Princeton u139 (Greg) - Creighton put up 84 in the round of 32 and Princeton wasn’t far off putting up 78 in their upset win over Missouri. Now we see a low total thats moving down due to sharp action. I’ll ride.
Pick to win the region:
SDSU (Degen) - Defense wins championships.
Creighton (Greg/Jake) - We’re sticking with our boys in blue.
East Region
My condolences to any Purdue fans out there, and it’s INSANE that Matt Painter hasn’t been fired yet. Nobody treats Cinderella better than West Lafayette. Personally, one of the my favorite moments of the Tournament every year is when Duke gets eliminated. The joy just wasn’t the same this year, as we didn’t get to see Coach K piss and moan on his way out the door, but regardless it’s still pure bliss to watch the Blue Devils make an early exit. Now that the #1 and #2 seeds along with trendy Duke are out - it’s anyones ballgame.
Best Bets:
MSU ML (Jake) - Lower seed is favored? I’ve been fading blue bloods all tournament but now I’m riding with Michigan State.
FAU + 5.5 (Jake) - Pure contrarian play here as FAU might be the least talked about team remaining. This line feels a bit short considering their struggles with FDU and a very fortunate call in their favor vs. Memphis.
Pick to win the region:
Tennessee (Degen) - Dare I say they’re getting hot at the right time, and being slept on by everyone even after beating Duke?
Michigan State (Jake) - Izzo is March, March is Izzo.
FAU (Greg) - Brain is in a massive pretzel over the K State/MSU game, so let’s throw a dart at an FAU team thats lucky to be here.
Midwest Region
Houston looked to get it all figured out in the 2H against Auburn. Xavier and Miami bounced back in a huge way in the Round of 32 after near upsets in their first game. Texas continues to look dominate. A lot of great offenses in the region should make for some very entertaining games.
Best Bets:
Houston -7.5 (Degen) - Houston is the most slept on 1 seed I can remember, and now they’re up against a trendy dog.
Texas vs. Xavier o149 (Greg) - Highest total of the Sweet 16 round is inching up despite getting 38% of the bets. This one is going to be electric.
Pick to win the region:
Houston (Degen/Jake) - No change, we both have them to win the tourney and aren’t budging now.
Miami (Greg) - I repeat - I know Houston is the right play, but I just can’t help myself. 305 till I die.
West Region
The Tournament doesn’t start until the defending champ gets booted and Arkansas did just that before their coach gave an inspiring, yet somewhat awkward strip show. All heavy hitters left in what is top-to-bottom the best region.
Best Bets:
UConn -4.5 (Degen) - Maybe my favorite bet of the weekend. I will personally be upping my units and laying the juice. This is a cushy spread the oddsmakers are giving Arkansas after just beating Kansas. Not falling for the bait.
UCLA ML (Greg) - I am in love with this team and I’ll go down swinging with them. The bets are pretty split, but the money is slightly in favor of UCLA.
Pick to win the region:
UConn (Degen/Jake/Greg) - Squad Ride.
Current in-pocket Future Tickets:
UConn +2500 (Squad ride)
Creighton +4000 (Greg/Jake)
UCLA +2000 (Greg/Brandon) - Bet back in November, should cash out after the Jaylen Clark injury, but we’ll never forgive ourselves if they make a run.