2024 NCAA Tournament Odds, Picks & Predictions: Elite 8 (Saturday)
It’s been an exciting tournament with a lot of close and exciting games. Two games on the schedule for today, let’s see how they will go and how we should play them.
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NCAA Tournament Elite 8 Best Bets (Saturday)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Illinois vs. Connecticut (-7.5) / O/U 156 (-110/-110)
People who thought UConn was deserving of the overall No.1 seed in the tournament felt like they were dealt a tough potential schedule. They've proven so far that it wasn't the case. They've been able to easily handle all three opponents, winning by an average of 28.6 points, and that comes with shooting 13.6% from three against Northwestern and only a +2 turnover difference in the last two games. This team has so many ways to beat you, and it was the backcourt that was able to make shots all day against San Diego.
That offensive firepower will need to go at full speed against Illinois. The Illini are coming in ninth in points scored per game, and they were able to hang 72 against an Iowa State defense that allowed an average of 61.5 points this season. The main thing Illinois has that the Huskies haven't seen yet in this tournament is an opponent who can match up with them at every position. Connecticut has been able to find a size advantage and exploit that, but Illinois will be able to physically contend throughout this game.
UConn has the chance to be tested for the first time in the NCAA Tournament under Dan Hurley. Playing in one of the better conferences in the country will have them ready, but Illinois will not go down easily. This has the making of being a back-and-forth high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 156 (-110)
Clemson vs. Alabama (-3) / O/U 164.5 (-108/-112)
Both teams coming by beating high seeds in exciting matchups.
Alabama had hot and cold moments throughout their matchup against North Carolina, but they're not hesitant to shoot away any rough patch. They go fast with that high-tempo offense, and it's a run-and-gun style as they will pull up and take the three.
This will prove to be tough for Clemson as they're 310th in defensive tempo. They haven't faced a team that likes to quickly get up the court and move the ball minimally. It could lead to costly mistakes on that side, and they've had problems with players getting into foul trouble, including PJ Hall, who's played just 19 minutes in two of the three games.
If the Tigers could keep their starters on the floor then I like their chances to keep it closer, but the Tide should be able to pull away in this game.
Alabama -3 (-110)