March Madness Sweet 16 Friday Preview
The Sweet 16 rolls on Friday with another loaded slate of games. Duke and Michigan look like championship contenders, while teams like St. John’s, Tennessee, and Michigan State are trying to keep their tournament runs alive. Here is a quick look at how each team got here and what to know before tip off.
#5 St. John’s vs #1 Duke Sweet 16 Preview
How St. John’s Got Here
St. John’s opened the tournament with a dominant 79-53 win over #12 Northern Iowa as -10.5 point favorites. In the next round they faced Kansas as -3.5 point favorites and needed late game heroics to survive. With just 3.9 seconds remaining, Dylan Darling who had not scored all game drove the length of the floor and hit the game winning layup to give St. John’s a dramatic 67-65 victory. The Red Storm now head to the Sweet 16 where they hold a 2-7 all-time record, with their most recent win coming in 1999 when they defeated Ohio State 64-58. So far in this year’s tournament St. John’s is 1-1 against the spread and 2-0 to the Under.
How Duke Got Here
Duke opened the tournament against #16 Siena as -28.5 point favorites but were pushed far more than expected. The Blue Devils trailed at halftime before battling back in the second half to escape with a 71-65 win. In the Round of 32 they faced #9 TCU and this time took care of business in a much more convincing fashion. As -12.5 point favorites, Duke pulled away in the second half to secure the win and punch their ticket to the Sweet 16 winning 81-58. Through two games the Blue Devils are 1-1 against the spread and 2-0 to the Under. Duke now heads into the Sweet 16 looking to build momentum and take another step towards their 19th Final Four appearance.
Game Information
Time: 7:10 EST
TV Channel: CBS
Venue: Capital One Arena
Current Odds:
Spread: St. John’s +6.5/ Duke -6.5
Total: 140.5
Moneyline: St. John’s +220/ Duke -275
#4 Alabama vs #1 Michigan Sweet 16 Preview
How Alabama Got Here.
The Crimson Tide faced #13 Hofstra in the Round of 64 and controlled the game from the start, pulling away for a 90-70 victory as -11.5 point favorites. In the Round of 32 Alabama faced #5 Texas Tech and completely dominated the matchup, rolling to a convincing 90-65 win as -1.5 point favorites to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16. Through two games the Crimson Tide have shown the explosive scoring ability that carried them throughout the season while also proving they can overwhelm opponents when their offense gets rolling. Alabama is 2-0 ATS and 1-1 to the Over/Under.
How Michigan Got Here
Michigan opened the tournament against #16 Howard in the Round of 64 and had no trouble taking control, cruising to a 101–80 win even though they did not cover as -30.5 point favorites. In the Round of 32, the Wolverines faced #8 Saint Louis and once again handled business with ease. As -12.5 point favorites, Michigan’s offense stayed hot and they pulled away for a 95–72 victory to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16. Through two games, the Wolverines have shown how dangerous they can be when their scoring is rolling, putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. Michigan is 1–1 ATS and 2–0 to the Over, heading into the Sweet 16 with plenty of momentum
Game Information
Time: 7:35 EST
TV Channel: TBS
Venue: United Center
Current Odds:
Spread: Alabama +9.5/Michigan -9.5
Total: 173.5
Moneyline: Alabama +365/Michigan -490
#3 Michigan State vs #2 UConn Sweet 16 Preview
How Michigan State Got Here
Michigan State opened the tournament against #14 North Dakota State and came out strong, controlling the game on both ends on their way to a 92–67 win as -16.5 point favorites. In the Round of 32, the Spartans faced #11 Louisville and were tested more, but still handled the matchup with poise. As -5.5 point favorites, Michigan State made the key plays late and closed out a 77–69 victory to advance to the Sweet 16. Through two games, the Spartans have shown steady offense, toughness, and the ability to finish games when it matters. Michigan State is 2–0 ATS and 1–1 to the Over/Under
How UConn Got Here
UConn opened the tournament against #15 Furman and controlled the game throughout, leaning on their size and efficiency to pull away for an 82–71 win as -20.5 point favorites. In the Round of 32, the Huskies faced #10 UCLA and delivered a far more complete performance. As -5.5 point favorites, UConn’s defense tightened up and their offense found a rhythm, leading to a convincing 73–57 victory that sent them to the Sweet 16. UConn is 1–1 ATS and 1–1 to the Over/Under, heading into the Sweet 16
Game Information
Time: 9:45 EST
TV Channel: CBS
Venue: Capital One Arena
Current Odds:
Spread: Michigan State -1.5/UConn +1.5
Total: 135.5
Moneyline: Michigan State +105/UConn -126
#6 Tennessee vs #2 Iowa State Sweet 16 Preview
How Tennessee Got Here
Tennessee opened the tournament against #11 Miami (OH) and completely dominated from start to finish, putting together one of the most impressive defensive efforts of the first round. As -12.5 point favorites, the Vols overwhelmed Miami on both ends and cruised to a 78–56 win that was never in doubt. In the Round of 32, Tennessee faced #3 Virginia in a tougher matchup, but the Vols rose to the moment. As -1.5 point favorites, they made key plays late and held off the Cavaliers for a 79–72 victory to advance to the Sweet 16. The Vols are 2–0 ATS and 1–1 to the Over/Under
How Iowa State Got Here
Iowa State opened the tournament against #15 Tennessee State and came out firing, pushing the pace and overwhelming them offensively on the way to a 108–74 win as -25 point favorites. In the Round of 32, the Cyclones faced #7 Kentucky and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season. As -5.5 point favorites, Iowa State controlled the game from the jump, locking in defensively and knocking down shots to pull away for an impressive 82–63 victory that sent them to the Sweet 16. Iowa State is 2–0 ATS and 2–0 to the Over
Game Information
Time: 10:10 EST
TV Channel: TBS
Venue: United Center
Current Odds:
Spread: Tennessee +3.5/Iowa State -3.5
Total: 139.5
Moneyline: Tennessee +152/Iowa State -184
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