What are ClutchBuzz Sweet 16 predictions? The NCAA tournament is through its second round and into the Sweet 16. Millions are analyzing March Madness odds and looking to find the best bets possible. Compared to the 2023 March Madness bracket, things look a lot different over the first weekend this year.
As we head into the second weekend of the NCAA tournament, some are looking to make school history. Some are looking to make it to their first national championship. Others are looking to take March Madness odds and turn them into a big win. In any event, there is a lot of ground to cover and some familiar territory heading into the Sweet 16.
A Recap of Round of 32: Key Highlights
For some teams, it was status quo. Two teams in the East Region – UConn and San Diego State – dominated in both the first round and second round. Houston narrowly escaped Texas A&M while Duke had one of those games that got out of hand quickly.
There were a handful of close games, like NC State advancing past Oakland. Some, like Michigan State, were on the receiving end of beatdowns. Tennessee dominated Texas, Alabama dominated Grand Canyon, and the next win will result in a trip to the regional semifinals.
Michigan State’s loss, as well as the Crimson Tide dominating the Texas Longhorns, are just a few of the top storylines from the second round and the opening weekend. We now look to one of the most important points of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Sweet 16 2024 Bracket Breakdown
Now, it is time to look deeper into the Sweet 16 and each game on the schedule. The second half of each game will feel monumental, a chance to take the season just one round longer.
For some, a win is coming. For others, a trip back home and the disappointment of a lost tournament. If you are placing a wager you can look at March Madness player props and game props and shake things up.
While the odds for each game will change going forward, we can take an early look at who will play in the next round. From there, it is about who can continue winning and continue their season into the Elite Eight of the bracket.
(2) Arizona vs. (6) Clemson
Arizona was one of the early tournament favorites. Here they are, facing a hot Clemson team. That said, the odds of them going to the next round are very good, setting the stage for a fantastic Elite Eight. The Wildcats are just too good to be denied at this stage in the tournament.
(1) UConn vs. (5) San Diego State
A rematch of the national championship game of a year ago. Unfortunately for San Diego State, this could go the same as last year. The defending champs play some of the toughest basketball in the nation and winning seems like a steep uphill climb for the Aztecs.
(1) North Carolina vs. (4) Alabama
Alabama made a deep run last year but face a giant in this tournament. This should be one of the closest matchups in the remainder of the tournament. Both of these teams could make a run to the national championship and Alabama has what it takes to pull off the slight upset and make yet another Final Four appearance.
(2) Iowa State vs. (3) Illinois
Iowa State has a toughness about them that is unlike any other team in the nation. Each win this year came in the face of a tough Big 12 schedule. They are battle tested and will grind out games to find a way to win. Look for Iowa State to reach the Elite Eight for just the second time.
(2) Marquette vs. (11) NC State
This feels like one of the rare chances for a Cinderella team in this year’s tournament. Marquette is a very good team but it is perhaps the weakest of the No. 2 seeds. NC State is tenacious and a fast start by the Wolfpack could be too much for Marquette to recover from.
(1) Purdue vs. (5) Gonzaga
This is an interesting game for a lot of reasons. Winning in the early rounds is common for Gonzaga, but deep runs are not. Purdue is looking to right the wrongs of a year ago and is looking good so far. This will be a battle to get over the hump for both programs.
(1) Houston vs. (4) Duke
The new dominant program (Houston) versus the Blue Blood (Duke). Houston is one of the most dominant teams in the country and has been all season. Duke has potential but hasn’t put it together consistently enough. Look for Houston to win easily in this one.
(2) Tennessee vs. (3) Creighton
Perhaps the toughest game of the Sweet 16. It is easy to see either team winning a national title. The gut says Tennessee but Creighton could easily walk away with this one. In any event, this game will be must-watch for tournament fans.
Players to Watch During March Madness 2024
There are more than a few names that are going to come up a lot over the course of the next few weeks. The best teams tend to have the best players but there is a history of standouts for each team that make a difference for their respective programs.
If UConn is going to repeat, Donovan Clingan is going to be why. Zach Edey may be the most dominant player in the nation and is the focal point for Purdue. R.J. Davis of North Carolina is the best of a group that might be the nation’s most talented.
That’s not even mentioning Jamal Shead of Houston, Zakai Zeigler of Tennessee, Trey Alexander of Creighton, DaRon Holmes II of Arizona, and a litany of others. This is the time when the biggest names shine and this Sweet 16 is certainly not lacking in big names.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 24: Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) grabs a rebound during the Purdue Boilermakers versus the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the NCAA Division 1 Championship on March 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire)
X-Factors and Key Matchup Factors
As is the case with recent NCAA tournaments, the long ball is key. Teams that can get hot from three-point range tend to be nearly impossible to stop. It was how top-seed Purdue fell to a No. 16 seed a year ago.
Being strong on the glass is a must and the top teams like Purdue, North Carolina, and Houston all do it quite well. Simply put, no one can afford to have a bad game. Being cold from the field likely means missing out on the Elite Eight in the end.
Each game has its own potential matchups to watch. Until the games tip off and the action unfolds, it is hard to tell what might happen. This isn’t the tournament of a year ago that featured major upsets, but every game is a new adventure. Whether this is the year when Purdue can finish its redemption, whether UConn can become the first repeat champion in over a decade, or a new champion is crowned, remains to be seen.
Potential Final Four Contenders
One need only look back to the 2023 NCAA tournament to see how difficult it can be gauging odds and picking winners. Last season, teams like Kansas State, Florida Atlantic, San Diego State, and others went deep into the tournament.
This year, we have a top-heavy Sweet 16. All four of the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds are there. Alabama, Tennessee, Houston, North Carolina, and others could all realistically wind up winning it all. These teams have managed to play the best ball all season long.
Odds for an eventual winner will shift as the tournament unfolds. The teams with the best odds are likely to be Houston, Purdue, and Arizona, though there are other teams in contention. As the tournament unfolds, odds will change and the regular season will matter far less.
Expert Predictions and Insights for this Year’s NCAA Tournament
Picking someone to win the national championship is tough. Beating a team like Saint Mary’s, Montana State, or Penn State in the first two rounds is one thing. Getting past an Alabama, a Tennessee, or a San Diego State is a lot tougher.
Winning is something that some of these programs have become known for, however. It’s hard to pick against power programs like Houston, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina, programs that have pedigree and history.
While it might be nice to have another deep run by a team like San Diego State, this is likely to be a tournament dominated by top seeds. All eight of the top seeds winning it all is reasonable. Look for Purdue, Houston, Arizona, and Iowa State to outlast the rest and win a bid into the Final Four.
Betting Tips and Odds Analysis
Betting on the NCAA tournament is always tough. Every team has its strengths. Each round sees a good team get eliminated. Winning in each round is the toughest task of the season. By the time we reach this stage of the tournament, every team is more evenly matched.
The best thing to do is to look at the odds ahead of time. There are some values to be had, though fewer this year. After all, there aren’t as many sleepers like Michigan State, Kansas State, or Florida Atlantic still around. San Diego State is among the lowest-seeded teams this year, though they made a deep run last year.
The best thing to do is to analyze each matchup. See what each team does well, what they did in the round prior, and how they match up against the team they are playing. Any previous matchups are a great place to look as well. A win can come for any number of reasons but keep yourself as prepared as possible.
How to Bet on the Sweet 16 During This March Madness?
Betting on the Sweet 16 is simple, from the first game to the last. The key is finding some of the best March Madness odds and point spreads out there. Best bets are tough to make because of how crazy this time of season can be.
Odds for the Sweet 16 can be found just about anywhere. Games can be found at most major sportsbooks. Opening odds often change as even the best teams see movement. Two-point favorites may see the spread grow while others will shrink. Sign up at a sportsbook, find the game you like and who you think will win, and place your bets accordingly.
Conclusion
The Sweet 16 is just the beginning. Tournament opponents only get tougher. And though the 2023 NCAA tournament had feel-good stories like Florida Atlantic and others making it far further than the first two rounds, this season is different. T Mobile Arena and the other regions like the Midwest region will be among the top stories.
The tournament finds a way to narrow down the best teams. With top neutral site games, March Madness odds will be tight the further into the tournament we get. The Sweet 16 is just the beginning. Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and the rest of the teams will be looking to play their best ball of the year.
