The first two rounds have been played, and the field of 16 is set. We have seen some massive upsets, and I can’t wait to see what’s still to come.
The West
It was hard to see Arkansas making it out of the first round, but after defeating Illinois, the Razorbacks decided they weren’t done dancing. In a typical year, Arkansas beating Kansas may have been the upset of the year, but Kansas was just another domino to fall in what has been an unhinged tournament.
Arkansas is now a three-point underdog taking on UConn in Vegas. UConn has rolled through this tournament, and while UCLA will present a challenge for them, they should emerge from this region.
UConn -3 (-115)
The southern part of this bracket has been straight chalk, and now second-seed UCLA takes on three-seed Gonzaga. Gonzaga had a scare on Sunday vs. TCU, but they were able to pull out a three-point victory.
Gonzaga is still searching for their first national title. They have brought many great teams to the tournament, but they have a long history of choking in March.
UCLA ran away with the PAC-12, and while there were concerns about this team, as they faced very little competition in the regular season, they have fared well to this point. The Bruins will struggle against UConn, but they shouldn’t have any issues against Gonzaga.
UCLA -2 (-110) Parlay: UConn & UCLA Moneyline (+175)
The East
Michigan State is another team, that many thought would not make it out of the first round, but per usual, Prom King, Tom Izzo, is having a great time at the dance. He knocked off second-seed Marquette, to book his ticket to the Sweet Sixteen. However, waiting for the Spartans is an extremely tough Kansas State squad.
The Wildcats are searching for their first Final Four appearance since 1964, and running the gauntlet that is the Big 12 has proven to be the perfect preparation for this tournament. The Spartans made a nice run, but K-State will keep on rolling.
Kansas State (+112)
Florida Atlantic is one of the many unexpected guests of the Sweet Sixteen; they have had a miraculous run. This is only the Owls’ second tournament appearance and the first time they have ever won a game in the tournament, and now here they stand in the Sweet Sixteen.
The Owls only advanced past the round of 32 because they faced 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson. They should be thrilled to have reached this point, but they don’t stand a chance against the Volunteers.
Tennessee -4.5 (-115)
Parlay: UConn & Tennessee Moneyline (+125)
