Just like that only sixteen teams remain in the chase for a college basketball national championship. The first two rounds were filled with chalk as favorites went 38-12 straight up and 26-22 ATS, but this has made for some incredible matchups leading into the Final Four. With only 15 games left in the college hoops season (sorry CBI, NIT, and CBC) we must take advantage of every remaining opportunity.
Here are my three best bets for the Sweet 16 of March Madness 2025.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER | Season Record: (23-15)
BYU/Alabama Over 175.5 (-110)
This number is very high and for good reason as these are two great offensive teams who are not afraid to give up some points on the defensive end. They also both play at a fast pace and plenty of shots will be put up in this game. Alabama is the number one team in the country in ppg at 90.8 and BYU is not far behind at 81.2. The Cougars have also been shooting the ball great as of late averaging 84.9 points on 48.9% shooting, including 38.3% from three, in their last ten games. The crazy thing is that this line originally opened at 166.5 on Sunday evening and I could see this one easily surpassing 180.
Texas Tech -5.5 (-118) vs Arkansas
The run of John Calipari and his Arkansas Razorbacks ends here. Texas Tech is a very balanced team that can win the battle around the rim against the athletic bigs of Arkansas with JT Toppin and Darrion Williams. I know the Razorbacks will likely be getting an elite player back in Adou Thiero, but I expect that to be in a limited role. It is also looking like a high possibility that the Raiders will get one of their big pieces back in Chance McMillian (14.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.9 ast) who has not played since the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals. For some reason Texas Tech seems like the least talked about team that is left, but they have great defense along with an elite offense, contrary to St. John’s, that will help them get a win here and cover the number.
Purdue/Houston Under 132.5 (-114)
I see this one being an ugly, low scoring, defensive battle type of game. Both play at a very slow tempo, with Houston being sixth slowest in college basketball. The Cougars have the best defense in the country and I like them to control this game and force it to be played in the half court. One of the biggest strengths for both of these teams is three point shooting, but both also rank in the top 35 in defending the three point line. Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, and Braden Smith are all great from behind the arc and could pose a threat to the under, but this game is being played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and it is known that football stadiums do not favor shooters with the layout and depth perception behind the baskets.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change| Frank Sciarroni is 23-15 ATS in CBB.