In the aftermath of the NCAA Tournament selection committee revealing the 68-team field for March Madness, only 16 teams remain in contention for the championship in Phoenix at the Final Four. Odds have been set for every Sweet 16 game based on how Las Vegas oddsmakers predict the matchups will unfold. While some people may have their own unique methods for making picks, looking at oddsmakers’ projections can provide another perspective.
It is important to remember that odds are simply projections based on models and influenced by public perception, as well as strategies used by oddsmakers to attract betting action. Upsets are always possible, although the second round was fairly predictable with most of the favorites winning outright. In the Sweet 16, there was only one seeding upset, as Clemson defeated Baylor to advance to the next round.
The updated odds for the Sweet 16 games are as follows: in the East Region on Thursday at TD Garden in Boston, UConn (-10) will face San Diego State, and Iowa State (-2) will take on Illinois. In the West Region on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, North Carolina (-4) will play against Alabama, and Arizona (-7.5) will go up against Clemson. In the South Region on Friday at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Houston (-4) will play Duke, and Marquette (-6.5) will take on NC State. And in the Midwest Region on Friday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Purdue (-5) will face Gonzaga, and Tennessee (-2.5) will play Creighton.
For more insights on which teams could make or break your bracket
