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The Elite 8 is here! It’s always exciting to get back into the madness, and these first couple of rounds have already been wild. Teams are one win away from making the Final Four!
While running through some games in the Elite 8, there is much to consider. Favorites taking care of business, upset potential, and over/under are the beautiful aspects of what makes the NCAA Tournament sport's most chaotic event. Many of these matchups are unfamiliar, presenting exciting and new elements for each team.
In this article, you can find some of my favorite picks for the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 30th, and Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Check out our other NCAA/NIT Tournament articles, as we will offer picks and DFS suggestions throughout the tournament. Find me on X, @JustinPottinger. Let's dive in!
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UConn (1) vs. Illinois (3)
6:09 PM (TBS)
Line: UConn -8.5 vs. Illinois
Set at a reasonable line, UConn is given nearly nine points in the Elite 8 matchup against Illinois. The Huskies have shown no mercy this tournament, as they have won their first three by a wide margin and have easily looked like the strongest team in the game. On all platforms, UConn has played just as dominantly as the numbers show and is currently the clever favorite to win the title. UConn arguably has the best all-around roster and is led by talented guard Tristen Newton.
This will be the most significant test for UConn as they will face another explosive offense. According to KenPom, Illinois ranks first in the nation in offensive efficiency. Terrence Shannon Jr. leads the team in scoring with 23.3 points per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the field. Shannon will be the most talented player on the court and is nearly unstoppable when driving to the basket. Illinois has been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament and will look to continue to fantastic gameplay against the best team in the country. Even though UConn has a team entirely of superstars, Shannon Jr. will be the best player on the court, and the Huskies will need to gameplan accordingly.
UConn has easily made its way to the Elite 8, but I think Illinois will give the Huskies their biggest test yet and keep the game close. UConn will win this game, but I have Illinois covering.
The Pick: Illinois +8.5 (ESPN Bet)
It doesn’t happen by mistake. It happens because we believe in each other.#Illini | #HTTO | #EveryDayGuys pic.twitter.com/CuoJ556ZfG
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) March 30, 2024
Alabama (4) vs. Clemson (6)
8:47 PM (TBS)
Line: Alabama -3.5 vs Clemson
The most exciting line on the slate will be Alabama against Clemson. In this battle, Clemson is slated as the underdog by 3.5 points. Alabama brings a ton of firepower and is coming off an incredible win over one-seed North Carolina. There is no surprise that Mark Sears will be the best player on the court, but Alabama’s big man Grant Nelson has been fantastic this tournament and is coming off 24 points and 12 rebounds in their Sweet 16 win.
For Clemson, this is a team that many counted out in the tournament's first round but now finds itself just one victory away from a trip to the Final Four. The defense has been the name of the game for Clemson, as they have tightened things up and made a great offense in Arizona look lost in the Sweet 16. Alabama ranks second in the nation in points per game, which means Clemson will need to continue to play great defense if they want to advance past the fast pace Crimson Tide.
In a game that could come down to coaching, I see Alabama winning and covering in this game. I think the road ends for Clemson, and their offense will not be able to keep up with Alabama’s. I’ll be going with the Crimson Tide to advance to the Final Four!
The Pick: Alabama -3.5 (ESPN Bet)
📍Elite 8 pic.twitter.com/WJR4svUmQ8
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 30, 2024
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