Houston is the public side even though this is basically a semi-home game for the Boilermakers. However, Purdue has struggled all season against teams with above average big man. The Cougars have an experienced team to go along with the number one scoring defense in the country. Purdue is near the bottom of country in defending inside the arc and around the rim, 341st in the nation. The Cougars are also one of the best in the country in forcing turnovers and have a much improved offense as compared to last season.

This seems like a lot of points for Auburn to be laying. They haven’t been performing like the number one overall seed, going 1-5 ATS in their last six games. The Wolverines have won and covered their last five games and have the big men in the middle to compete on the glass. Yes, Auburn is the deeper team, and the Wolverines have struggled mightily with turnovers this season, but their guards have been defending at a high level. Dusty May is an excellent coach who has proven he can make a deep run in this tournament and keep this one close.

Kentucky performed very well without Lamont Butler in the lineup down the stretch and have looked even better with him back in it for the tournament. It’s very tough to beat a time three times in a season but the Wildcats match up very well, especially with Rick Barnes ATS record in the tournament, 6-18 since 2018. Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler have been performing well and while they have the edge on the defensive side, Tennessee doesn’t have as many scorers as the Wildcats.

Ole Miss has five players averaging in double figures, along with Sean Pedulla, who has 29 more made threes than the entire Spartans squad. Michigan State is deeper, but not as experienced as the Rebels. Michigan State relies heavily on their defense and are ranked first in the country in defending the perimeter. However, their offense struggled from three and the Rebels defend the rim very well along with protecting the ball. The SEC has performed very well in this tournament and the Ole Miss offense is in better current form than the Spartans.

Texas Tech has had some difficulty with teams with size throughout the season. It’s also unclear if they’ll have Chance McMillian back for the Sweet 16. Adou Thiero is back for the Razorbacks but could be limited moving forward according to the Coach Cal. This line hasn’t moved since it opened with the big difference here being on the offensive glass. Texas Tech is the more physical team and have very efficient around the rim. The Red Raiders average five less turnovers per game than Arkansas during the tournament and the more consistent free throw shooting team all season.

Duke seems like it’s a little overpriced for this game. The Wildcats have one of the most experienced rosters in the country which may come in handy in this one, to at least cover the number. They’re a good rebounding team, as Duke struggled on the offensive glass against the Bears being outrebounded 18 to 3. The Wildcats have also scored 86 points, or more, in four of the last five games. This will be there toughest test defensively but Caleb Love will be playing with a little chip on his shoulder to keep this within the number.

Florida has the best offense in the country but now face one of the more physical defenses in the country in the Terps. Maryland, probably, should’ve lost their last game against the Rams but will have something to prove in this one. The Gators also struggled against the 81st ranked defense in the country in UConn. Maryland has the physicality downlow to compete on the boards and one the perimeter with their guards to attempt to limit the perimeter shooting from the Gators that has been excellent the entire season.

The Crimson Tide have been shaky all season and barely got past the Robert Morris in the first round. They can put up points with anyone in the country but it’s their defense that’s the issue. The Cougars are 11-1 SU in their last 12 and have one of the best offenses in the country. Alabama defends the perimeter very well, 22nd in the country, but the Cougars take good shots all around, inside and outside, and are the better rebounding team to allow second chance opportunities and possibly pull off the upset.

New Mexico has improved their defense throughout the season, limiting second chance opportunities. The Spartans have struggled beyond the arc all season long but currently lead the nation in defending it. New Mexico has the ability to create turnovers leading to transition buckets which may be difficult against this season but they have the offensive players to keep this one within the number.

Iowa State will still be without Keshon Gilbert, which might be more of a factor in this game as compared to their first game against the Bison. Ole Miss has six players averaging in double figures which will be needed against the 8th ranked defense in terms of efficiency. The Rebels have played the more difficult schedule and had a little lull towards the end of the season but have been playing better when it matters and have an experienced team to stay within the number.

Colorado State has had difficulty against good offensive teams and the Terrapins have had their most efficient offense in recent memory. Maryland has an edge on the offensive boards, grabbing nine more boards per game which will give them more second chance opportunities. They protect the ball better, have the 8th best defense in the country and the Rams offense revolves around Nique Clifford which if Maryland can slow him down their defense will handle the rest.

This is clash of styles, as Saint Mary’s wants a slower game, and the Crimson Tide want to push the pace. Alabama has been shaky all season and have difficulty on defense. They also rely on second chance opportunities which may be tough against the Gaels who are 9th in the nation in defensive rebounding and 2nd in offensive rebounding. Saint Mary’s will want to slow this game down and take the Crimson Tide out of their element.

Illinois is healthier teams even though the Wildcats got Lamont Butler back last game. Kentucky will want to push the pace but the Fighting Illini back the ability to run with them. Illinois will have to control the glass as the Wildcats aren’t the strongest rebounding team, especially offensively. They’ve also been the more consistent team defensively and the better free throw shooting team.

This is a high total for a first round game where unders are typically the play. However, Akron is a team that plays at high pace and the Wildcats can play at any tempo. Arizona’s offense can be dangerous when they’re clicking, but they don’t defend the perimeter well. The Zips shoot a ton of three’s and have been efficient behind the arc all season. Akron’s have allowed some big numbers to their opponents this season as they don’t guard the perimeter well either. The Wildcats have more size to control the boards on both ends, allowing second chance opportunities.

This is going to be a battle of defense over offense. New Mexico has a top 20 defense in terms of efficiency, but their offense isn’t as strong as year’s past. The Lobos rely heavily on attacking the rim and getting the foul line. Even though they get to line a lot, they’re still shooting less than 69% from the stripe. Marquette has really struggled from beyond the arc this season, but their three-point defense has improved and they’re able to create turnovers. Both teams rely on their defense first to win games, as they both are holding their opponents to less than 71 points on the season.