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Men's NCAA tournament best bets for Sunday Elite Eight games

Miami has a tough matchup against Kansas, but the Hurricanes have proved to be a tough out. Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The NCAA tournament field is approaching the Final Four. We're almost there. And, of course, there are betting opportunities galore. Our experts -- ESPN analysts Doug Kezirian, "Stanford Steve" Coughlin, Chris "The Bear" Fallica, Joe Fortenbaugh, Dalen Cuff, Erin Dolan and Anita Marks -- are here to give their best bets for the last two games of the Elite Eight. And if you've been picking upsets in your bracket, don't forget to check your status in ESPN's Tournament Challenge Second Chance!

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.

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Sunday picks | Futures


Best bets for Sunday

10. Miami Hurricanes vs. 1. Kansas Jayhawks (-6, 147)

Midwest Region: 2:20 p.m. ET, United Center, Chicago

Fortenbaugh's pick: Miami +6

Providence lost to Kansas by just five points Friday night despite shooting an abysmal 33.8% from the floor and atrocious 17.4% from 3-point range, as well as attempting 12 fewer free throws than the Jayhawks. Think about that for a second and then ask yourself how Miami, a top-20 offense that has outscored USC, Auburn and Iowa State by a combined 34 points this tournament, will fare against the Big 12 champions, all while getting six points as the underdog? Before you answer, keep in mind that the Hurricanes are 19-6-1 against the spread over their past 27 games as an underdog and 15-5-1 ATS over their past 21 contests overall.

Cuff's pick: Miami +6

The concern with Kansas throughout the year has been its defense, but as of late the Jayhawks have played really well on that end of the floor. However, Miami does present a difficult matchup, as the Jayhawks have struggled to defend teams that have five mobile men who can shoot and play away from the basket. That is exactly what Sam Waardenburg does, and he's surrounded by four great guards who get the lion's share of attention. I think this is going to be a fun, well-played game where the over is also in play, but I like the Canes with the points more.

Marks' pick: Kansas -6

The Canes have played well this tournament and have gotten better each round, but this Kansas team is a much different animal than USC, Auburn and Iowa State. Kansas has a better big three, and more importantly, a better defense, which ranks 17th. Miami ranks 108th. Remy Martin averaging 19 points per game off the bench is the elixir.

Dolen's pick: Under 147

The Canes are a top 20 offense, while Kansas ranks 6th in offensive efficiency. I think defense is the biggest key to this game. Miami's defense has improved each tournament game, allowing 61 points per game, while the Jayhawks have allowed 63 points a game in March Madness. There are shooters on both sides of the ball, but these teams are a combined 5-1 to the under in March Madness so far. This is the highest total posted for both teams this tournament give me the under.

15. Saint Peter's Peacocks vs. 8. North Carolina Tar Heels (-8.5, 137)

West Region: 5:05 p.m. ET, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia

Marks' pick: Saint Peters +8.5

It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that Saint Peter's is in the Elite Eight, plays less than a mile from my home in Jersey City -- and I knew nothing about its program until last week. Shame on me! The Peacocks are not your average 15-seed team; they are playing like a 4-seed, and their run against Purdue, Murray State and Kentucky has been tremendous. The theme of this tournament has been defense, and Saint Peter's has one of the best -- suffocating opponents, taking them out of their comfort zone, grinding them down and creating turnovers (15 against Purdue). The key to this matchup will be limiting UNC's 3-point shooting (34 3s in three games). If they can do that, don't be surprised if the Peacocks advance to the Final Four.

Dolan's pick: UNC team total over 72.5

UNC is averaging 87 points in their three tournament wins. With four sharpshooters, the Tar Heels have taken out 50% of last year's Final Four. They beat Baylor and UCLA in the last 2 games. North Carolina plays fast, ranking 36th in adjusted tempo. Saint Peter's will not be ready for that style of play, despite having a stout defense. UNC will go over their team total.


Futures

Note: Odds entering tournament

Miami Hurricanes to win Midwest (+2200)

Fallica: I had dubbed this my "Kansas or Chaos" region: If Kansas doesn't win, it could have been anyone. Indeed, there was a real chance Miami could find itself in the Sweet 16, at the very least, which is why I took a chance with the long shot.