Let's break down some great NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 PrizePicks Predictions for tonight’s four-game slate.
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Friday’s Best NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 PrizePicks Predictions
No. 5 St. John's Red Storm vs. No. 1 Duke Blue Devils
Both teams rank inside the top 10 in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. While each offense has its strengths, the defenses will control the tempo and flow of this game. Both coaching staffs want to limit possessions, not increase them. On top of that, both teams have hit the less than more often than the more than this season (St. John's: 12-23; Duke: 12-24).
PrizePicks Prediction: Less Than 139.5 Points (2.00x Payout)
No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 1 Michigan Wolverines
Alabama leads the country in scoring, averaging over 90 points per game. However, their defense does little to slow down opponents, which inflates total projections for their games.
Michigan brings a strong offense, but also pairs it with a very good defense. They won't allow Alabama to shoot like Texas Tech did, when the Crimson Tide went 19-0f-42 from long distance. Expect a high-scoring game, but not high enough to clear 172.5 points.
PrizePicks Prediction: More Than 172.5 Points (1.88x Payout)
No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 1 Michigan Wolverines
Alabama plays an exciting, high-powered style, but Michigan's defense will ground that attack. As the second-most efficient defense in the country, Michigan has the tools to slow Alabama down. Meanwhile, Alabama's weak defense won't stop Michigan's offense from producing.
PrizePicks Prediction: Michigan to Win by More Than 10.5 Points (2.08x Payout)
No. 3 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 2 UConn Huskies
Both teams rank among the slowest in the nation in adjusted tempo (Michigan State: 243rd; UConn: 322nd). They also rank 11th (UConn) and 13th (Michigan State) in defensive efficiency, per KenPom. While each offense can score, neither operates efficiently enough to overcome the slow pace and strong defenses.
The Huskies hit the more than in 17 out of 36 games (17-18-1), while Michigan State went 16-18. Don't expect much scoring tonight.
PrizePicks Prediction: More Than 136.5 Points (1.85x Payout)
