March Madness Picks Against The Spread 2017: Elite Eight Predictions ATS, NCAA Tournament Odds

It’s been less than two weeks since the NCAA Tournament field was announced, and 60 teams have been eliminated from March Madness 2017. Because all the teams in the respective regional finals have been impressive, Elite Eight predictions against the spread could vary across the board.

Saturday’s schedule features two relatively heavy favorites, with No.1 seeds Gonzaga and Kansas expected to advance to the Final Four. It’s a much different story Sunday, as both games feature a betting line of less than four points. North Carolina and Kentucky are ranked in the top six in the AP Poll, while South Carolina and Florida didn’t start March Madness among the national championship favorites.

Below are picks against the spread for the 2017 Elite Eight, as well as betting odds at Las Vegas and online sportsbooks. Betting trends are courtesy of OddsShark.

Saturday, March 25

No.11 Xavier (+8) vs. No.1 Gonzaga

Gonzaga is probably headed to the Final Four. They are the most complete team in the West region, and they’ve got just one loss on the season. That doesn’t mean, however, that they are going to roll past Xavier.

The Musketeers are not playing like a No.11 seed, winning four games against teams seeded No.6 or higher in less than three weeks. Much of it is due to Trevon Bluiett, who has been one of the stars of March Madness. He’s averaging 25 points on just over 15 shots per game, and the Bulldogs will be hard-pressed to slow him. Gonzaga’s defense and size might prove to be too much for Xavier, but grabbing the eight points is the best bet. The Musketeers are 5-0 in their last five games as underdogs of eight points or less.

Prediction ATS: Xavier

No.3 Oregon (+7) vs. No.1 Kansas

The Jayhawks are undoubtedly the best team in college basketball at the moment, having run three teams off the floor on their way to the Elite Eight. Oregon is the best team in the tournament that Kansas will face, thus far, but they probably don’t have what it takes to stop the Midwest’s top seed, who is 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games against winning teams.

The Ducks can certainly score with Dillon Brooks (16.3 points per game) and Tyler Dorsey (at least 20 points in all six postseason games). Kansas will counter with Frank Mason, Josh Jackson and Devonte Graham, who make up the best backcourt in the country. Oregon will have a chance to pull off the upset if Kansas has a poor shooting night, but don’t count on it. The Jayhawks have made at least eight three-pointers while shooting 40 percent or better from behind the arc in each tournament game. They’ve made better than 53 percent of their field goals and scored at least 90 points in every contest.

Prediction ATS: Kansas

Sunday, March 26

No.7 South Carolina (+3.5) vs. No.4 Florida

It’s a matchup between two top defensive teams, so it won’t be the prettiest game on the Elite Eight schedule. South Carolina probably has the better unit, and that should get them into their first-ever Final Four.

The Gamecocks have proven that they are the real deal, blowing out No.3 Baylor after upsetting No.2 Duke. They held Baylor to a season-low 50 points, and their offense has come alive in the NCAA Tournament, led by Sindarius Thomas’ 25.7 points on 15.7 shots per game. The two teams split their head-to-head matchups in SEC play, and this one could be decided in the final minutes. KeVaughn Allen scored 35 points in the Gators’ Sweet 16 win, but no one on the team should have close to that kind of production against South Carolina.

Prediction ATS: South Carolina

No.2 Kentucky (+3) vs. No.1 North Carolina

This should be the best game of the Elite Eight. Two of the best offenses in college basketball will go head-to-head with the last Final Four spot on the line. After losing in a shootout to Kentucky earlier this season, North Carolina could get the win this time around.

Malik Monk scored 47 points in the Wildcats’ 103-100 win over the Tar Heels three months ago. It was the team’s other freshman guard leading the way Friday night, as De’Aaron Fox put up 39 points. While Kentucky has a backcourt that will be in the NBA next season, North Carolina’s experience and frontcourt could overcome the Wildcats’ talent. ACC Player of the Year Justin Jackson has been one of March Madness’ top performers, and Joel Berry II scored 26 points on 13 shots against Butler. With three juniors and two seniors in their starting lineup, a North Carolina team that’s been in this position before has the slight edge in the weekend’s final game.

Prediction ATS: North Carolina