Let’s dive into Saturday’s Elite 8 betting predictions, odds, picks and more, including bets on the Illinois-Connecticut and Clemson-Alabama games.
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Elite 8 Betting Predictions, Odds, Picks & More: Saturday
Illinois-Connecticut Elite 8 Odds
Illinois: +300 | Connecticut: -385
Illinois +8.5: -110 | Connecticut -8.5: -110
Over 154.5: -110 | Under 154.5: -110
When: 6:09 p.m. ET
March Madness Odds via FanDuel
Illinois-Connecticut Picks & Elite 8 Betting Prediction
Illinois knocked off Morehead State, Duquesne and Iowa State to pave its way to an Elite Eight. Similarly, Connecticut blew out Stetson, Northwestern and San Diego State on the road to a potential second consecutive National Championship. The Huskies are first in adjusted offense and sixth on defense.
Stylistically, Connecticut presents a tricky matchup for any team due to its depth. It lost only three games all season and is 26th in effective height, with Donovan Clingan occupying the interior. He helps UConn rank 43rd in rebounding while providing elite rim protection.
In addition to Clingan inside, Connecticut is 51st in 3-point percentage behind the elite shooting of Alex Karaban and Cam Spencer, who both eclipse 39% from beyond the arc. In addition to the shooters, Tristen Newton and Stephon Castle are two elite shot creators. They also are 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-6, which helps against the Illinois’ bigger guards. UConn also has elite depth with Hassan Diarra and Samson Johnson coming off the bench at various positions.
For Illinois, offense has not been an issue. The team plays through its big 3 in Terrence Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask and Coleman Hawkins. The Illini rank 107th in 3-point percentage, but their guards also are among the elite at shot creation. Hawkins specifically also presents a tricky matchup for Clingan inside with his versatility. The Illinois big shoots 38% from 3 and should attempt to draw Clingan away from the basket and potentially draw fouls.
While Illinois has struggled defensively for much of the season, it does have an elite ability to score. Connecticut’s three tournament opponents to this point have all been challenged offensively. Even in a clear UConn win, Illinois’ scorers should find ways to keep this within the 8.5 points.
Best Elite 8 Pick & Prediction: Illinois +8.5 (-110) at FanDuel
Clemson-Alabama Elite 8 Odds
Clemson: +126 | Alabama: -152
Clemson: +2.5: -104 | Alabama: -2.5: -118
Over 164.5: -108 | Under 164.5: -112
When: 8:49 p.m. ET
March Madness Odds via FanDuel
Clemson-Alabama Picks & Elite 8 Betting Prediction
Clemson defeated Alabama on the road 88-77 earlier this season despite playing at less than full strength. Since then, Clemson has been 23rd on offense and 34th on defense, beating New Mexico, Baylor and Arizona to reach this point. Conversely, Alabama ranks sixth on offense and 103rd on defense.
Alabama is defensively challenged and often lives and dies by the 3. Fortunately for the Crimson Tide, this team is 29th in the country in 3-point percentage. Mark Sears shoots 43%, and Rylan Griffin checks in at 39% from beyond the arc. Latrell Wrightsell also shoots 43% from 3, but he missed Alabama’s Sweet 16 matchup. He is questionable for this contest. Clemson is 126th at defending the 3, providing a matchup for the Crimson Tide to exploit.
The Tigers are the more balanced team and present a unique matchup for Alabama inside. Despite being ninth in effective height, the Alabama frontcourt is full of mid-major transfers or young players. It ranks 200th in defending the interior and constantly battles foul trouble as a group. The Crimson Tide are 304th in fouls committed, which has plagued Grant Nelson more than anyone else of late.
Defensive lapses or foul trouble could prove catastrophic against a tall Clemson lineup. P.J. Hall, Ian Schieffelen, Jack Clark, R.J. Godfey and Chauncey Wiggins all are at least 6-foot-8, providing Clemson the 38th-ranked interior attack. The team is also 94th in 3-point percentage, with Joe Girard and Schieffelen both shooting north of 40% from 3. Not to mention, Clark missed 11 games this season and is among the top Clemson defenders. After already beating the Crimson Tide on their own court, Clemson comes in as a value.
Best Elite 8 Pick & Prediction:
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