It’s crunch time in the NCAA Tournament as we have now arrived at the Elite Eight stage of March Madness. This is where the action really starts to heat up, and whether the hot teams really do have what it takes to go all the way.
Below you can find my lock of the day and best pick for Monday’s two Elite Eight games, with both entered as part of the Pickswise $10,000 Capper Contest, where I’m going up against some other top college basketball experts.
Make sure you also read the Pickswise team’s thoughts on the side and total for all of Saturday’s Sweet 16 matchups.
Oregon State Beavers vs. Houston Cougars
If you’re looking for great offense, this is probably not going to your favorite game. Oregon State has been elite defensively in the NCAA Tournament while Houston has consistently been one of the toughest teams in the sport under Kelvin Sampson. Look for the Cougars to attempt to neutralize the Beavers’ star guard Ethan Thompson in an effort to reach their first Final Four since 1984. Thompson had 22 points, four rebounds, and four assists in Saturday’s Sweet 16 win over Loyola Chicago.
PICK: Houston -8
Be sure to check out the full game preview for Oregon State Beavers vs. Houston Cougars.
The king of March Madness upsets, Rashad Phillips, is back with more picks for the Elite Eight! Read his predictions here.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Baylor Bears
Arkansas has won its last two games on the final possession. Do the Razorbacks have a third on the cards? If so, it’s going to be because of their toughness. Baylor simply out-willed Villanova in the second half of its Sweet 16 win on Saturday and was ferocious defensively on the perimeter. The Bears have reached the Elite Eight on two other occasions under Scott Drew, but have yet to punch through and reach the Final Four. After shooting just 3-19 from three-point range against the Wildcats, Baylor seems primed for a strong offensive showing. This team’s time is now.
LOCK: Baylor -7
Be sure to check out the full game preview for Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Baylor Bears.
Our college basketball expert, BetsByBob, has been on a serious roll with his picks lately. Find out his best Elite Eight bets here.
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