College Basketball Picks

It wasn’t easy for either team to advance to the Sweet 16, but now the #9 seed Iowa Hawkeyes and the #4 seed Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to face off — with the winner advancing to the Elite Eight. Iowa pulled off a huge upset over the #1 seed Florida Gators in a thrilling matchup. Alvaro Folgueiras knocked down a 3-pointer with 4 seconds left to give the Hawkeyes a 73-72 lead that ultimately sealed the deal. Iowa shot 51% from the floor and did a great job limiting Florida on the glass, which played a key role in the upset. As for Nebraska, it held on against Vanderbilt — with Braden Frager converting a layup with just 2 seconds remaining to secure a 74-72 victory.

The Hawkeyes will need Bennett Stirtz to figure things out in this matchup against Nebraska. Stirtz struggled against Florida, scoring just 13 points while going 0-for-9 from 3 and 5-of-16 from the field. These are 2 Big Ten opponents that are familiar with one another. During the regular season, Iowa defeated Nebraska 57-52 on February 17; Nebraska got revenge on March 8 with an 84-75 overtime win. Both teams rank among the best defensively in their conference, with Nebraska allowing 65.8 points per game and Iowa close behind at 66. The Cornhuskers do hold a slight rebounding edge (37 to 32), but Iowa has been more efficient offensively — shooting 48.9% from the field compared to Nebraska’s 46.6%. This game could go either way, but based on recent form, Iowa looks like the more complete team. The Hawkeyes showed resilience and composure in their win over Florida and are peaking at the right time. Give me Iowa to win a close one and punch its ticket to the Elite Eight.  

Iowa vs Nebraska prediction: Iowa ML (+105) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The St. John’s Red Storm and Duke Blue Devils meet in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, setting up a compelling clash between experience and elite talent. St. John’s enters at 30-6, riding momentum after a dramatic win over the Kansas Jayhawks to reach this stage, and they’ve now won 21 of their last 22 games. The Red Storm average 81.1 points per game while allowing 69.4, with their defensive identity driving success. They generate over 7.8 steals per game and rank among the stronger teams nationally in turnover margin, consistently creating extra possessions. Forward Zuby Ejiofor leads the team with 16.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, anchoring a physical frontcourt that can disrupt opposing offenses. Perhaps the biggest factor is head coach Rick Pitino, who owns a remarkable 12-1 record in Sweet 16 games, highlighting his ability to prepare teams for this stage and maximize execution in high pressure tournament settings.

Duke enters at 34-2 and has been one of the most efficient teams in the country on both ends, averaging 81.9 points per game while allowing just 63.1, one of the best defensive marks nationally. The Blue Devils shoot 49% from the field and dominate the glass with 40.4 rebounds per game, led by freshman standout Cameron Boozer, who averages 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds. Duke’s ability to control the boards—particularly on the offensive glass—creates consistent second chance opportunities and puts pressure on opposing defenses. While Duke’s talent and efficiency make them the rightful favorite, this matchup presents a tougher test than the spread suggests. St. John’s defensive pressure, ability to force turnovers, and experienced leadership give them a strong foundation to compete throughout the full 40 minutes. If the Red Storm can limit second-chance points and control tempo, they have the tools to keep this game close deep into the second half despite Duke’s firepower.

St. John’s vs Duke Prediction: St. John’s +6.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to +5.5.

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This isn’t the Rose Bowl, but this is a game tailor made for the Wolverines in the Sweet 16. The Tide live and die by their offense and shooting the three. Michigan however, can beat you in more ways than one. The Maize and Blue can play with pace, they score in the interior, they have perimeter capacity, and they can slow it down and defend well. The Wolverines have all the makings of a national champion, they are efficient, physical, and downhill. That’s bad news for Alabama who has only one trick up its sleeve.

The Tide rolled past Hofstra and a tired Texas Tech, but this is an entirely different assignment. The Wolverines can slow Bama down, they can minimize their three-point operations to less attempts and less success, and they can take advantage of Alabama’s vulnerabilites to defend. Not only is this a contest where Michigan should win it, they can do so emphatically. It’s alluring to back the hot offensive team with points, such a wager is one that is a commodity come tourney time, but it’s nothing to hang a hat on. Against a balanced and disruptive entity like the Wolverines, Alabama can hit a wall and be run over at the same time. Michigan moves onto the Elite Eight with style.

Alabama vs Michigan prediction: Michigan -10 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable to the number.