Expert March Madness Sweet 16 Betting Picks

 Obviously, point spreads make a difference when you’re thinking about wagering on a team. However, if you can get straight up bets, even if the payout is a little less, sometimes it is worth it. If you think that your underdog will win straight up, you might even be able to make some more money. Let’s take a look at our March Madness betting picks for the 2016 Sweet 16.

Expert March Madness Sweet 16 Betting Picks

Miami (+4.5) vs Villanova

I’m picking Villanova straight up and to cover the point spread in this game. Miami’s Angel Rodriguez might be one of the best point guards in the nation, but Villanova has a more talented overall lineup, and they are better on the boards and on defense. While Miami runs a strong transition game, Villanova’s offense is better in the halfcourt, which should wear down the Hurricanes in this one. 

Texas A&M (+1.5) vs Oklahoma

I like the underdog to win this one straight up, and so you might be able to turn this into some love from your book in the form of a better payout. The Aggies have performed better in the clutch this season than the Sooners have, and the Aggies have fewer mysterious losses than Oklahoma does. Texas A&M also pulled one of the greatest comebacks in college basketball history, and that’s something that could give them an emotional edge over the Sooners. 

Maryland (+7) vs Kansas

This is the game that has had me doing the most thinking of these eight matchups. I believe that Kansas can win this game, so I’d pick them straight up. However, having to buy down those seven points to do so might take a lot of the value out of the bet. 

Duke (+2) vs Oregon

I think the high-flying (no pun intended) offense that the Ducks bring to the floor will run Duke out of the gym, especially when combined with an Oregon fullcourt press. So I’m definitely picking the Ducks to knock off the Blue Devils straight up. 

Iowa State (+5.5) vs Virginia

I like Iowa State to use their high-octane offense to blow right by the Cavaliers. Yes, Virginia had a strong year overall, but when you have a plodding style like the Cavaliers do, you’re ripe for an upset by a speedy team that can bury the downtown shots, like the Cyclones can. So I would use this straight up pick to get a higher payout. 

Wisconsin (+1) vs Notre Dame

I like the Badgers to shut the Fighting Irish offense down, so I’m picking them straight up. This isn’t a big enough point spread to earn me a whole lot of leverage, though. 

Gonzaga (-4.5) vs Syracuse

I like the underdog to win again here, as I think that the Syracuse Orange will be able to frustrate Gonzaga, both on the boards and in coming out to challenge their shooters from downtown. So use this leverage to get some extra money when you win this bet. 

Indiana (+6) vs North Carolina

After seeing the Hoosiers knock off Kentucky 73-67 in the Round of 32, I know that this line is too big. But can the Hoosiers beat North Carolina? I don’t think so, so I would take the Tar Heels straight up. Like the Kansas-Maryland game, though, buying that line down might get too expensive.