Half of the Elite Eight field is set. Florida Atlantic provided a big time upset when the 9-seed outplayed defensive-minded Tennesseeat the Vols’ game. FAU takes on Kansas State in Saturday’s first Elite Eight game. Then in the second game on March 25, the Gonzaga Bulldogs battle the UConn Huskies. We also predict Sunday’s Elite Eight games even though, yes, Sweet 16 Friday has yet to happen. Keep reading for March Madness odds, analysis, and picks for this season’s March Madness Elite Eight.

A Closer Look at the 2023 March Madness Elite Eight Round

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— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2023

READ MORE: 2023 March Madness Final Four Betting Odds

Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Kansas State Wildcats

• When: Saturday, March 25, 2023

What can we say about the Owls? Some believed the only chance FAU had of beating Tennessee was if they sped up the pace. But Florida Atlantic bested Tennessee by playing the Volunteers’ defense-first strategy.

The Owls out defended one of the top three defensive teams in all college basketball. That means something.

Still, it’s difficult to look past the Kansas State Wildcats after the heart, grit, and toughness K- State showed in their awesome 98-93 overtime victory over Michigan State. We write awesome because the Wildcats won after a historical NCAA Tournament performance.

Point guard Markquis Nowell broke the record for most assists in an NCAA Tournament in a single game. The record had been 18.Nowell got 19.

Markquis also pitched in 20 points. If Nowell’s ankle isn’t an issue, the K-State Cats will be on their way to the Final Four after Saturday’s contest. Nobody in the tournament can stop Kansas State’s point guard, and the team follows his never say die leadership.

Elite Eight Pick: Kansas State Wildcats -2

UConn Huskies vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

• When: Saturday, March 25, 2023

The Huskies made quick work of the Arkansas Razorbacks, building a 46-29 halftime lead in UConn’s ultra-impressive 88-65 victory over the Hogs.

But although Connecticut looked fantastic, they have to be better on Saturday than they were on Thursday. Let’s be frank, UConn didn’t play one of the top SEC squads. Not only that, but it’s difficult not to think that Arkansas bounced after upsetting Kansas in the second round.

On Saturday, the Huskies go up against one of the most athletic teams, possibly, to ever play in the NCAA Tournament. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are tall, long, and fast.

Also, Drew Timme is the best big in hoops. For sure, UConn has the inside presence to prevent Timme from scoring over 30 like he did against smallish UCLA.

But then, Drew is a great passing big, so he will find Julian Strawther for three-pointers. If the Zags start the game playing defense like they did in the second half versus the Bruins, nobody will beat them.

That means nobody. So if Gonzaga beats the Huskies, consider the Zags the team to beat to win the title.

Elite Eight Pick: Gonzaga Bulldogs +1.5

UConn Huskies vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

• When: Saturday, March 25, 2023

The Huskies made quick work of the Arkansas Razorbacks, building a 46-29 halftime lead in UConn’s ultra-impressive 88-65 victory over the Hogs.

But although Connecticut looked fantastic, they have to be better on Saturday than they were on Thursday. Let’s be frank, UConn didn’t play one of the top SEC squads. Not only that, but it’s difficult not to think that Arkansas bounced after upsetting Kansas in the second round.

On Saturday, the Huskies go up against one of the most athletic teams, possibly, to ever play in the NCAA Tournament. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are tall, long, and fast.

Also, Drew Timme is the best big in hoops. For sure, UConn has the inside presence to prevent Timme from scoring over 30 like he did against smallish UCLA.

But then, Drew is a great passing big, so he will find Julian Strawther for three-pointers. If the Zags start the game playing defense like they did in the second half versus the Bruins, nobody will beat them.

That means nobody. So if Gonzaga beats the Huskies, consider the Zags the team to beat to win the title.

Elite Eight Pick: Gonzaga Bulldogs +1.5

** At the time of this writing, Friday’s Sweet 16 games have yet to happen. Since we’re predicting Friday’s games and then making picks, the following picks are for straight up.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Creighton Blue Jays

• When: Sunday, March 26, 2023

San Diego State is a hard-nosed, tough team, but the Aztecs face a tough hill to climb to beat Alabama. Although SDSU has a great chance of covering the spread, we must side with Bama.

Princeton should cover against Creighton. However, the Blue Jays will beat the Tigers. Creighton is playing like the top ten team so many believed they were at the beginning of the season.

In a battle between Bama and Creighton, the Blue Jays are the pick. For sure, Alabama is good enough to win the title, but transfer guard Baylor Scheierman averages about 13 points, 9 boards, and over 3 assists.

Scheierman leads the team in rebounds per game, which means you have to use a guard to block him out. How often will Bama’s small guards block out the 6’ 7” Scheierman? Not often.

Not only that, but center Ryan Kalkbrenner has an edge over Bama’s front court. This is especially true if Crimson Tide star Brandon Miller continues to play through an injury.

Elite Eight Pick: Creighton Blue Jays

Miami Hurricanes vs. Texas Longhorns

• When: Sunday, March 26, 2023

Injuries are the reason Miami can upset Houston on Friday night. Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead aren’t one-hundred percent. Isaiah Wong, the Hurricanes’ star guard, is one-hundred percent.

Texas should handle Xavier. The Musketeers are a great offensive team but Sean Miller’s crew doesn’t play much defense.

If it comes down to Miami versus Texas, we must go with the Longhorns. Wong can beat any team by himself.

However, Texas is playing like a Final Four team. The Longhorns’ defense will contain Wong just enough for the Horns to make it to the Final Four.

Elite Eight Pick: Texas Longhorns

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2023 March Madness previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest college basketball betting odds on our online bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.

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