The NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 field is more surprising than many expected. Only two 1 seeds and a couple of 2 seeds made it to the final 16. Will the higher seeds prevail against the spread? Or will the underdogs get it done? Check out the NCAAB odds, analysis, and free picks for the NCAA Tournament’s 2023 March Madness Sweet 16 games.

A Closer Look at the 2023 March Madness Sweet 16 Matchups

Conference record update

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— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2023

Michigan State Spartans vs. Kansas State Wildcats

• When: Thursday, March 23, 2023. 6:30pm
• March Madness Odds: Michigan State Spartans (-2) // Kansas State Wildcats (+2)

Sparty has played great in their first two tournament games. Michigan State prevailed 72-62 versus USC in their first game. Then in their second game, the Spartans beat Marquette 69-60.

Not only that, but the line has changed from K-State -1 to MSU -2. The line change implies Sparty takes this game. However, no player on Michigan State’s team can hang with Kansas State point guard Markquis Nowell.

Nowell posted 27 points and 9 assists against Kentucky. Markquis leads the Wildcats to a straight up and cover victory.

March Madness Sweet 16 Pick: Kansas State

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. UConn Huskies

• When: Thursday, March 23, 2023. 7:15pm
• March Madness Odds: Arkansas Razorbacks (+3.5) // UConn Huskies (-3.5)

Connecticut blasted Iona 87-63 in the first round. Then in the second round, the Huskies turned a close game into a blowout victory when beating Saint Mary’s 70-55.

Arkansas beat Illinois by 10 and then got by Kansas by a point in their second round victory. Beating the Jayhawks is a big deal. But Connecticut presents a much different situation. The Hogs will have trouble dealing with UConn’s size. Huskies win and cover.

March Madness Sweet 16 Pick: UConn

Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Tennessee Volunteers

• When: Thursday, March 23, 2023. 9:00pm
• March Madness Odds: Florida Atlantic Owls (+5.5) // Tennessee Volunteers (-5.5)

The Florida Atlantic Owls bounced some in their 78-70 win. FAU stepped onto the court a huge -16 chalk. In the contest before, the Owls had upset Memphis 66-65. So it makes sense that Florida Atlantic underperformed.

Tennessee used one of the best defenses in the nation to beat Duke in their second round game. The Vols are patient on offense and play hard-nosed D. FAU is more of a run and gun team. The defensive squad gets the nod.

March Madness Sweet 16 Pick: Tennessee

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. UCLA Bruins

• When: Thursday, March 23, 2023. 9:45pm
• March Madness Odds: Gonzaga Bulldogs (+2) // UCLA Bruins (-2)

UCLA has looked good in a couple of games. However, against Northwestern, the Bruins struggled some.

UCLA beat Northwestern by just 5 points. Gonzaga is better than Northwestern. The Zags had to rally to best TCU in a close 84-81 game. The Zags did get the win, though. Also, if not for two late 3 pointers by the Horned Frogs, Gonzaga would have covered the spread.

UCLA will play tough. Gonzaga is the team to back to win and cover.

March Madness Sweet 16 Pick: Gonzaga

San Diego State Aztecs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

• When: Friday, March 24, 2023. 6:30pm
• March Madness Odds: San Diego State Aztecs (+7) // Alabama Crimson Tide (-7)

Brandon Miller may not play. If Bama is without their top scorer, things could go wrong in a hurry. San Diego State is a terrific defensive-minded team.

The 7.5 points will mean a lot in this game. Bama could end up winning. It’s difficult seeing the Tide beating the Aztecs by 8.

March Madness Sweet 16 Pick: San Diego State

Miami Hurricanes vs. Houston Cougars

• When: Friday, March 24, 2023. 7:15pm
• March Madness Odds: Miami Hurricanes (+7) vs. 1-Houston Cougars (-7)

Houston’s Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead are playing hurt. Both will step onto the court on Friday night. Neither is one-hundred percent healthy.

Miami’s Isaiah Wong is dominating. Wong won’t be denied. He’s scoring, grabbing rebounds, playing defense, you name it. Canes cover.

March Madness Sweet 16 Pick: Miami Hurricanes

Princeton Tigers vs. Creighton Blue Jays

• When: Friday, March 24, 2023. 9:00pm
• March Madness Odds: Princeton Tigers (+10) // Creighton Blue Jays (-10)

After beating NC State and Baylor in their first two games, the Blue Jays should win this. But there’s a flaw in the line.

Princeton got by a couple of very good hoops squads in Arizona and Missouri. The Tigers are no slouch of a team. So although they will likely lose, Princeton covers.

March Madness Sweet 16 Pick: Princeton Tigers

Xavier Musketeers vs. Texas Longhorns

• When: Friday, March 24, 2023. 9:45pm
• March Madness Odds: Xavier Musketeers (+4) // Texas Longhorns (-4)

This is a game between an excellent offensive team and a terrific defensive squad. The Longhorns are the defensive team.

Xavier is the offensive powerhouse. The Musketeers can score, but the Musketeers only beat Kennesaw State by 5. Beating Pittsburgh was nice. Pitt is no where close as good as Texas. The Horns should beat Xavier by more than 4.

March Madness Sweet 16 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.