The fantastic thing about this stage of the tournament is that we can rest assured of one thing: Every game left is going to be exciting to watch. That, of course, can make it harder to figure out how to bet, but that is where our “Best Bets” list can come in handy.
I’ve done a deep dive into both of Sunday’s Elite Eight games and compiled a list of what I consider the best bets of the day.
UNDER 123.5 points at -110
This might be the easiest decision of the tournament.
Here you have a Houston defense that ranks No. 1 in the country (58.5 points per game allowed) and Tennessee’s No. 8-ranked defense (62.8 points per game allowed). Neither offense is bad—or exceptional. At best, they can be described as good enough and complementary to polished defenses.
But mediocre offense can be controlled by dominant defense. That will be the case in what may end up being the lowest-scoring game of the tournament.
L.J. Cryer, UNDER 2.5 Threes Made at -107
He’s Houston’s leading scorer, and he’s made 11 threes in tournament games (averaging 3.7 per game). After hitting just one of five attempts against Purdue, it would be easy to say he’s due. But the Vols play great perimeter defense, and I expect they’ll try their best to keep Cryer in check.
Felix Okpara UNDER 6.5 Rebounds at -164
Igor Milicic Jr., UNDER 4.5 Rebounds at -133
Same-game parlay odds: +197
Okpara is coming off an 11-rebound game vs. Kentucky and had seven vs. UCLA. Milicic has been unreliable on the boards in tournament play, recording three, seven and four. I wouldn’t say Houston necessarily has a standout rebounder, but J’Wan Roberts and Joseph Turner both average around six.
I’m banking on Houston being solid on the offensive boards and keeping the Vols limited.