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Gonzaga, Creighton Picks for Sweet 16 Friday Parlay
After a week full of chalk, our March Madness best bets highlights a Sweet 16 parlay that has a legitimate chance to hit. Let’s take a look at the Gonzaga-Purdue and Creighton-Tennessee matchups on Friday night.
Gonzaga Live Dog Versus Purdue
Whatever people jumped on the Gonzaga bandwagon in the last two months likely jumped off after the team’s loss to Saint Mary’s in the West Coast Conference championship game. The problem with these doubters is the Zags look like a legitimate Final Four contender.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕥 𝟙𝟞 📍 pic.twitter.com/xSGQwORUJT
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) March 28, 2024
The Bulldogs are living up their name as a live dog against top-seeded Purdue. Yes, the Boilermakers have also looked like one of the top teams in the NCAA Tournament, but only one squad can advance.
Two things work in Gonzaga’s favor in this matchup. For starters, Gonzaga has already faced Purdue, resulting in a 10-point loss in November. While this was not the result the Zags were looking for, it will be challenging for Purdue to outmatch the same team twice this season.
Finally, there is no reason to think Zach Edey will not have a good game versus Gonzaga, but the Bulldogs at least have the big men to throw at the Purdue star. Expect a lot of pick-and-roll action from Gonzaga, similar to what it did in exploiting Kansas.
Mark Few says he’s never coached against a player like Zach Edey in 25 years…
The @ZagMBB‘s head coach joined @ColinCowherd today pic.twitter.com/XweIVPTvSL
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 26, 2024
Gonzaga can not only cover the +5½ spread in the NCAAB odds but has a legitimate chance to win this contest to advance to the Elite Eight.
Creighton a More Balanced Team Than Tennessee
There are few players in the country better than Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht. My concern is how the Vols handle another off night from Knecht against a deep opponent like Creighton.
Knecht has struggled from long range throughout the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the Bluejays were able to survive a subpar shooting outing against Oregon to advance to the Sweet 16.
CREIGHTON TIES IT UP WITH 9 SECONDS LEFT.
We’re going to OT 🔥
Watch here: https://t.co/5wBSpbihwC pic.twitter.com/tp6Y2iBoGS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2024
Creighton offers a more balanced offensive attack than a Tennessee team that is heavily reliant on Knecht. Tennessee is a 3-point favorite versus Creighton. Look for the Bluejays to not only cover but upset the Vols.
Sweet 16 Parlay Pick: Pair Underdogs in Gonzaga and Creighton
Depending on the exact odds when you bet online, a $20 bet pairing Gonzaga and Creighton on a moneyline parlay makes you about $109 if it hits. Neither of these teams is a lock, but well worth the small risk in an underdog parlay.
Despite my case above, perhaps you feel less certain about these teams winning outright. A less risky alternative is to parlay Gonzaga and Creighton just to cover. A $20 bet at the sportsbook has the potential to make about $50 in this scenario.
Choose your own adventure in the NCAA basketball odds.
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Questions of the Day
What are Gonzaga’s odds to win the national championship?
Gonzaga’s odds to win the national championship has increased significantly since the start of the NCAA Tournament at +2500.
What is a good underdog to bet in the Sweet 16?
Creighton has a chance to not only cover the +3 spread but defeat Tennessee outright.
