NCAAB Predictions: Gonzaga, Creighton Live Dogs in Midwest

Let’s take a look at our college basketball predictions for the Sweet 16 matchups in the Midwest Region.

Gonzaga Gets Chance for Revenge vs Purdue

Purdue is a sizable 5 ½-point favorite versus Gonzaga. The over-under is set at 154½ points in the NCAA basketball odds.

Both of these teams have played as well as any squad in the NCAAB Tournament but only one can advance. This is a rematch of a Nov. 20 matchup where the Boilermakers came away with a 73-63 victory over the Zags.

Gonzaga is generally going to be ‘at the level’ against pick and rolls. It’s not quite a full hedge, but the big will show (Ike in this case). Purdue isn’t going to hit Edey on a short roll, but they will post him up out of a roll. With the Zags 3 big lineup they could switch it pic.twitter.com/2q0g5KYWbD

— Joe Jackson (@joejacksonCBB) March 26, 2024

Gonzaga had a 5five-point lead at the half before Purdue made a run with 43 second-half points. No player topped 15 points for Gonzaga in the previous matchup. Purdue big man Zach Edey was able to shine with 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Edey has had a dominant start to the NCAAB Tournament. The Boilermakers star is averaging 26.5 points, 17.5 boards and 3.0 blocks in the team’s first two March Madness matchups.

Player of the Year Finalists from @NaismithTrophy 🚨

🏀 RJ Davis
🏀 Zach Edey
🏀 Dalton Knecht
🏀 Jamal Shead pic.twitter.com/IUeoiyIMIK

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 26, 2024https://www.betus.com.pa/sportsbook/college-basketball/march-madness/

Gonzaga is coming off an impressive 21-point win over No. 4-seeded Kansas. The Bulldogs’ offense was a problem for the Jayhawks with plenty of ball movement and screens that led to 89 points.

Gonzaga had four players topping 15 points in this matchup. The Zags won both of their NCAA Tournament matchups by more than 20 points.

Purdue is 19-15-1 against the spread this season while Gonzaga is 17-16 ATS. The Boilermakers have gone over 23 times while the under hit 12 games. Gonzaga has hit the over in 17 matchups and 16 games have gone under.

Creighton vs Tennessee Looks to Be a Coin Flip

Tennessee is just a 2 ½-point favorite versus Creighton in the NCAAB odds. The over-under is set at 143½ points.

Vols star Dalton Knecht is one of the best guards in college basketball. Knecht is coming off a challenging outing from long range, making just 12.5% of his threes versus Texas.

Dalton Knecht is the SEC player of the year and a first-team All-American thanks to his impressive scoring exploits that go deeper than just his outstanding shot-making ability. His versatile offensive game has helped him rise into the top 10 of our 2024 NBA draft projections. pic.twitter.com/1pR5a0BHn4

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 20, 2024

The Tennessee standout is still putting up numbers in the NCAAB Tournament, averaging 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Creighton needed double overtime to survive against a red-hot Oregon squad. The Bluejays struggled early from long range but were able to hit enough shots late to advance.

Both teams are just above .500 in the Las Vegas odds this season. Creighton is a respectable 19-15 against the spread. Tennessee is 17-16-1 ATS.

Sweet 16 Predictions: Underdogs Advance to the Elite Eight

This has been an NCAA Tournament defined by favorites, but the Midwest Region is where things could get slightly turned upside down. Let’s start with why Purdue should be on upset alert.

Yes, the Zags lost the earlier matchup, but this is a much different team. Gonzaga’s performance versus Kansas may be the best any squad has looked in the NCAA Tournament.

The Bulldogs have the big guys to throw at Edey. Even if Edey gets his points in the Sweet 16, Gonzaga now has the offense to keep pace with Purdue. Coach Mark Few also has the experience of plenty of deep March Madness runs.

I am interested to see if Gonzaga puts up as many 3s as they did this time around as last time. It was their 2nd highest 3PA Rate out of all games this season. They had Ike and other bigs pop a lot to try and draw Edey out pic.twitter.com/fgKl3v99vr

— Joe Jackson (@joejacksonCBB) March 26, 2024

Tennessee is a concern if Knecht is once again struggling from long range. Creighton can be lethal from long range and was able to survive a subpar outing versus Oregon. The Vols may not be as lucky in this Sweet 16 matchup.

Give me both of the underdogs to not only cover the spread at the sportsbook but advance. Gonzaga and Creighton will square off in the Elite Eight with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

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