The two biggest point-spreads of the Sweet Sixteen are on Friday night, but underdogs Arizona and Gonzaga could both show what West Coast basketball is all about. As the 2009 March Madness frenzy continues, Sportsbook.com has some important advise for Gambling911.com readers.
Each of the four matchups on Friday night is compelling and it's only going to get better with the Elite Eight on Saturday and Sunday.
Make sure you stay with Sportsbook.com all weekend long for the latest lines, game props and future odds available at Sportsbook.com
Arizona (+9) at Louisville - 7:07 pm ET
Arizona is the lowest remaining seed by far at #12, but that's not indicative of their talent level. Power forward Jordan Hill and swingman Chase Budinger might both be Top 10 picks in the NBA draft come June. Point guard Nic Wise is also an NBA talent.
The issue with Arizona is their lack of depth, barely getting any production in the tournament outside their starting five. Number one seed Louisville may have struggled in beating Sienna and is 0-2 ATS in the tourney, but they will come at the Wildcats with waves of players in their press, and try to wear them down in the second half. Still, this looks like a very big spread.
Syracuse (+1) at Oklahoma - 7:27 pm ET
It's hard to find a team that is hotter than third-seed Syracuse right now as they've gone 9-1 straight-up and ATS. The ‘Cuse' is peaking at the right time which is why the spread is so low against a second-seeded Oklahoma team. The Sooners were ranked second in the nation for a long time during the regular season before struggling after a Blake Griffin injury.
The Orange aren't a very deep team, but they are balanced on offense with five guys scoring in double digits. The Sooners are much more of a one-man show with Griffin capable of 30 points a night, but their supporting cast is underrated overall. This looks to be the best game on Friday night.
Kansas (+1.5) at Michigan State - 9:37 pm ET
Both of these teams were thought to be upset candidates in the first two rounds, but they've handled their business going a combined 4-0 ATS. Kansas has had the easier road so far, getting Dayton last game, but they may have the best inside/outside duo in the tourney with center Cole Aldrich and guard Sherron Collins.
The third-seeded Jayhawks can't beat second-seed Michigan State without better production outside their ‘Big 2'. The Spartans are a deep and physical team, who beat a very tough squad in USC last game. There is not a lot of star power on MSU, and they have a bit of a bad rap from playing in the mediocre Big Ten, but it would be surprising if they lose this game.
Gonzaga (+8.5) at North Carolina - 9:57 pm ET
The last game of Friday night is certainly worth staying up for as North Carolina should have their hands full with the Zags. Gonzaga may be a 4th seed but they have the size to match up with the Tar Heels down low with the combination of Austin Daye and Josh Heytvelt. The team also has four capable scorers from the guard and swingman positions.
Everyone knows about the talent level of UNC, but its' not as overwhelming as last year especially with point guard Ty Lawson still not 100% with his toe injury. The Heels actually trailed LSU in the second half of their last game before turning on the jets, but Gonzaga has the talent to keep this game close all the way and perhaps even pull off the stunner.
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
