March Madness Sweet 16 Day 1: Expert Picks, Schedule, How To Watch & Odds

March Madness is really heating up as we move into the Sweet 16, where the competition gets even tougher and the stakes are raised. After an exciting first weekend, the NCAA Tournament has narrowed down to 16 teams, all vying for a chance to reach the Elite Eight.
With strong programs, emerging stars, and the surprising Cinderella story of No. 10 Arkansas still in the mix, the excitement is at its peak. For fans of college basketball and those looking to place bets, the March Madness Sweet 16 features must-see games, important betting chances, and expert insights to analyze each matchup.
In this article, we’ll share the complete schedule, expert March Madness Sweet 16 picks, viewing options, and the latest odds, making sure you’re ready for all the upcoming action.
March Madness Sweet 16 Schedule For Today, 3/27
The lineup for today's March Madness Sweet 16 games in the NCAA Tournament is as follows:
- (2) Alabama vs. (6) BYU, 7:09 p.m. | CBS
- (1) Florida vs. (4) Maryland, 7:39 p.m. | TBS
- (1) Duke vs. (4) Arizona, 9:39 p.m. | CBS
- (3) Texas Tech vs. (10) Arkansas, 10:09 p.m. | TBS
March Madness Sweet 16 Expert Picks & Best Bets
Alabama vs. BYU Prediction Today, 3/27: March Madness Sweet 16
This March Madness Sweet 16 clash between Alabama and BYU promises to be a thrilling, high-scoring event. Alabama features the top offense in the nation, averaging an impressive 91.1 points per game, while BYU closely follows with 81.4 PPG. Both teams prefer a fast pace, ranking among the leaders in possessions per game, which sets the stage for an exciting matchup.
Alabama excels in efficient shooting and aggressive drives to the basket, boasting a 48.3% field goal percentage (26th nationally). In their last 10 games, Alabama has scored over 90 points six times, including a remarkable 103 points against Texas.
Meanwhile, BYU is known for its outstanding three-point shooting, connecting at a 37.0% rate (39th in the country). Their ability to spread the floor, coupled with Alabama’s defensive weaknesses (allowing 81.4 PPG, ranked 356th), sets the stage for a fast-paced game. With Alabama’s quick offense and BYU’s sharp shooting, expect numerous scoring bursts and minimal defensive stops.
Betting trends also lean towards the over. With Alabama hitting the over in 60% of its games this season and BYU doing so in three of its last five, the statistics indicate a likely high-scoring showdown to start our March Madness Sweet 16 picks.
- Expert March Madness Sweet 16 Picks: Over 176.5 (-102 at Novig)
Texas Tech vs. Arkansas Prediction Today, 3/27: March Madness Sweet 16
Texas Tech approaches this March Madness Sweet 16 matchup as the more well-rounded and fundamentally sound team, making them a solid choice to cover the 5.5-point spread against Arkansas. The Red Raiders have demonstrated high efficiency throughout the tournament, combining strong defensive play with a disciplined offense.
They allow only 67.6 points per game, placing them just outside the top 50 nationally for scoring defense, while boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 47% from the field. A key advantage for Texas Tech is their ability to control the game's tempo. While Arkansas excels in fast breaks, Texas Tech has consistently forced their opponents into half-court situations, where the Razorbacks tend to struggle.
Arkansas has a three-point shooting percentage of just 33.3%, making it challenging for them to recover if they fall behind early. On the other hand, Texas Tech showcases a balanced scoring lineup led by JT Toppin (18.5 PPG) and Darrion Williams (20.5 PPG), both capable of taking advantage of Arkansas’ defensive weaknesses.
Arkansas has shown inconsistency this season, especially against well-organized defensive teams. They have lost five of their last eight games against teams ranked in KenPom’s top 25 for defensive efficiency and have failed to cover the spread in four of their last six games against tournament-level opponents.
Their defensive issues, allowing 71.2 points per game, make them susceptible to Texas Tech’s methodical offensive style. With a superior shooting percentage, a more dependable defense, and a strong record in close games, the final of our March Madness Sweet 16 picks is for Texas Tech to pull ahead late and comfortably cover the spread.
- Expert March Madness Sweet 16 Picks: Red Raiders -5.5 (-104 at Novig)
How To Watch 2025 March Madness Sweet 16 Games
Fans have a ton of options to watch the live action:
- CBS, TBS: Check out your local CBS or TBS channels for the games, or stream them on platforms like Paramount+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV.
- March Madness Live: This is the NCAA's official streaming service, offering coverage for every game.
2025 March Madness Sweet 16 Odds & Betting Lines Via Novig
Explore the latest betting odds for today’s matches, courtesy of Novig:
- Alabama Crimson Tide (-5.5) vs. BYU Cougars – O/U 176.5
- Florida Gators (-6.5) vs. Maryland Terrapins – O/U 157.5
- Duke Blue Devils (-9.5) vs. Arizona Wildcats – O/U 153.5
- Texas Tech Red Raiders (-5.5) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks – O/U 147.5
With March Madness Sweet 16 in full effect, prepare for intense battles, thrilling finishes, and unexpected twists. Stay engaged with the excitement of our March Madness Sweet 16 picks as we approach the Final Four!
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