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NCAA March Madness: South Region Sweet 16 betting preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 3/22/23

As has been the case all season long, Alabama is getting overshadowed in the South Region even though they are the top seed. The Crimson Tide have advanced to the Sweet 16 but on the other side of the bracket, Princeton has surprised with back to back upset wins.

Bama is a No. 1 seed, yet with a No. 5, No. 6, and a No. 15, there is a great chance for somebody's season to be made this weekend.

I was hot on Arizona to win the regional but that quickly blew up in smoke. Game picks were 1-1 thanks to the San Diego State Aztecs, who are a sleeper taking on Alabama this weekend.

Current Odds to Win South Region

Alabama Crimson Tide -145

Creighton BlueJays +175

San Diego State Aztecs +650

Princeton Tigers +2500

I had Arizona as my best bet coming into the Tournament (the pricing on Alabama just didn't make sense and even less so now). That blew up quickly thanks to Princeton (thank you, Tigers, though that is what this event is all about). Alabama is the signifcant favorite now but if you think San Diego State can slow them down then everyone else gets very interesting ... even Princeton. Their path through Creighton and possibly SDSU is not impossible given what we have seen so far.

South Region Sweet 16 Picks

San Diego State +7.5 (vs. Alabama)

The Aztecs are one of the best defensive teams in the country. That is why I am giving them a shot at keeping this one close. They have size and just enough scoring with Matt Bradley to keep it in range. Yes, once Alabama gets rolling they are very tough to slow down, but there is enough experience on this SDSU team and on the sidelines to have a great approach. I want to call the upset, I am just not quite there.

Creighton -9.5 (vs. Princeton)

Credit the Tigers for showing a lot, they have beaten quality teams to get here, but I really like the way that the BlueJays are playing right now. Their defense has been really good and Ryan Nembhard has been one of the best players in the Tournament for any team. When your PG is playing like he has been it makes it really easy for everyone else. They are starting to follow through on all of their preseason hype.

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