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The remaining Elite Eight spots will be decided Friday night when eight outstanding teams meet in the Sweet 16.
We’ll see what promises to be four exceptional matchups, and I’ve found two underdogs with a good chance to play spoiler, including Alabama knocking off Michigan.
Read on for my March Madness picks for Friday, March 27.
March Madness moneyline picks on Friday, March 27
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 St. John’svs  Duke |
<<-280>> |
 Alabamavs  Michigan |
<<+375>> |
 Michigan Statevs  UConn |
<<+110>> |
 Tennesseevs  Iowa State |
<<-180>> |
Lines courtesy of bet365.
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Expert March Madness Sweet 16 moneyline picks for Friday
No. 5 St. John’s vs No. 1 Duke: Duke (-280)
The Duke Blue Devils enter on a 13-game winning streak, backed by KenPom’s top-ranked defense, while the St. John’s Red Storm relies on physicality to stay competitive.
The Red Storm can slow the pace and make Duke uncomfortable, but they lack the offensive firepower to create damaging separation.
St. John’s can hang around, but Duke’s depth and shot-making should take over late and carry them to the Elite Eight.
No. 4 Alabama vs No. 1 Michigan: Alabama (+375)
The Michigan Wolverines bring a more efficient offense into this matchup, but this game sets up for pace and points, which favors the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Both teams are comfortable playing fast and loose, and that’s where Michigan could feel the loss of L.J. Cason’s perimeter defense and spark off the bench.
Alabama is the most dangerous offensive team Michigan has faced all season. The Tide can beat the Wolverines, and I’m betting they do.
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No. 3 Michigan State vs No. 2 UConn: Michigan State (+110)
Both teams take care of the ball, posting identical 1.6 assist-to-turnover ratios, so this won’t be decided by sloppiness.
The Michigan State Spartans have faced tougher competition and bring a more physical style with an edge on the offensive glass that can disrupt the UConn Huskies‘ rhythm.
If this turns into a dogfight, Michigan State’s toughness, elite defense, and bigger game experience give the Spartans a good chance to advance to the Elite Eight.
No. 6 Tennessee vs No. 2 Iowa State: Iowa State (-185)
The Iowa State Cyclones defensive pressure is the difference in this matchup, and it showed in their win over Kentucky, forcing 20 turnovers while committing just seven.
That ability to create extra possessions is a major edge against a Tennessee Volunteers group in what should be a low-scoring, physical battle.
While the Vols will have success on the glass, Iowa State’s pressure and transition scoring should land them in the Elite Elite.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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