Jake Faigus 
Welcome everyone to the Elite Eight! I will be breaking down my Top Plays and Favorite Bets for both Saturday and Sunday. This slate is loaded, so see which games I like the most and why. Let’s get to the action and WIN!
Clemson vs Alabama (-3.5): Both of these teams were not expected to be here with both teams getting massive upsets in their previous matchups with Clemson against Arizona and then Alabama against North Carolina. The Crimson Tide are ranked ninth in the NET and then 12th overall in KenPom. Alabama’s offense is what has got them here. They are the top scoring offense in college basketball, averaging 90.7 points per game and they are ranked fourth in adjusted offensive rating on KenPom with a 125.6 rating. Four different players on the Crimson Tide average over double digits with Mark Sears leading the way at 21.4 points per game. Their defense has been a massive issue and could come back to haunt them in this game especially with Clemson not making a lot of mistakes on their own. For the Tigers, Clemson is 35th in the NET and then 19th overall in KenPom. The Tigers have had more success on offense than defense this season, averaging 77.2 points per game. Three different Tigers average over double digits with PJ Hall leading the way down low at 18.4 points per game. The Tigers have shocked everyone getting to this point. They are an experienced team and while they don’t excel at any one thing they are solid across the board. Alabama is going to score, but they are also going to let teams score too. This should be a close game and one where each team is relatively evenly matched due to the style matchup. Still, Alabama is the better team and has the better coach and athletes. The Crimson Tide’s offense will carry them and they should win and cover to advance to the Final Four in Phoenix.
Pick: Alabama -3.5
Tennessee vs Purdue (-3): This might be the best game of any of the Elite Eight matchups. Purdue is on a mission after what happened last season against Fairleigh Dickinson in the first round, while Tennessee is on a mission of their own to finally break through and make their first Final Four. They are ranked seventh in the NET and then sixth overall in KenPom. Tennessee is known for their defense and it has shown up once again this season. They are ranked third in adjusted defense on KenPom with a 90.2 rating and they allow 67.3 points per game. The offense has played better this season too. Three different Volunteers average over double digits on offense with Dalton Knecht being their main star and leading the way at 21.2 points per game. Purdue has easily been one of the best teams in the country this season. They rank third in both the NET and KenPom overall. They have been a very balanced and well-rounded team, but their offense has led the way and gotten them to this point. They are third in adjusted offensive rating on KenPom at 126.5 and then they score 83.8 points per game. Four different Boilermakers average over double digits with Zach Edey leading the way as one of the best players in all of college basketball at 24.6 points per game and then he also leads the way in rebounds and blocks at 12.1 and 2.2 respectively. This is a style matchup between the defense of Tennessee and the offense of Purdue. Tennessee is one of the few teams that can go toe-to-toe with Purdue and not back down. Dalton Knecht is a huge key because he is capable of taking over a game. Tennessee’s toughness is going to be a difference maker in this matchup. This is going to be a great game, but I like the upset and think Tennessee makes their first Final Four ever.
Pick: Tennessee +3 or ML (+140)
