The last Thursday Sweet 16 game is Butler vs. Wisconsin, but the first Friday Sweet 16 game is No. 11 Marquette (22-14) vs. No. 2 North Carolina (28-7) in the East Regional. North Carolina is currently a 4.5-favorite.
Marquette is one of two Big East teams remaining and should take this game down to the wire. The Golden Eagles faced Xavier and Syracuse in their first two games, both of which looked stronger than North Carolina’s opponents. Marquette is statistically better on offense with a better field goal percentage and turnover ratio.
North Carolina is one of three ACC teams remaining from the four that qualified. The Tar Heels had no problems taking care of Long Island in their first game with a 102-87 win, but they had a scare against Washington and failed to cover the four-point spread. Marquette plays a swarming defense that may frustrate them and slow the game down.
Marquette is 18-12 ATS. North Carolina is 15-16-1 ATS, yet 16-2 SU in its last 18 games (with both losses coming against Duke). That is because the Tar Heels have gone five straight games without covering the spread, going 0-4-1 ATS. This should be a closely contested game that makes the point total worth going after. For your online betting, Marquette is one of the viable teams that could upset with a good payout in the Sweet 16.
Marquette vs. North Carolina (odds provided by William Hill)
Marquette: 17/10
North Carolina: 1/2
Point Spread: North Carolina -4.5
Over/Under: 149.5