Expert prediction
NCAA Sweet 16: Michigan State vs UConn Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 27)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Spartans eliminated Louisville in the Round of 32.
- The Huskies took down UCLA in the second round.
- This marks the ninth all-time matchup between the two squads.
The Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament will enjoy a battle between the Michigan State Spartans and the UConn Huskies on Friday night. The latter comes out as the slight favorite, duking it out for a spot in the last eight.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, March 27, 9:45 pm ET
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
- How to Watch: CBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | -114 | +2 | O136.5 |
| UConn | -106 | -2 | U136.5 |
Game Preview
The Spartans (27-7) simply outmatched North Dakota State and Louisville on both sides of the ball, taking both opponents down to reach the Sweet 16. Jeremy Fears’ 16 assists surpassed Magic Johnson’s previous record of 14 assists against Western Kentucky on March 16, 1978. He also scored 12 points and had three rebounds. Coen Carr was electric with three dunks and two 3-pointers among his 21 points, his career high in an NCAA Tournament game. He also had a double-double with a game-high 10 rebounds and was 8-of-13 shooting overall along with two blocks.
Dan Hurley and the Huskies (31-5) fended off a potential upset, taking down Furman in the first round before eliminating UCLA in the second round. Alex Karaban scored a career-high 27 points, including 16 in the second half, to help the Huskies to their third trip to the Sweet 16 in four seasons. Braylon Mullins added 17 points, Jayden Ross scored 11 in 22 huge minutes off the bench and Tarris Reed Jr. posted a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double with three blocks.
UCLA vs UConn Head-to-Head
The two programs have had eight meetings in their history, and the result is 4-4 for both teams. The last matchup was in November 2021 when Michigan State won 64-60 in the Bahamas.
UCLA vs UConn Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on Duke or St. John’s in the Elite Eight. Michigan State boasts elite talent with Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr while UConn possesses the stardom of Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. This game will go down to the wire as it will be a battle of coaching styles between Tom Izzo and Dan Hurley. Maybe Izzo has a big trick up his sleeve for his coaching colleague in Hurley. Our betting pick here is for the Spartans to cover a 2-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Michigan State Spartans +2
NCAAB
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