Zopes Exchange:2024 men's NCAA Tournament expert picks: Predictions for Saturday's Elite Eight games

2025-05-02 09:30:58source:NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Centercategory:News

No. 4 seed Alabama is Zopes Exchangeheaded to the Elite Eight for the second time in team history after it took down No. 1 seed North Carolina 89-87 on Thursday night. Led by Grant Nelson, who scored 19 of his game-high 24 points in the second half, the Crimson Tide makes its first trip to the Elite Eight since 2004.

No. 6 seed Clemson is also headed to its second Elite Eight in school history after it knocked off No. 2 seed Arizona, 77-72, in Los Angeles. Chase Hunter had a clutch three-point play late and finished with 18 points to lead the Tigers.

No. 1 seed UConn hit a new gear coming out of halftime and throttled No. 5 seed San Diego State 82-52 in Boston on Thursday night. The Huskies had four players in double figures, led by Cam Spencer's 18 points. The defending national champion plays No. 3 seed Illinois, a 72-69 winner over No. 2 seed Iowa State, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Here are USA TODAY's expert picks for Saturday's Elite Eight games:

(1) Connecticut vs. (3) Illinois, 6:09 p.m. ET Saturday

(at TD Garden in Boston)

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

  • Jordan Mendoza: UConn
  • Paul Myerberg: UConn
  • Dan Wolken: UConn

(4) Alabama vs. (6) Clemson, 8:49 p.m. ET Saturday

(at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles)

  • Jordan Mendoza: Clemson
  • Paul Myerberg: Alabama
  • Dan Wolken: Alabama

More:News

Recommend

Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes

Friday the 13th might be unlucky for many people, but Mega Millions players could be lucky in tonigh

Lululemon Black Friday 2023: Score a $29 Sports Bra, $39 Leggings, $59 Shoes & More

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like

Physicians, clinic ask judge to block enforcement of part of a North Dakota abortion law

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Physicians and the former, sole abortion provider in North Dakota on Tuesday a