And then there were 16.
The Sweet 16 tips off on Thursday, with five of the nation's top 10 offenses taking the floor. Expect plenty of points in New Jersey when BYU and Alabama square off. I'll be backing Richie Saunders for another big night.
On Sunday, Florida ended UConn's reign as national champions — but not without a fight. Alijah Martin sparked the Gators early, and he'll likely need to do it again, as Florida looks to punch its ticket to the Elite Eight against Maryland.
Meanwhile, Arkansas shocked second-seeded St. John's to advance as the only double-digit seed left in the Sweet 16. Johnell Davis was one of three Razorbacks in double figures, finishing with 13 points. He’ll try to lead Arkansas to another upset, this time over Texas Tech.
Read on for NCAA Tournament player props for Thursday, March 27.
NCAA Tournament Player Props — 3/27
- Richie Saunders Over 18.5 Points (-130, DraftKings)
- Alijah Martin Over 13.5 Points (-125, DraftKings)
- Johnell Davis Over 12.5 Points (-110, DraftKings)
BYU Player Prop: Richie Saunders Over 18.5 Points
7:09 p.m., CBS | vs. Alabama
BYU has one of the deepest teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament, with eight players averaging at least seven points per game.
Saunders leads the way at 16.3 points per game. He's averaged 20.5 in his two NCAA Tournament games.
I backed Saunders against Wisconsin, and he scored 25 points in a game that featured 180 points.
We have another sky-high total on Thursday, which means BYU will need another standout performance from its leading scorer to advance to the Elite Eight.
Alabama may provide the right matchup for that kind of performance.
The Crimson Tide both make and attempt a bunch of 3s (10-for-29 per game), but they also give up 24 3-point attempts per game. To this point, opponents have shot just 30.5% from 3 against Alabama.
However, BYU shoots 37.3% from 3 as a team, with Saunders among the leaders at 43.1% on over five attempts per game.
Additionally, Alabama plays at the fastest pace in the country. Saunders may see open looks in transition.
Alabama ranks 29th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, but because of its pace, it allows 81 points per game.
Meanwhile, Saunders has scored 20 points in six of his last 10 games.
In what should be another high-scoring game, I expect him to get there again.
My Pick: Richie Saunders Over 18.5 Points (-130, DraftKings)
Florida Player Prop: Alijah Martin Over 13.5 Points
7:39 p.m., CBS | vs. Maryland
On Sunday, I backed Walter Clayton Jr. against UConn.
While Clayton came alive in the second half, Martin kept the Gators in the game in the first half. Martin scored 14 points in the first half, which would quickly clear this line if he does so again. He finished with 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting from the field.
Martin is averaging 14.6 points per game. He has exceeded that mark in four of his last five games, with 16 or more in each game.
Maryland ranks sixth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency but will face the nation's second most efficient offense.
It will also be a disadvantage when it goes to the bench.
Florida currently has an eight-man rotation, and its depth is what I believe helps it pull away in this game.
If Maryland assigns more attention to Clayton on Thursday, Martin should be one of the beneficiaries.
That should help him score at least 14 points again.
My Pick: Alijah Martin Over 13.5 Points (-125, DraftKings)
Arkansas Player Prop: Johnell Davis Over 12.5 Points
10:09 p.m., CBS | vs. Texas Tech
Davis has been a double-digit scorer in each of the past three seasons. He rose to stardom during FAU's run to the Final Four, averaging 15.4 points per game.
When he entered the transfer portal, his ability to rise to the moment in big games made him a coveted transfer.
While much of this season probably has not gone as expected in Fayetteville, he is stepping up when his team needs him the most. Davis has scored 13 points in eight of his last 10 games. That includes 18 and 13 points in Arkansas' first two NCAA Tournament games.
Davis is averaging 13.5 points in eight career NCAA games, clearing this number in six.
Getting a win over Texas Tech may be difficult, but the Red Raiders have the third-worst remaining defense in the field. They rank 37th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency and 64th in 2-point shooting allowed.
Davis likes to operate in the mid-range area but also made four 3s against Kansas.
He has shot 50% from the field in the NCAA Tournament thus far, and I like his chances of getting 13 points here.
My Pick: Johnell Davis Over 12.5 Points (-110, DraftKings)
