Sweet 16 Showdowns! Thursday’s March Madness Picks

#3 Illinois vs. #2 Iowa State - East Region | Thursday, After conclusion of San Diego State/UConn | TBS/truTV

We refuse to fade Terrence Shannon Jr., who may be playing like the best player in the country over the past few weeks. While we have the utmost respect for how elite Iowa State's defense has been, the Fighting Illini boasts the best offense in the country. Illinois looks outright unstoppable when Shannon is on his game. Unless the Cyclones have a secret recipe to stopping him or this high-octane offense, they won't be able to keep up. 

Take the dog to cover and perhaps win outright here.

The Pick: Illinois +1.5

#5 San Diego State vs. #1 UConn - East Region | Thursday, 7:39 p.m. ET | TBS/truTV

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Huskies are now 11-2 against the spread in their past 13 games, making them flat-out unfadeable until further notice. They continue to prove that they are the most versatile team in college basketball, capable of winning in many ways and against different styles.

While San Diego State has some elite, older talent seeking revenge for last year's national championship game, they prove no match for the Husky freight train coming down the tracks. Blindly lay this number with UConn.

The Pick: UConn -10.5

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#4 Alabama vs. #1 North Carolina - West Region | Thursday, After conclusion of Clemson/Arizona | CBS

The Crimson Tide showed their offensive prowess by hanging 109 points on Charleston in the opening round. That said, we still don't buy that this team has enough defense to compete at this point of the NCAA Tournament. Their lack of defense has cost them many games this season against high-end competition, and we fear this will be the end of the road for them.

Take the Tar Heels and give their team total of 89.5 a look as well.

The Pick: North Carolina -3.5

#3 Illinois vs. #2 Iowa State - East Region | Thursday, After conclusion of San Diego State/UConn | TBS/truTV

We refuse to fade Terrence Shannon Jr., who may be playing like the best player in the country over the past few weeks. While we have the utmost respect for how elite Iowa State's defense has been, the Fighting Illini boasts the best offense in the country. Illinois looks outright unstoppable when Shannon is on his game. Unless the Cyclones have a secret recipe to stopping him or this high-octane offense, they won't be able to keep up. 

Take the dog to cover and perhaps win outright here.

The Pick: Illinois +1.5