The Elite 8 tips-off today, March 29th, at 6:09 p.m. Eastern time (New York) and will run through the end of March 30th, with the final tip-off happening at 5:05 p.m.
Below, you will find Eric Himmelheber's and David Parkes' picks for the upcoming matchups! For specific dates and times of each matchup, head on over to our March Madness tracker.
Eric came out of the Sweet 16 picks with a 6-2 record after Ole Miss and Arkansas loss in close matchups. David emerged 7-1 with his only loss going to Michigan. How will they stack up this week?!
(3) Texas Tech vs. (1) Florida
Eric: Florida - Texas Tech put on an incredible comeback against Arkansas that proved they are worthy of being in the Elite 8. However, seeing Florida just manhandle a damn good Maryland team despite their turnovers proved this is going to be Texas Tech's toughest test of the year.
David: Florida - I still have the Gators going all the way in this tournament, and the second half of Thursday's win over Maryland proved my point. They can score three's, their bench chips in with points, and they can out-rebound just about anyone. While the Red Raiders certainly earned their place in the Elite Eight, I have to continue backing Florida here.
Eric: Duke - Despite what looked like a comeback upset for Arizona in the Sweet 16, Duke reminded the world why they're one of four number-one seeds. They have shown zero signs this tournament as to why they can't win the whole thing. I just don't see Alabama pulling away with an upset here unless they break the NCAA tournament record for three-pointers, which they just did in the Sweet 16 with 25 against BYU.
David: Duke - The Blue Devils were given a scare in their last game, but I can see them recovering in time. Alabama looked scary good on Thursday as they annihilated BYU. The thing is, Duke's quality is so much higher. I just cannot see the Crimson Tide hitting 25 three's again, though if they can, it will be very intersting to see how the one seed handle it.
Eric: Tennessee - I picked Tennessee to beat Kentucky last week, but what I didn't expect was a complete beatdown. Tennessee showed they undoubtedly have what it takes to win this tournament. And with Houston barely scraping by with seconds on the clock against a Purdue team that held them to 62 points, I wouldn't be surprised if Tennessee wins by 10 or more points here.
David: Tennessee - I am with Eric here. I also had a Tennessee win over Kentucky, and my word was that impressive. Meanwhile, the Cougars barely scraped past Purdue last night. If the Volunteers can continue the incredible form they showed in the Sweet 16, I would have to consider them the favourites. While we cannot count out Houston, I favour the Vols to make the trip to the Final Four.
(2) Michigan State vs. (1) Auburn
Eric: Auburn - Michigan looked liked they were about to pull off the unspeakable in the Sweet 16. That is, until Auburn reminded everyone how great of a team they really are. Auburn have shown they can overcome any obstacle, big or small, at any point in any game. There was a reason why they were the favorites heading into the tournament. I just don't think Michigan State will live up to the amount of pure talent this team brings to the table.
David: Michigan State - This is the only game where Eric and I differ. My only loss in the Sweet 16 came from Auburn, as they defeated Michigan State's biggest rival. Thing is, can they afford to go down nine points against the Spartans and get away with it? Tom Izzo's side have been able to claw their way out of their last two games in the tournament. They are not pretty to watch, but they always seem to find a way. My final four at the start of the tournament were Florida, Duke, Tennessee, and Michigan State. So, I have to back to Spartans here.