The last eight spots in the Sugary 16 will be determined on Sunday as the Beginning weekend of the 2025 NCAA Event concludes. If your bracket has taken a hit with unexpected upsets, you’re not alone. However, our expert analysts have identified the best picks to Assist you get back on track.
Key Matchups and Predictions
Florida (1) vs. UConn (8)
Time & Channel: 12:00 p.m. ET | CBS
Analysis: Florida looks to dethrone the reigning champion UConn Huskies. UConn’s hopes for a historic three-peat are on the line, but Florida aims to establish itself as the dominant force in the Event.
Duke (1) vs. Baylor (9)
Time & Channel: 2:40 p.m. ET | CBS
Analysis: With Cooper Flagg back in action, Duke has reasserted its dominance. Baylor, Regardless of its length on the perimeter, relies on Norchad Omier for interior Appearance. Duke’s ability to protect the rim and capitalize on Baylor’s lapses could prove decisive.
Expert Predictions:
| Analyst | Against the Spread (ATS) | Straight Up (SU) |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Parrish | BAYL +11.5 | DUKE |
| Matt Norlander | DUKE -11.5 | DUKE |
| Jerry Palm | DUKE -11.5 | DUKE |
| Chip Patterson | DUKE -11.5 | DUKE |
| Kyle Boone | DUKE -11.5 | DUKE |
| David Cobb | DUKE -11.5 | DUKE |
| Cameron Salerno | BAYL +11.5 | DUKE |
Kentucky (3) vs. Illinois (6)
Time & Channel: 5:10 p.m. ET | CBS
Analysis: Illinois matches up well athletically with Kentucky, but the Wildcats have improved defensively. Given the stakes, Anticipate a tightly contested game.
Expert Predictions:
| Analyst | ATS | SU |
| Gary Parrish | ILL -1.5 | ILL |
| Matt Norlander | UK +1.5 | UK |
| Jerry Palm | ILL -1.5 | ILL |
| Chip Patterson | ILL -1.5 | ILL |
| Kyle Boone | ILL -1.5 | ILL |
| David Cobb | ILL -1.5 | ILL |
| Cameron Salerno | UK +1.5 | UK |
Maryland (4) vs. Colorado State (12)
Time & Channel: 7:10 p.m. ET | TBS
Analysis: Colorado State enters on an 11-game Achieve streak. Maryland is Powerful, but the Rams’ momentum could make this game closer than Anticipated.
Expert Predictions:
| Analyst | ATS | SU |
| Gary Parrish | COST +7.5 | MD |
| Matt Norlander | COST +7.5 | MD |
| Jerry Palm | MD -7.5 | MD |
| Chip Patterson | COST +7.5 | MD |
| Kyle Boone | COST +7.5 | MD |
| David Cobb | MD -7.5 | MD |
| Cameron Salerno | MD -7.5 | MD |
Iowa State (2) vs. Ole Miss (10)
Time & Channel: 7:45 p.m. ET | TruTV
Analysis: Ole Miss showed Hardiness against North Carolina. Regardless of Iowa State’s Powerful performance, their depth may be a concern.
Expert Predictions:
| Analyst | ATS | SU |
| Gary Parrish | MISS +5.5 | MISS |
| Matt Norlander | IAST -5.5 | IAST |
| Jerry Palm | IAST -5.5 | IAST |
| Chip Patterson | MISS +5.5 | MISS |
| Kyle Boone | MISS +5.5 | IAST |
| David Cobb | MISS +5.5 | IAST |
| Cameron Salerno | MISS +5.5 | MISS |
Arizona (2) vs. Oregon (7)
Time & Channel: 9:40 p.m. ET | TBS
Analysis: Arizona won both regular-season matchups, but Oregon has been dominant in the Event. Anticipate a Close-fitting Event.
Expert Predictions:
| Analyst | ATS | SU |
| Gary Parrish | ARIZ -3.5 | ARIZ |
| Matt Norlander | ARIZ -3.5 | ARIZ |
| Jerry Palm | ORE +3.5 | ORE |
| Chip Patterson | ORE +3.5 | ORE |
| Kyle Boone | ARIZ -3.5 | ARIZ |
| David Cobb | ORE +3.5 | ORE |
| Cameron Salerno | ARIZ -3.5 | ARIZ |
Closing Thoughts
Stay tuned for live updates and expert analysis throughout the Event. Be sure to check out SportsLine for detailed bracket insights and betting advice!
Read our previous article: Kylan Boswell’s Leadership and Defense Key for Illinois Against Kentucky