Sweet Sixteen: Best value picks to win the NCAA Tournament

We’ve whittled a field of 68 teams in this year’s NCAA Tournament down to the Sweet Sixteen, and regional semifinal action will tip off this weekend.

Gonzaga remains a heavy favorite to cut down the nets in a few weeks, but we think there are some interesting alternatives at bigger prices. Here’s a look at a few!

Loyola Chicago +900

The Ramblers decimated No. 1 seed Illinois and made it look easy.

The Illini never posed a serious threat to the Missouri Valley Conference champions, who are vying for their second Final Four appearance in four years.

The Ramblers are experienced and well-coached, which makes them a team not many others in the field want to play.

Florida State: +1300

FSU looked a bit shaky in its first-round win over UNC Greensboro, but rebounded to thump Colorado on Monday.

At their best, the Seminoles are capable of dominating on both ends of the floor. They'll get Michigan next, a team that has looked vulnerable (and one representing a conference that has been embarrassed multiple times this tournament).

There’s plenty of potential for Florida State to make a deep run.

Oregon: +3100

A few days ago, I wrote that the Ducks were an interesting value play to come out of their region.

That was before VCU exited the tournament because of COVID-19 protocols, and well before Oregon thumped No. 2 seed Iowa, despite a 36-point outburst by Hawkeyes center Luka Garza.

A trip to the Final Four means a likely date with Gonzaga, but Dana Altman is a terrific coach, the Ducks play with urgency, and they can score with the best of them.

Put all that together, and you have a value play at a monstrous price.