March Madness Elite Eight picks: Texas vs. Miami prediction, odds

March Madness Elite Eight picks: Texas vs. Miami prediction, odds

Texas and Miami close out the Elite Eight on Sunday in a matchup between two teams playing at high levels right now.

The Longhorns were a popular pick to reach the Final Four after winning the Big 12 tournament, and they haven’t disappointed, looking impressive in their first three wins.

The Hurricanes needed to survive a first-round scare against Drake, but their offense has been unstoppable in the past two games.

It’s hard to pick against a complete team like Texas, but 4.5 points feels a little high here.

Miami trailed Drake by eight points with just over five minutes to go in Round 1.

Since that point, the Hurricanes closed on a 16-1 run to defeat the Bulldogs, beat Indiana 85-69 and upset No. 1 seed Houston 89-75.

How impressive has Miami’s offense been the past two games?

Houston (5) and Indiana (45) rank in the top 50 in defensive efficiency on KenPom.


Norchad Omier (left) battles for the ball with J'Wan Roberts during Miami's Sweet 16 win over Houston.
Norchad Omier (left) battles for the ball with J’Wan Roberts during Miami’s Sweet 16 win over Houston.AP

Miami hung more than 80 points and on each of those teams while shooting an average of 51 percent from the field.

The other impressive thing about Miami’s past two wins has been rebounding. Houston is one of the top rebounding teams in the country, and Miami ended that game even on the boards.

Thanks to rebounding machine Norchad Omier, who has 44 boards in three games, Miami has scored 48 second-chance points in the tournament.

Betting on College Basketball?

I have Miami 65/1 to win it all, and though I can see Texas advancing, this game will be a war.

The Hurricanes getting over a possession is just too many points to pass up.

The play: Miami +4.5 (BetMGM)