They’re two big time basketball schools, with massive fan bases, and legendary coaches. These two schools produce NBA talent regularly, and are television draws no matter who they play. Sweet 16’s are nothing new for these two ACC programs, which means there’s a lot of noise surrounding their Friday night matchup. What’s fact, what’s fiction as Syracuse takes on Duke in the Sweet 16? Glad you asked. We’re here to tell you.
Vegas odds at being tournament’s MOP:¬†
Marvin Bagley III is the best odds at 6/1,¬†Grayson Allen is third at 10/1. Tyus Battle is at 75/1, while Oshae Brissett is at 100/1 at places like Netbet UK. Let’s just go ahead and throw out Brissett. If the Orange pull all of those upsets, those two will play huge parts. But there’s no way Brissett will be the MOP, that will be all Battle. However, the odds SU wins four more games is unrealistic with its lack of depth and scoring. The Blue Devils certainly could, so Bagley is a good bet there. Jaylen Brunson of Nova at 6/1 also feels like a good idea. Sleeper? Kevin Knox of Kentucky at 12/1. The Wildcats may breeze into the Final Four by virtue of a great draw, and then it’s only two wins for a dangerous (and improving) Cats team.
Vegas odds of highest scoring player in the Sweet 16: 
SU will never score enough to lead in that category, one would assume. SU’s defense though, could hold down the Dookies. Battle at 7/1 is not a terrible option, although it’s hard to think he can go for 28-32 points and someone else from an easier matchup won’t. take Jalen Brunson or Mikal Bridges in the other games would seem to be much better bets because of the matchups and overall talent level they’ll face compared to the Orange and Blue Devils matchup.
Will An ACC Team win the 2017 NCAA Tournament?
Yes      +275     (11/4)
No        -350     (2/7)
Yes is the best here. There are four teams left from the ACC and all four have a shot. While SU is the longest odds because of their flaws, Duke could easily cut down the nets. Clemson looked very good on the first weekend, and Florida State shouldn’t be taken lightly as well. The Big 12 still has four teams alive also, but the ACC’s chances with Duke and then three other teams makes it a solid bet.
