We’ve got the Elite Eight and the next-to-last CONCACAF qualifying window happening today, which means there’s plenty of action available for the final Sunday in March. This tournament has been a tough nut to crack with some of the upsets (hello, Saint Peter’s), but we’re going to try our best to get some positive momentum going before the Final Four.
Here are my best bets for March 27.
MIAMI +6, -110
The Hurricanes have been outstanding at getting teams out of their game plan in this tournament and have stepped up their defense as of late, making them a tough matchup for anyone. Kansas has struggled to put teams away in this tournament and has had issues with turning the ball over at times, making this a good matchup for Miami. If the Hurricanes can get some steals, they can pull this off.
SAINT PETER’S +8.5, -110
Once again, I’m backing the Peacocks even though I’m not sure they can win this game. I think the sports world wants to see Duke-Carolina in the Final Four in Mike Krzyzewski’s last season, but that doesn’t mean that the Tar Heels are going to blow out the Peacocks. Saint Peter’s is playing with nothing to lose and has the crowd on its side, so there’s a good chance they keep another game close.
CANADA -1.5, -105
This is going to be a celebration for the Reds. Canada missed a chance to qualify last time out against Costa Rica, but they should be able to handle things at home and has outscored opponents 12-3 on their home turf. This should be a comfortable victory that gets Canada to the promised land.
EL SALVADOR +0.5, -120
Costa Rica has just six road points in six road matches, and El Salvador has been tough to deal with on its home turf. The Salvadorans have no hope at the World Cup, but they have plenty to play for here. Nobody knows what the next World Cup qualifiers from CONCACAF will look like, but with Canada, Mexico and the United States all having automatic bids, nations like El Salvador will never get a better chance to qualify in 2026. The Salvadorans can help themselves by getting a better seed with a higher finish in the Octagonal, and a point would be huge for them.
UNITED STATES -1.5, +135
The U.S. has played Panama in a qualifier on American soil on three occasions. They have outscored the Canaleros 8-0 in those meetings, winning all three by at least two goals. If the El Salvador bet is a winner, the United States is in the World Cup with a win of any kind over Panama, and I think it’s going to be a comfortable one.
