March Madness Elite Eight Preview: The Final Battles for the Final Four

Empowering Your Elite Eight Betting Choices

As March Madness progresses, the Elite Eight stages some of the most exhilarating matchups in the tournament's history. With only the top contenders left vying for the prestigious Final Four spots, RG.org is here to offer you a comprehensive preview, ensuring your betting decisions are informed, responsible, and aligned with the thrilling spirit of college basketball.

Last 2 Elite Eight Showdowns

In an unprecedented turn of events, all eight top-two seeds entered the Sweet 16 for only the fifth time in the 64-team era, showcasing the depth of talent and competition this year. However, the journey has seen its share of upsets, with top seeds Houston and North Carolina, alongside No. 2 seeds Arizona, Iowa State, and Marquette, bowing out in heartbreakers. 

In the first two games of the Elite Eight, UCONN was victorious over Illinois with a decisive 77-52 victory yesterday, while Alabama clinched a hard-fought win against Clemson, finishing at 89-82.

Tennessee NCAAB Player

Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

Tennessee (2) vs. Purdue (1)

Tipoff: Sunday, 2:20 p.m. ET

In Detroit, the stage is set for a riveting contest between Tennessee and Purdue. The Boilermakers stand as the Big Ten's final bastion, having demonstrated a blend of strategic finesse and shooting prowess throughout the tournament.

  • Path to Victory:
    • Tennessee shines with its defensive rigor, complemented by the impactful performances of Dalton Knecht and the precision of Zakai Zeigler and Josiah-Jordan James from beyond the arc.
    • Purdue leverages Braden Smith's dynamic playmaking and their collective three-point shooting efficiency, with All-American Zach Edey anchoring their offensive strategies.
  • Key Insights: Purdue's victory over Tennessee in the Maui Invitational earlier this season sets the stage for a thrilling rematch. Both teams have evolved, making today's clash a testament to their growth and strategic adaptations.
  • Responsible Betting Tip: As you place your bets, remember the importance of informed decision-making. Consider the teams' journey, their head-to-head history, and their current form. Betting responsibly means enjoying the game's unpredictability without compromising your financial well-being.

NC State (11) vs. Duke (4)

Tipoff: Sunday, 5:05 p.m. ET

As Duke seeks to replicate its recent Final Four success, NC State aims to etch its name in history, returning to the Elite Eight for the first time since the era of Jim Valvano.

  • Path to Victory:
    • NC State must maintain its defensive improvements and capitalize on three-point opportunities while minimizing Duke's offensive rebounds.
    • Duke relies on its talented backcourt to outmaneuver NC State, leveraging playmaking and shooting prowess to assert dominance.
  • Key Insights: NC State's upset over Duke in the ACC tournament adds a layer of intrigue to this matchup, promising a strategic battle that may well hinge on backcourt performance and defensive resilience.
  • Responsible Betting Tip: Reflect on the emotional and tactical dimensions of this matchup. Betting should be a complement to the excitement of the game, not a detractor. Set your limits, and let your knowledge guide your decisions.

Top March Madness Sportsbooks

Elite Eight Odds Comparison: Making Informed Bets

In alignment with our dedication to fostering a responsible betting environment, we've compiled an odds comparison for the upcoming Elite Eight matchups. This table is designed to aid you in making well-informed betting decisions by comparing odds from leading betting platforms in the US: DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetMGM, and Bet365.

How to Use This Table

  • Compare Odds: Look across platforms to find the best odds for your betting strategy.
  • Stay Informed: Odds can fluctuate. Always verify the latest odds on the respective platforms before placing any bets.
  • Bet Responsibly: Use this information to complement your responsible betting practices. Set limits and bet within your means.

Odds Comparison Table for Elite Eight Matchups

MatchupDraftKingsESPN BETBetMGMBet365
Tennessee (2) vs Purdue (1)Tennessee: +3 (-110)
Purdue: 
-3 (-110)
Tennessee: +3.5 (-110)
Purdue: 
-3.5 (-110)
Tennessee: +3.5 (1.87)
Purdue: 
-3.5 (1.95)
Tennessee: +3.5 (-110)
Purdue: 
-3.5 (-110)
NC State (11) vs Duke (4)NC State: +7 (-110)
Duke: -7(-110)
NC State:
+6.5 (Even)
Duke: 
-6.5 (-120)
NC State: +7.5 (1.83)
Duke: 
-7.5 (2.00)
NC State: +7 (-105)
Duke: 
-7 (-115)

Elite Eight Bonuses

In alignment with our commitment to informed and responsible gambling, we find it necessary to highlight the array of welcome bonuses offered by sportsbooks, particularly during the Elite Eight phase of the NCAA tournament. These bonuses, aimed at new users, vary across platforms in both value and the conditions attached. Given the heightened interest in betting during this critical stage of the tournament, understanding the nuances of these offers becomes crucial. Our upcoming feature on the website will detail these bonuses, focusing specifically on those relevant to betting on the Elite Eight matchups. This initiative is designed to equip bettors with factual, unbiased information, aiding them in navigating the terms and potential benefits responsibly. As always, we encourage a thorough review of all bonus conditions and advocate for betting practices that prioritize personal well-being and financial health.

Available March Madness Bonuses

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Elite Eight Final Thoughts

Navigating through the peak moments of March Madness, our focus at RG.org remains steadfast on fostering a culture of responsible betting. It's a time when the excitement of collegiate basketball reaches its zenith, and with that, the volume of bets often increases. Our platform is dedicated to offering the insights and resources necessary for you to bet safely. The essence of March Madness isn't just in the unpredictability and the spectacle of the games but also in enjoying these moments wisely and within limits. We invite you to leverage our tools and educational materials to help keep your betting decisions well-informed and prudent. For guidance on strategies that align with responsible betting and for continuous support, our doors are always open. Let's approach the exhilaration of this tournament with a balance of enthusiasm and responsibility.

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Meet Our Authors

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol's interest in sports was sparked at a young age, inspired by athletes such as Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky. This early fascination evolved into a deep-seated passion, guiding him toward a career in sports journalism in 2007. Over the years, Sol has contributed numerous articles and reviews to various online platforms, sharing his knowledge and perspectives.

Central to Sol's approach is his dedication to honesty, especially regarding sports betting platforms. He believes in providing bettors with straightforward and detailed reviews, distinguishing his work by avoiding the often overly positive spin on bonus offers and promotions. His commitment to truthfulness has made his reviews a reliable source for those seeking authentic advice and information, thereby earning him a reputation for integrity among his readers.

“In the world of sports betting, truth is more valuable than any bonus offer.”

ExperienceYear
Content Manager, OnlineCasinoReports2012-2021
Sports Journalist, Dottraffic2009-2011
Content Writer, HouseTech2007-2009
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

Mike Rosenberg
Mike Rosenberg
Content Writer

Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.