Elite 8 2015: Updated Odds and Predictions for Sunday's NCAA Tournament Games

Saturday's action at the Elite Eight was brilliant. Wisconsin put on a torrid shooting display in the second half that would have been good enough to beat any team in the country, while the prohibitive favorite at this tournament, Kentucky, was given all it could handle by Notre Dame and squeaked by with only a two-point win.

Will Sunday offer the same drama? More than likely, and you won't want to miss any of it. Let's break down the day's action. 

Bracket

Schedule

Time (ET)	Matchup	TV	Odds	Prediction
2:20 p.m.	(7) Michigan St vs. (4) Louisville	CBS	Michigan State (-2.5)	Michigan State
5:05 p.m.	(2) Gonzaga vs. (1) Duke	CBS	Duke (-2)	Duke

Betting lines via Odds Shark. 

Why Duke Will Win

The Blue Devils have the two best players in this game, Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow. Okafor won't have two poor games in a row. Coach Mike Krzyzewski is a miracle worker. They have arguably the most talented team in this tournament outside of Kentucky. Very quietly, they've improved defensively and were very strong in that regard against Utah.

And they have a sense for the moment, as Quinn Cook told C.L. Brown of ESPN:

"

We’re not just satisfied with getting to the [Elite] Eight. ... Myself, Amile [Jefferson] and Marshall [Plumlee], we’ve been to the Eight [in 2013] and we’ve seen Louisville celebrate and how joyous that was and how hurt we were. We’re locked in, we’re focused and we’ve got our hands full with Gonzaga. They’ve been a top-five team all year.

"

Indeed Gonzaga has been. Of course, Duke hasn't exactly been chopped liver this year. 

Why Gonzaga Will Win

The Bulldogs are a balanced, deep, team-oriented offense and one of the most efficient in the country in that regard. Kyle Wiltjer and Kevin Pangos are excellent players. They have the size down low to frustrate Okafor. They surely have a chip on their shoulder after many folks were dismissive of their chances at this tournament. They are a very good rebounding team and should win the battle on the boards.

They are better than you think. They are certainly talented enough to beat Duke.

Which Team Will Actually Win?

Duke, though this game will be a thriller that very well could be won by the team that gets the last shot. I'll take Duke's talent in a close matchup over Gonzaga, however. 

Why Michigan State Will Win

The Spartans are red hot at the moment, going 7-1 in their last eight, with the only loss coming to Wisconsin in overtime in the Big Ten championship, a game they would have won were it not for a blown call in regulation.

That Tom Izzo fella is pretty good in March. Travis Trice, Denzel Valentine and Branden Dawson are an excellent leading trio. Michigan State can push the pace and create perimeter shots on the break, something Louisville can't match. It is more versatile than the Cardinals and can grind out a win even if Louisville dictates the pace.

Why Louisville Will Win

Terry Rozier and Montrezl Harrell form a heck of a one-two punch. The team's zone defense is downright stifling and will grind Michigan State to a halt if Louisville can turn this game into a half-court affair. That Rick Pitino fella is pretty good in March. The Cardinals protect the rim well and take the ball away, and their defense will be tough for the Spartans to crack. They are a mentally strong team that has overcome adversity and found an identity late in the season.

Which Team Will Actually Win?

When in doubt, trust the hotter team, and Michigan State is hot right now. The fact that the Spartans have proved they can play any number of styles or paces and still win gives them the edge as well. They are more versatile than Louisville.