Of the final "sweet 16" teams, the Louisville Cardinals remain the favorite to win this year's NCAA title while the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles continue to serve as the tournament's longshot. The second team in each matchup is currently considered the favorite, according to Las Vegas oddsmakers:

THURSDAY, MARCH 28th

#3 Marquette vs #2 Miami (CBS 7:15 PM ET)

Similar to their fellow Florida tourney team, Miami received some blows to their confidence after struggling to get past a lesser squad in No. 7 seeded Illinois. While some declare it a performance worthy of praise for toughing out the win, others came away skeptical that they have what it takes to beat a tough Marquette team. Marquette's first two games against Davidson and Butler were a lot tougher than the seedings would imply and, because of that fact, it's not a knock that the Golden Eagles only won the games by three combined points. Marquette's challenges only get tougher against Miami, who remain 5.5 point favorites.

#6 Arizona vs #2 Ohio State (TBS 7:47 PM ET)

While a close call against Iowa State on Sunday left many pundits questioning the quality of the Ohio State squad, the Buckeyes may be reinvigorated after their path to a championship lost a major challenger with the absence of No. 1 seed Gonzaga. Their opponent, will be no walk in the park, however. Arizona look closer to a No. 4 seed after breezing past Belmont and Harvard with carefree wins. Additionally, Arizona will be playing in Los Angeles, a short trip from the Wildcats' campus for their faithful. Ohio State, however, remain 3.5 point favorites.

#4 Syracuse vs #1 Indiana (CBS 9:45 PM ET)

Many believe Indiana's odds dipped because the Hoosiers struggled mightily against a Temple team which did not rate highly by tournament experts coming into March. The Syracuse Orange offer a very difficult matchup for Indiana and the game will be held at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C., an arena the Cuse know well after many Big East battles with Georgetown well. However, the Hoosiers are still considered to be the favorites and could face an easier draw should they get past the Orange and face Marquette in the next round. Indiana are 6 point favorites.

#13 La Salle vs #9 Wichita State (TBS 10:17 PM ET)

Wichita State may not have had an easy draw but they've reinforced the ability and toughness which mid-major tournament teams have introduced in recent years by dethroning No. 1 seed Gonzaga. Also impressive, was the Shockers' easy handling of No. 8-seeded Pittsburgh in its first game, a physical team which were highly thought of in many circles. Their opponent, La Salle are the runner-up darlings of the tournament to Florida Gulf Coast, but the chances of them emulating Virginia Commonwealth's streak by winning five consecutive games - including a play-in game - to advance to a Final Four is extremely unlikely. The oddsmakers believe their magical run will end against Wichita State, who are 3.5 point favorites.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29th

#12 Oregon vs #1 Louisville (CBS 7:15 PM ET)

Although three of the four No. 1 seeds were able to make it to the second week of the tournament only Louisville was a truly dominant squad throughout their first two games. By winning them by a combine 57 points and catching a break with high-seeded Oregon, the Cardinals also have a more favorable Sweet 16 matchup than they would have against the senior-laden St. Louis team who would be playing close to home. Those who felt the Ducks were underseeded have a great deal of evidence supporting them after the quality wins they strung together versus No. 5-seeded Oklahoma State and No. 4-seeded St. Louis. Oregon's road ahead gets no easier, however, as they've been harshly rewarded with the chore of traveling across the country to face No. 1 overall seed, Louisville, who are 9.5 point favorites going into Wednesday.

#4 Michigan vs #1 Kansas (TBS 7:37 PM ET)

Kansas and Michigan are a lot closer in terms of talent and performance than their seedings may imply. The Jayhawks have underwhelmed even the strongest of Kansas fans with flat performances until the final half against North Carolina this weekend. The Wolverines, on the other hand, have looked more like a No. 1 seed than their upcoming opponent, playing inspired basketball in their first two games. However, many critics of Michigan believe their late season slump may portend an early exit against Kansas, who remain 1.5 point favorites.

#3 Michigan State vs #2 Duke (CBS 9:45 PM ET)

A classic matchup pitting top-flight programs and top-flight coaches against one another, Duke holds a slight edge in the odds department because of their pedigree and better overall regular season. However, Michigan State with Louisville looming should they advance, means the Blue Devils will have a major challenge attempting to win their fifth title since 1990. A difficult draw for the Spartans, they will also keep a close eye on the the status of point guard Keith Appling, who left Saturday's game against Memphis when he aggravated a previous shoulder injury. Duke are a 1 point favorite.

#15 Florida Gulf Coast vs #3 Florida (TBS 10:07 PM ET)

Following some close games to inferior competition, the Florida Gators are a point of contention among statheads and traditional basketball fans with the former calling them underrated and the ladder thinking they aren't clutch enough to advance. Although the heart tells fans that the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles can pull out another upset and ultimately win the title, the mind says their unlikely journey through the tournament will end at hands of their Florida brethren, who are huge 12 point favorites.

Odds to win 2013 NCAA Tournament

Louisville 3-1
Indiana 9-2
Duke 8-1
Florida 5-1
Miami 7-1
Kansas 12-1
Michigan 12-1
Michigan State 12-1
Ohio St 8-1
Syracuse 12-1
Arizona 25-1
Marquette 50-1
Oregon 60-1
Wichita St 30-1
La Salle 75-1
Florida Gulf Coast 100-1

Tags
March madness, NCAA Basketball