The Sweet 16 tips off Thursday evening with a plethora of storylines and stars. Let’s dive into the matchups and grab a few plays, courtesy of NBC Sports…

3-Illinois (+105) vs. 2-Iowa State (-125)

Spread: Cyclones -1.5 | O/U: 146

Tip-Off: Thursday, March 28 @ 10:09P ET on TBS

This is the ultimate offense vs. defense tilt as the Fighting Illini own the nation’s top offense since January 1 and the Cyclones have played the best defense since that same date. Can Illinois protect the basketball and defend the opposing point guard the way they did against Duquesne last weekend? Doubtful. In fact, expect Tamin Lipsey to control pace and keep Illinois from getting into the open court. Consider Lipsey OVER 16.5 Points and Assists (-120). The sophomore has reached that total easily in both NCAA Tournament games and in three of his last five overall.

5-San Diego State (+455) vs. 1-UCONN (-625)

Spread: Huskies -11 | O/U: 135.5

Tip-Off: Thursday, March 28 @ 7:39P ET on TBS

This is a rematch of last year’s national championship game and just like in their previous meeting, the Huskies are prohibitive favorites. Coach Hurley has labeled his team as elite, and he will find no argument here. Plays to consider: Tristan Newton OVER 14.5 points (-125). He makes this team go and the ball is constantly in his hands. Donovan Clingan OVER 21.5 Points and Rebounds (-125). The sophomore has blown past that number in each of his last three games. Of course, Connecticut to cover the 11 point spread (-110) is also realistic to expect to cash

6-Clemson (+260) vs 2-Arizona (-325)

Spread: Wildcats -7.5 | O/U: 151.5

Tip-Off: Thursday, March 28 @ 7:09P ET on CBS

Arizona is weak on the perimeter defensively. 32.5% of points against the Wildcats come from deep (272nd in Division 1). Clemson ranks a healthy 25th in catch-and-shoot and 16th in off-the-dribble 3-pointers. The Tigers will live or die pending their results from beyond the arc against Arizona. Let’s ride with Clemson’s Joe Girard III and back him making 3+ three-pointers (-120). He has made at least two in 18 of his last 19 games and at three or more in 10 of those 19. It will be a sweat, but Girard will get plenty of looks.

4-Alabama (+154) vs. 1-North Carolina (-185)

Spread: Tar Heels -4 | O/U: 173.5

Tip-Off: Thursday, March 28 @ 9:50P ET on CBS

North Carolina is defending better than they have in years. Does that continue Thursday against an athletic, attacking but often undisciplined Alabama? The Heels laying the points is a solid play. In addition, Harrison Ingram went 5-7 from beyond the arc in the Round of 32. With the pace of this game expected to result in an above average number of possessions, expect the junior forward to convert on 2+ three-pointers (-120) as has averaged nearly two makes per game on fewer than five attempts for the season. If you really like UNC in this one, consider taking Cormac Ryan OVER 2.5 three’s (+145).