2025 March Madness Sweet 16 best bets, picks by Chris "The Bear" Fallica

"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making.

We're heading to the Sweet 16 for college basketball, and I'm back with a few wagers for the next round of March Madness hoops. Let's dive into my picks. 

No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 10 Arkansas

I love this Texas Tech team. I know there are concerns about Darrion Williams and his calf and about if Chance McMillian will return. But the Red Raiders have shown they can win by knocking down 3s like they did in the Big 12 tourney. And they've also shown they can win when they're off — like the last game against Drake. 

I get the Arkansas love, I do. But let’s take a look at the draw the Hogs have had so far. Kansas had that game won. Then the Jayhawks suffered a crushing injury to KJ Adams and then turned the ball over four straight possessions. This all led to the Razorbacks pulling the upset. Then St. John’s couldn't throw one into the ocean in what was a horrible game to sit through. It was more about bad St. John’s than good Arkansas. 

I still think Tech is underappreciated and should the Red Raiders take care of business here, I think they would be super live in the Elite Eight. 

PICK: Texas Tech (-5.5) to win by more than 5.5 points 

No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 5 Michigan

I'm staying away from the side. And that's because the thing I am most confident about here is that Auburn will score points. Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin can be exposed defensively and that should lead to a parade of baskets for the Tigers. 

On the flip side, we know Michigan can turn the ball over, but the Wolverines can also knock down 3s, which could result in them hanging around a big number. I’m not interested in playing Plinko. I'll just take Auburn’s