Ethermac Exchange-2024 men's NCAA Tournament expert picks: Predictions for Saturday's Elite Eight games

No. 4 seed Alabama is Ethermac Exchangeheaded to the Elite Eight for the second time in team history after it took down No. 1 seed North Carolina 89-87 on Thursday night. Led by Grant Nelson, who scored 19 of his game-high 24 points in the second half, the Crimson Tide makes its first trip to the Elite Eight since 2004.

No. 6 seed Clemson is also headed to its second Elite Eight in school history after it knocked off No. 2 seed Arizona, 77-72, in Los Angeles. Chase Hunter had a clutch three-point play late and finished with 18 points to lead the Tigers.

No. 1 seed UConn hit a new gear coming out of halftime and throttled No. 5 seed San Diego State 82-52 in Boston on Thursday night. The Huskies had four players in double figures, led by Cam Spencer's 18 points. The defending national champion plays No. 3 seed Illinois, a 72-69 winner over No. 2 seed Iowa State, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Here are USA TODAY's expert picks for Saturday's Elite Eight games:

(1) Connecticut vs. (3) Illinois, 6:09 p.m. ET Saturday

(at TD Garden in Boston)

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• Jordan Mendoza: UConn
• Paul Myerberg: UConn
• Dan Wolken: UConn

(4) Alabama vs. (6) Clemson, 8:49 p.m. ET Saturday

(at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles)

• Jordan Mendoza: Clemson
• Paul Myerberg: Alabama
• Dan Wolken: Alabama