2025 NCAAB Men’s Tournament First Round - Best Bets & Betting Odds - March 21
All odds provided by Betway.
No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina - South Region - Milwaukee, WI @ 4:05PM
This is one of the most peculiar lines we’ve seen at Canadian sportsbooks ahead of the Madness. Ole Miss is coming out of the fire of the SEC, while North Carolina barely made it into the Big Dance through the First Four.
Most didn’t think they should have even received that bid, but they demolished San Diego State on Tuesday, so here we are. Ole Miss isn’t exactly on a roll right now, but they have dominated non-conference competition this year, going 12-3 against teams that weren’t from the brutal SEC.
The Tar Heels had a worse record than the Rebels despite playing in the weaker ACC, and they went an ugly 1-8 against teams ranked in the AP poll. There’s no way Ole Miss should be a dog here after the way people were trashing UNC even getting a bid for the Madness.
Best Bet: Ole Miss Moneyline (+110)
No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Arkansas - South Region - Cleveland, OH @ 10:00PM
We like Michigan State to make a deep run in this tournament, but 17.5 points is not the type of spread we like to bet on during March Madness. Instead, we’ll have a look at some player props, as the Spartans have a few guys who could be considered the usual suspects.
The one we’ve got our eye on is Jase Richardson. The freshman is the son of Michigan State legend and two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson. Jase was raised in fame, and clearly, he is ready for the bright lights. He put up 17 and 21 in two conference tourney games, going a combined 7-for-12 from long range.
Bryant is no slouch out on the three-point line, but Richardson should get enough chances here in what should be a comfortable win. He has hit this number in four straight games, and we think the youngster will shine that much brighter during March Madness.
Best Bet: Jase Richardson Over 16.5 Points (-115)
No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State - West Region - Seattle, WA @ 2:00PM
We’ve gone back and forth on this one, but we just don’t like Memphis in this tourney. They’re not great from the free throw line and they turn the ball over a ton. However, we’re not sure we can fully bet against the Tigers either because, despite that, Penny Hardaway’s group is rolling with eight straight wins. Oh, and they have some elite talent too.
PJ Haggerty is one to watch, but forward Dain Dainja is the one who has caught our eye recently. And how couldn’t he, with an awesome name like that. Colorado State is going to be in “Dainja” of this inside scoring machine going off, whether they win or lose. Dainja has gone for 20+ in five of eight games, including his last two straight. You can tell, like Richardson, this kid loves the big moment. And this is it.
Best Bet: Dain Dainja 20+ Points (+110)
