Subscribe to continue reading
Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.
College Basketball Season 25-26 Tips Off with Wild-Guess of a Top 25
Author Archives: College Basketball Eye Test
Sweet 16 Betting Breakdown: Thursday’s Best Against the Spread Picks
Reply
Looking for smart betting picks for Thursday’s Sweet 16 matchups? This article breaks down four key NCAA Tournament games, with against-the-spread predictions for Michigan vs. Auburn, Michigan State vs. Ole Miss, BYU vs. Alabama, and Arizona vs. Duke. See which underdogs have value and which favorites are poised to cover based on matchups that pass the eye test.
It’s funny how reunions of both friends and foes are a constant theme of the college basketball tournament. Caleb Love will, again, be battling with his former in-conference rival, Duke. As you know, Love played for years at UNC where there were some classic clashes with the Blue Devils.
Click here to read 6 more trends fixed as annual traditions during March Madness
Michigan +8.5 vs. Auburn College Basketball Prediction, Pick
Michigan enters this Sweet 16 matchup with one of the biggest frontcourts still standing. Auburn might be the higher seed, but the Wolverines can lean on their size and physicality to dictate the terms of this game. The rebounding edge is where this could tilt. Second-chance points, long possessions—those all benefit Michigan’s style of play. Auburn will try to run, but Michigan has enough discipline and toughness to weather that storm. It’s a tall task to win outright, but getting eight-and-a-half points here looks appealing.
Michigan State -3.5 vs. Ole Miss College Basketball Prediction, Pick
It’s March. And that means one thing: Tom Izzo. His teams tend to tighten up their execution just when other squads start fraying. This version of the Spartans is classic Izzo—experienced guards, versatile forwards, and an edge in physical matchups like this one. Ole Miss has impressed with some big wins to get here, but Michigan State’s defense and discipline should win out in the late possessions. Laying 3.5 with Izzo in March? That always looks good to the eye.
BYU +4.5 vs. Alabama College Basketball Prediction, Pick
This is the most intriguing game of the night for me. Alabama is deep and dangerous, no doubt. But BYU is one of the few teams in the country that can go possession-for-possession with them and keep up the scoring. The Cougars have sharpshooters at every position and play with a pace and confidence that won’t shrink against the Crimson Tide’s press and length. In any 5-on-5 set, BYU can match Alabama bucket for bucket. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cougars win this one outright, and grabbing 4.5 points in a shootout like this looks like a lock.
Arizona +8.5 vs. Duke College Basketball Prediction, Pick
This is where things get tricky. Arizona has the physical tools and offensive firepower to give Duke problems—especially in transition. The Wildcats move the ball well and know how to punish mismatches. But let’s be real: Duke is playing with an NBA showcase right now. They’ve got four, maybe five pros on the floor, and they’re all playing like it’s draft week. Arizona should keep this tight with their own versatility, but I’m not sold on them pulling it out late. Still, 8.5 points feels like too many in a game with this much top-end talent. Arizona to cover looks like a confident lean, even if the Blue Devils escape with the W.
Sunday Game Picks for NCAA Men’s College Basketball March Madness
The Ticket of Integrity: Saturday’s Smartest College Hoops Plays
A loaded slate of college basketball action means it’s time to lock in a Saturday ticket that blends sharp lines, big matchups, and teams with something to prove. This one’s dubbed The Ticket of Integrity, and there’s a lot to like. Let’s break it down pick by pick.
Florida Gators -9.5
The Gators are rolling at home and have a clear edge in both talent and tempo. They’ve been dominant in Gainesville lately, and their aggressive defense tends to overwhelm lesser opponents. Against a team that struggles to score in bunches, Florida should build a lead and keep the foot on the gas. Expect them to cover with some breathing room.
Baylor Bears +12.5
Baylor isn’t your typical double-digit underdog. Even in tough road environments, their backcourt is experienced and battle-tested. This line feels inflated—possibly reacting to a strong opponent—but Baylor’s ability to control pace and knock down timely threes makes them dangerous. They don’t even have to win, just keep it close—and they’re more than capable of that.
Jeremy Roach isn’t the only point guard who is playing his former team for a chance to advance. Roach plays a Duke program he spent three seasons with, but Tre Donaldson will be playing against his old Auburn team for a shot at the Elite 8. This fascination with revenge games, or at least awkward matchups among exes, is one of several trends fixed as annual traditions in recent years. Click here to read 5 more traditions that we now see on an every year basis.
Kentucky Wildcats +2
Kentucky’s youth is starting to gel at the right time. When they’re locked in, this is one of the most offensively explosive teams in the country. They’ll have the best player on the floor and a coaching edge in late-game scenarios. Getting them as an underdog is rare value—this is a live dog play all the way.
Alabama Crimson Tide -250 (Moneyline)
Alabama at home is a different beast. Their offensive firepower, led by elite guard play, can torch defenses in a hurry. While laying -250 on the moneyline is steep, this is about securing a key piece of the parlay with a team unlikely to lose outright. The Tide roll here—plain and simple.
Ironically, St. Mary’s remains one of my top remaining underdog values in the tournament.
Click here to see what teams I had identified as the best 5 future values once the tourney began.
Iowa State Cyclones -5.5
Cyclone Nation is built on suffocating defense and Hilton Magic. Iowa State’s ability to force turnovers and control tempo makes them a nightmare matchup, especially in Ames. With a manageable spread, they’re in a perfect spot to not just win, but win decisively. Trust the home court to deliver once again.
Maryland Terrapins -7.5
The Terps have quietly become one of the more consistent home teams in conference play. Their defense has clamped down lately, and they’ve shown they can string together scoring runs that bury teams quickly. Against a weaker opponent, Maryland should flex early and often. A double-digit win is well within reach.
Arizona Wildcats -3.5
When Arizona is humming, they look like a Final Four team. Their inside-out balance and high tempo can overwhelm opponents who aren’t used to that kind of pace. With tournament positioning on the line, expect a focused effort and a margin that clears the number. The Wildcats know what’s at stake—and they’ll play like it.
🏆 Final 4 Fan-Favorite Articles 🏆
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀
Let’s see if the Ticket of Integrity lives up to the name. Seven plays, one ticket, all winners? We’ll find out soon enough.
PropSwap Futures Tickets for Sale by College Basketball Eye Test Blog
We are sweetening the pot for the most intriguing thing about March Madness, rooting for the underdogs, by selling some futures tickets on our favorite underdogs to win the tourney. Blogger Matty D. has invested in all of these teams and will be riding the bandwagon with you. However, it’s time to hedge and sell off a portion of these shares as these teams are gaining value.
Click here to see our favorite remaining 3-4 future values remaining in the tournament.
These futures tickets for the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament are listed on PropSwap.com, which is a secondary marketplace to resell physical tickets.
Texas A&M Futures Ticket for Resale Ahead of Major Matchup against Michigan
Click here to view or purchase this ticket listed on Propswap for an Aggies Championship.
Wade Taylor IV and the Aggies are moving on after knocking off another one of my favorite future values this season, the Yale Bulldogs. They’ll square up against Michigan, which is a tough matchup with the two 7-footers they run out there. However, one of Texas A&M’s best assets is its depth. They’ll have plenty of bodies and plenty of fouls to throw at the Wolverines. Next up, a potential rematch with SEC foe Auburn. If Auburn’s first half performance against Alabama State is any indication, the Tigers could be vulnerable. If the Aggies get past those two challenging matchups, the sky is the limit. The Aggies also just beat Auburn to finish its historically great regular season (beating a #1 overall ranked team for the first time in its 100+ year history).
Saint Mary’s Futures Ticket for Resale for Those Who Like to Grind Out Wins
There are more exciting teams to watch than St. Mary’s, but the Gaels are good enough to make a Final Four. They have veteran leadership, have an identity with their methodical pace, and have beaten a good Gonzaga team on multiple occasions this season. Therefore, they’re proven.
Click here to view or purchase this ticket listed on Propswap for a St. Mary’s Championship
Join the Drake Train While You Can at a Crazy Number for a Huge Payout
At the time that this ticket was listed, it was the first and only Drake ticket listed on the PropSwap marketplace. Therefore, let the bidding begin at 100-1!
Click here to view or purchase this ticket to win $2,500+ if Drake Wins it All
If you watched Drake dismantle a good Missouri team, it’s not hard to imagine this ticket gaining value. PropSwap currently has this ticket rated as a “poor” value, but I disagree!
PropSwap is not a sponsor of this article.
For business inquiries about this blog, please email mattydmedia@gmail.com today.
Friday’s March Madness Games, Odds, Picks from College Basketball Eye Test
On Thursday the Men’s College Basketball Tournament got started in fitting fashion with two underdogs looking like title contenders but now it’s time to quickly turn attention to Friday’s games. Drake and McNeese State opened eyes across the nation not only beating their power conference opponents (Missouri and Clemson respectively), but looking like a dark-horse candidate for a Final 4 run in the process.
Click here for the Ultimate College Basketball Blog Hub
Yale got yanked from the tournament. They were my lone futures underdog that didn’t survive Thursday’s action. See my top 4 remaining underdog futures by clicking here.
1. Liberty +6.5 vs. Oregon (Grade: A+)
Liberty getting 6.5 against Oregon felt like a steal, and this one tops the list for good reason. The Flames have been a tough out all year with a disciplined system and three-point shooting that can keep them in any game. Colin Porter is a jitter bug undersized point guard who is fun to watch but hard to stay in front of. Catching nearly a touchdown against an Oregon team still figuring itself out? Chef’s kiss.
2. Grand Canyon +10.5 vs. Maryland (Grade: A)
This one had “sharp” written all over it. Grand Canyon has quietly become a defensive juggernaut in their conference, and catching double digits against an up-and-down Maryland squad was just too good to pass up. Even more appealing: Terps head coach Kevin Willard is surrounded by speculation as the potential next Villanova hire. With that kind of distraction hovering over the program, 10.5 points looks even tastier.
3. UConn ML vs. Oklahoma (Grade: A-)
Taking the reigning champs on the money line at a reasonable -192 was a smart anchor to this parlay. UConn’s size, depth, and defensive prowess make them a reliable choice in high-pressure games like this one, and Oklahoma just doesn’t have the tools to match them bucket-for-bucket.
4. Marquette ML vs. New Mexico (Grade: A-)
Another safe money line pick that added stability to the slate. Marquette’s high-octane offense and Shaka Smart’s defensive scheme give them an edge over New Mexico, even if the Lobos are no slouches. Laying -166 felt like a worthy investment.
5. Baylor +1.5 vs. Mississippi State (Grade: A-)
Catching points with Baylor? Yes, please. This Bears team is deep and battle-tested, and while Mississippi State is gritty, they don’t quite have the offensive firepower to pull away. This one had “tight game decided late” written all over it—perfect for that +1.5.
6. Bryant +17.5 vs. Michigan State (Grade: A-)
Taking Bryant with the points may have raised some eyebrows, but 17.5 is a lot to cover, even for Michigan State. Bryant has enough shooters and tempo control to keep it respectable, and the Spartans haven’t exactly been lighting it up offensively this season.
HALFTIME: You’ve reached the half-way mark of this article. Bookmark your next click…
🏆 Final 4 Fan-Favorite Articles:
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀
7. Iowa State -14.5 vs. Lipscomb (Grade: A-)
A big number to lay, but Iowa State’s defense can suffocate mid-majors like Lipscomb. Once the Cyclones get rolling, they’re capable of creating scoring runs that blow things open fast. This felt like a smart move, even with the wide spread.
8. Arizona -13.5 vs. Akron (Grade: B+)
Arizona has the firepower to cover this kind of spread, but Akron isn’t a pushover. This pick leaned on Arizona’s athletic edge and transition game, which can turn a close game into a rout in a matter of minutes. Solid pick, just a bit of a sweat.
9. Alabama -22.5 vs. Robert Morris (Grade: B+)
This was a swing for the fences. Alabama can certainly run it up, and Robert Morris simply doesn’t have the horses to hang, but covering 22.5 requires perfection. High upside, but some risk baked in.
10. Saint Mary’s ML vs. Vanderbilt (Grade: B)
This one was all about trusting the system. Saint Mary’s grinds teams down and controls tempo as well as anyone, but Vanderbilt is athletic enough to throw them off rhythm. Still, at -170, it was a calculated play that made sense. St. Mary’s is one of my favorite values for futures betting. Click here to see which of those underdog teams are still remaining.
11. Kentucky -10.5 vs. Troy (Grade: B-)
Kentucky should absolutely take care of business against Troy, even on a neutral court. But covering 10.5 depends on which version of the Wildcats shows up. They’ve been erratic at times, especially with young lineups, which makes this one a little dicey despite the talent gap.
12. Memphis +2.5 vs. Colorado State (Grade: C-)
This was the most volatile pick on the card. Memphis has talent, but they’re wildly inconsistent, and Colorado State is one of those fundamentally sound teams that just doesn’t beat itself. Taking Memphis here was a gut play—and the gut doesn’t always win.
6 March Madness Trends Fixed as Annual Traditions in 2025
BY MATT DE SARLE
Each of these March Madness traditions are already rearing their ugly, or beautiful, heads.
- Play-In Game Winners Gain Momentum and Beat the Odds
North Carolina is demolishing San Diego State, a historically great defensive program. Their decisive win is silencing all of their detractors who said they didn’t belong in the tournament. UNC’s newfound momentum now finds them as the annual dangerous 11 seed that finds its mojo in Dayton. As improbable as this sounds, the play-in game winner has become very dangerous. Those teams carry momentum. They get the natural advantage of getting familiar with the arena on a Tuesday or Wednesday before they play the at-large opponent on Thursday or Friday.
In 2022, 11-seeded Notre Dame beat Rutgers in a close (play-in) game and then crushed 6-seeded Alabama by 14 points in the next matchup. Notre Dame then gave 3-seed Texas Tech trouble before losing by 6 points.
In 2021, UCLA won its play-in game as an 11 seed and continued its magical run all the way to the Final Four.
In 2018, Syracuse made the Sweet 16 as an 11 seed after beating Arizona State in the play-in game.
In 2017, 11-seed USC upset (4-loss) SMU in the first round after winning its play-in game.
In 2016, Fred VanVleet and the 11-seed Wichita State Shockers beat Vanderbilt in the playoff game before upsetting 6-seed Arizona.
And so this trend of the 11 seed gaining momentum…is gaining momentum.
Fun fact: In the last 30 years, an 11 seed is much more likely to make a Final Four as compared to a 6 seed. The last 6 seed to make a Final Four was the Fab Five in 1993. Meantime, there have been four 11 seeds to make the Final Four since 2006 (George Mason, VCU, Loyola Chicago, and UCLA).
- Sunday’s Made-for-TV Matchup Returns
The potential Baylor vs. Duke matchup on Sunday looms as another prime-time showdown tailor-made for TV drama. CBS and the NCAA continue their tradition of arranging Sunday games that capture maximum attention and create compelling narratives. This is nothing new. Wichita State basketball fans still aren’t over the letdown of losing to 8-seed Kentucky on Sunday, March 23rd, 2014.
Illinois basketball fans can relate, as the committee arranged a Sunday matinee for Sister Jean and Loyola-Chicago to renew their Cinderella ways against an in-state foe in 2021. Loyola was arguably a top-10 team nationally, yet they were given a 9 seed, ensuring a high-profile matchup with 1-seed Illinois within the first weekend. It was just too good of a television programming moment for the committee and/or television executives to pass up.
🏆 Final 4 Fan-Favorite Articles:
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀
- Donovan Dent and the Dangerous Leading Scorer
If CJ McCollum and Harold “The Show” Arceneaux haven’t taught us anything, then Max Abmas and Oral Roberts made it officially official: The scoring abilities of a guard who ranks in the top five (or first overall) nationwide can translate in the tournament. Donovan Dent, the nation’s eighth-leading scorer, is now leading a dangerous 10-seed in a winnable eighth fraction of the bracket in the South. History tells us to keep an eye on these types of players.
- Shaky Teams Get Shocked in the First Showdown
Duke is limping to the finish line and is about to be shocked. The Blue Devils have two superstars nursing injuries (Click here to see the injury tracker), and while their roster is stacked with first-round projected NBA picks, that doesn’t always equate to Final Four finishes. Oftentimes, these players are preoccupied with other priorities.
With two losses in late February and an early exit from the SEC Tournament, perhaps we should have seen the 2021-22 Kentucky Wildcats struggling with 15-seed Saint Peter’s in the NCAA Tournament. Purdue is another team that lost to this same Saint Peter’s bunch. The Boilermakers also showed signs of trouble late in the season. They lost three games in the final two weeks of the regular season (at Michigan State, at Wisconsin, and home to Iowa).
Do we expect Purdue to be undefeated the final two weeks in a tough Big Ten gauntlet of a schedule? No. Were the warning signs there for a team stacked with NBA talent? Yes.
- Future NBA Greats Don’t Always Dominate
Tre Johnson, the freshman phenom at Texas, is the player to watch in this category. If he’s as dominant as advertised, he has a path to shine. He would have winnable games against Illinois and Kentucky if his bracket broke according to the favorites. However, history tells us that not all elite prospects make deep runs in the tournament.
If you’re a fan of 1990s NBA hoops, think of the best players of the past three decades who actually played some college basketball: Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan. None made a Final Four. In fact, most of these greats struggled to advance beyond the first weekend. Conversely, media darlings like Jimmer Fredette and Luka Garza became National Players of the Year yet never cracked the Sweet 16.
- Committee’s Fascination with Reunions and Revenge Games
The orchestration of great storylines goes beyond Sunday matchups. The committee loves arranging revenge games and reuniting old foes. A potential Kansas vs. Missouri game could dictate who makes an Elite Eight from the former Big Eight conference. It’s not the first time the committee has set up a meeting between exes. In case you don’t know the history, the rivalry between Kansas and Missouri goes back to the violent quarrels that led up to the Civil War itself.
The most recent example is how Michigan State transfer Foster Loyer played against his old team in round one. The committee didn’t even wait for the field of 32 to reunite that broken relationship! It happens frequently for coaches, too. One example that comes to mind is when 11-seeded Arizona State got paired with 6-seeded Buffalo in the first round, setting up an awkward meeting between Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley and his former school. Not only did Buffalo face their ex-coach, but they did so in their highest-ever tournament seeding, making for compelling drama. Buffalo beat Arizona State in 2019, proving once again that storylines drive the bracket.
Final Thought: March Madness always delivers its usual dose of insanity, and 2025 is proving to be no different. As you pick your bracket, remember that future NCAA legends should be good, but not too great. The team should be must-see TV, but not have a tragic character whose reputation could never outpace his play. Good luck with that.
Exciting Thursday Games: Betting Insights and Predictions for March Madness 2025
The madness has arrived, and with it comes the challenge of picking winners against the spread. With upsets brewing and lines set to tempt bettors, I’m locking in my best plays for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The key? Taking value where the market gives it and, in the case of BYU and Michigan, paying a small premium on the money line to avoid sweating the points.
🏆 Final 4 Fan-Favorite Articles:
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀
Creighton (+2.5) vs. Louisville
This game should be an old-fashioned pick ‘em. Both teams have the talent to make a run, and I don’t see a clear favorite here. When that’s the case, I’m gladly taking the 2.5 points with Creighton, knowing they have just as much of a chance to win outright as Louisville.
High Point (+8.5) vs. Purdue
Purdue isn’t a No. 1 seed this year, but they still have the size and experience to be dangerous. That said, High Point is built to cover this spread. Their perimeter shooting and ability to speed up the pace make them a sneaky play at +8.5.
Montana (+16.5) vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin plays a slow, grinding style, which makes covering a big number like 16.5 tough. Montana should be able to keep this game within reach simply by limiting possessions and playing solid defense.
McNeese State (+7.5) vs. Clemson
McNeese is one of the strongest mid-majors in this tournament, and they match up well against Clemson. Their defense and ability to control the tempo make them a live dog here. I’ll take the 7.5 points with confidence.
BYU (Money Line, -142) vs. VCU
Rather than sweating BYU covering the spread, I’m backing them on the money line at -142. The Cougars have the edge in talent and efficiency, and I trust them to win outright without worrying about VCU sneaking in a late cover.
Georgia (+6.5) vs. Gonzaga
This isn’t the same dominant Gonzaga team we’ve seen in years past. Georgia has the athleticism to keep this one close, and they’re more than capable of hanging within 6.5 points.
Arkansas (+4.5) vs. Kansas
Kansas has been shaky down the stretch, and Arkansas has the athleticism and defensive intensity to make this a dogfight. With Kansas showing inconsistency, I’ll take the Razorbacks and the 4.5 points.
Yale (+7.5) vs. Texas A&M
The Ivy League has a history of bracket-busting, and Yale fits the mold of a team that can make things uncomfortable for a higher seed. Their methodical offense and tough defense should keep this game close, making 7.5 points an easy take.
What makes Yale one of the best overall underdogs in the tournament is their continuity and discipline. The Bulldogs don’t rely on one or two star players; they execute as a unit, making them less susceptible to off-nights from individual performers. They also control tempo exceptionally well, which forces more athletic teams into uncomfortable half-court battles. That’s a nightmare for an opponent like Texas A&M, which thrives in transition. If you’re looking for an underdog with serious long-term value, Yale deserves your attention.
Click here to check out the full top 5 underdogs worth backing for futures!
Drake (+6.5) vs. Missouri
Drake has already proven they can compete with Power Five schools. Missouri has been inconsistent, and this feels like a classic mid-major value pick. I’ll take the points and wouldn’t be shocked if Drake wins outright.
Beyond this game, Drake is one of the best underdog teams in the entire tournament field. The biggest reason? Bennett Stirtz. He’s the smoothest point guard in the country that no one is talking about. The Bulldogs are loaded with talent from the Kansas City area and transfers from Northwest Missouri State, where new head coach Ben McCollum has built a championship-winning culture.
McCollum’s dominance at the Division II level—where he won four national titles and posted an 81.2% career win rate—is a blueprint for success at the Division I level. His system is proven, and now he has the resources and talent to execute it on a larger stage. Expect his winning mentality and attention to detail to make Drake one of the most dangerous low seeds in the entire field.
Click here to see why Drake made my top 5 underdogs for futures!
Michigan (Money Line, -150) vs. UC San Diego
Another spot where I’m avoiding the spread and simply backing Michigan to win outright. UC San Diego is no pushover, but Michigan’s talent gap should be enough to get the job done. I’ll take the money line at -150 rather than sweating a possible tight finish.
UNC Wilmington (+15.5) vs. Texas Tech
Texas Tech can score, but they also allow teams to hang around. UNC Wilmington has the offensive tools to keep this from getting out of hand, making 15.5 points too good to pass up.
This game also has a few key injuries to consider. Click here for our injury tracker.
St. John’s (-18.5) vs. Omaha
St. John’s is built to run teams out of the gym, and Omaha doesn’t have the firepower to keep up. When the Red Storm get rolling, they don’t let up, and I expect this one to be over early. Lay the 18.5 and trust the blowout.
Thursday’s Games with Huge Favorites
There are a handful of Thursday games that I’m passing on simply because the spreads are too outrageous to find real value. These include Auburn vs. Alabama State/Saint Francis, Florida vs. Norfolk State, Duke vs. American/Mount St. Mary’s, Houston vs. SIU Edwardsville, and Tennessee vs. Wofford. These matchups feature top-seeded teams against overmatched opponents, where the favorites are more than capable of running away with the game—but covering a massive number in the first round is always a gamble. While a few of these underdogs might hang around early, there’s too much risk in relying on them to keep it close for 40 minutes or expecting the favorites to stay locked in for a full blowout cover. Sometimes, the best play is no play at all.
Final Thoughts
This tournament is full of value plays, and I’m taking a mix of live underdogs and sharp money line bets to maximize profit potential. BYU and Michigan are worth paying a small premium to avoid the spread, while teams like Drake, Yale, and McNeese could all exceed expectations. If you’re looking for underdogs that can make a deep run, check out the full list of the top 5 underdogs for futures bets!
March Madness 2025: First Impressions of Each Region
Men’s College Basketball Tournament Preview
With the NCAA Tournament bracket officially revealed, the first look at each region reveals key storylines, potential upsets, and teams set up for deep runs. Here’s an initial breakdown from CollegeBasketballEyeTest.com author Matty D.
Click here to find a printable bracket as a PDF.
🏆 Elite 8 Articles 🏆
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
✈️ Fun Destinations for March Madness Travel✈️
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀
⚔️Rivalry Reignited⚔️
📊 Season ATS Standings 📊
😎Coolest Player Names😎
South Region: Tough Roads and Underseeded Teams
Texas A&M and Michigan got no favors in their draw, facing nightmare high seeds with a potential meeting against Auburn looming. Meanwhile, under-seeded teams like Louisville, Marquette, and Creighton could create chaos in this region. The 11-seed looks dangerous and could roll through the bracket. As for upsets, Bryant has a legitimate chance to beat Michigan State outright, but at the very least, they’re a lock to cover the first half spread.
East Region: Duke on Upset Alert
Duke might be one of the biggest names in the East, but they’re far from safe. Baylor, Arizona, BYU, or Alabama all have the firepower to take them down. The SEC’s representation in this region is interesting, with Vanderbilt sneaking in as a 10-seed and Alabama managing to hold onto a 2-seed. While most lower seeds don’t pose a significant Sweet 16 threat, Liberty has the tools to take out Oregon in the first round.
Midwest Region: Houston’s to Lose, But Upsets Lurk
The Midwest Region looks like Houston’s to lose, but there’s plenty of room for chaos. The winner of the Clemson vs. McNeese matchup could make the most noise in this section of the bracket. Purdue sits as a high seed, but High Point has a real shot at taking them down. Meanwhile, Texas is a team to watch—if they build momentum, they could be a dangerous 11-seed no one wants to face.
West Region: Cinderella Runs and a Potential Border War
The West Region might be the most unpredictable of them all. The winner of Missouri vs. Drake is primed for an Elite Eight run, while a potential “Border War” clash between Kansas and Missouri could add a historic rivalry to the mix. In the first round, Maryland vs. Grand Canyon could be the best game to watch. Meanwhile, Walter Clayton Jr. and Florida is built for a deep run and could find themselves in the Elite Eight, no matter if they’re facing a No. 6, 7, or 11 seed along the way.
First Takeaway
The bracket is set, and early impressions reveal a mix of powerhouse teams, potential Cinderella stories, and major upset possibilities. As always, March Madness promises chaos, and this year’s first look suggests we’re in for another wild ride.
Selection Sunday Sites College Basketball Fans Should Be Monitoring
The Selection Sunday Show, broadcast exclusively by CBS Sports at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, is just hours away. In the meantime, there’s a lot of housekeeping to take care of as a college basketball fan.
If you’re the fan of a bubble team, I hope your plans for this Sunday morning included going to church and saying a few Hail Mary’s. The quality of the bubble teams’ play down the stretch has left something to be desired. North Carolina couldn’t come up with a quality win. Boise State got crushed by Colorado State in its championship game. And, it’s felt like an eternity since we saw Wake Forest, Xavier and Ohio State play basketball.
Here are some sites to keep your eyes on before the 2025 March Madness bracket is revealed.
🏆 Elite 8 Articles 🏆
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
✈️ 4 Fun Destinations to March Madness Travel✈️
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 7 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀
📊 Season ATS Standings 📊
💰 This Week’s Best Picks 💰
🕵️♂️ Fun Matchups the Committee Could Conspire 🕵️♂️
Best Underdogs Odds to Win a Title before 2025 March Madness Bracket Reveal
Another piece of housekeeping before the bracket is revealed includes jumping on some crazy odds before they dry up. For example, Yale was still spotted at 1,000-to-1 to win it all. Sure, this is a crazy bet, but if they (or a similar underdog) make the Sweet 16, you’d look like a genius with a lot of leverage in your pocket.
Game Previews and Predictions for Championship Week Saturday – NCAAB
Sometimes you just have to see things for what they are. This is a college basketball season where the cream has been rising to, and is now congealed solid on, the top. The SEC powers and possible eventual champions Auburn, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee all handled their business in decisive fashion. Duke crushed its opponent, which was a desperate UNC team that needed a quality win. Will the dominance continue in semifinal and championship games?
Here are my predictions for a critical Saturday across the college basketball landscape.
The team is begin with is the team I would take considering the spread.
Michigan -3.5 vs. Wisconsin College Basketball Prediction, Pick
Its the time of year wihen Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo leads guards who are peaking in their command of the game. Forwards are ripping the rebound away from the opponent. They are hungry, they are hungry, and they are well coached. Combo guard Jase Richardson finds himself climbing up NBA mock draft boards. [Click here to see a full list of NBA sons in NCAAB today].
Tennessee +5.5 vs. Auburn College Basketball Prediction, Pick
This Tennessee Vols team is interesting. Its starting five appears to have all the right parts, but with six losses in this SEC schedule, is there a ceiling for this team right below where the cream rises?
This article documents my season record (ATS) so far during the 2025 campaign.
For today’s matchup I see Tennessee having something more to prove than Auburn and probably winning this game. I’d certainly like them getting five points.
Michigan +4.5 vs. Maryland College Basketball Prediction, Pick
Michigan is a highly talented team that looks like it’s still figuring each other out. Turnovers have cost them games. However, you wouldn’t expect that from a team with a lot of transfers but a lot of them with high stakes Madness games under their belts. Today a surging Maryland team will probably beat them outright, but I expect a wire-to-wire game where Michigan plus 4-and-a-half sounds good to me.
VCU -9.5 vs. Loyola Chicago College Basketball Prediction, Pick
VCU’s defensive pressure has the potential to suffocate Loyola Chicago in this matchup. The Rams thrive on creating turnovers and converting them into easy buckets, a recipe that should overwhelm a Ramblers team that has struggled against elite defensive units. With their ability to control the glass and dictate the tempo, a double-digit win for VCU looks appealing.
Memphis -8.5 vs. Tulane College Basketball Prediction, Pick
Memphis has the length, athleticism, and defensive chops to make life miserable for Tulane. The Tigers’ pressure defense should disrupt the Green Wave’s perimeter shooting while their ability to attack in transition will keep the scoreboard moving.
Alabama +3.5 vs. Florida College Basketball Prediction, Pick
Alabama’s offensive attack is built to stretch defenses, and that’s exactly what I see happening against Florida. The Crimson Tide’s ability to hit threes in bunches and force a faster tempo should neutralize the Gators’ size advantage. With the way Alabama can take over games late, getting three-and-a-half points in this spot is something that stands out.
St. John’s -6.5 vs. Creighton College Basketball Prediction, Pick
St. John’s thrives in chaotic games, and they should have Creighton playing at an uncomfortable pace. Their defensive pressure will create turnovers, and their depth will allow them to keep the pressure on for 40 minutes. At home, with the crowd at MSG fueling their energy, a win by at least seven looks like a sharp play. With old school New Yorkers crawling all around and inside the Garden, this is an ESPN Classic before it even tips.
Louisville +5.5 vs. Duke College Basketball Prediction, Pick
Louisville has shown a scrappy edge lately, and that’s exactly what you need to stay competitive against Duke. The Cardinals’ physicality in the paint and ability to control the tempo should keep them within striking distance all game. Given the way they’ve been competing, getting five-and-a-half points in this spot looks like a clear value play. Two-way star Chucky Hepburn for Louisville has been the agitator and leader on this surging, high energy team. Coach Pat Kelsey has them playing a brand of basketball similar to the up-tempo exhausting pace that had both his Winthrop and College of Charleston underdogs in several tournaments in recent years. I like Louisville to compete with Duke throughout and possibly land a black eye with a giant haymaker here.
College Basketball Eye Test 