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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 lineat -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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Colorado State sophomore Rashaan Mbemba rises up over a defender for a hook shot.
Here are some sites to keep your eyes on before the 2025 March Madness bracket is revealed.
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.
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?
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.
March is here, and with it comes the most exciting stretch of the college basketball season. The regular season is winding down, and teams are making their final push before conference tournaments and the madness that follows. With only a handful of games left, the stakes are higher than ever. Some teams are fighting for seeding, others are clawing for a spot in the Big Dance, and a few are just looking to end their seasons on a high note. As we dive into the last weekend of regular season action, it’s time for another round of free picks against the spread—a 20-leg betting adventure featuring some of the most intriguing lines of the weekend.
FREE COLLEGE BASKETBALL PICKS AGAINST THE SPREAD FOR MARCH 8, 2025
St. John’s University (+3.5) – Can the Red Storm keep it close in a critical matchup?
Kentucky (+5.5) – The Wildcats look to cover against a tough opponent.
Georgia (-5.5) – A favorable line for the Bulldogs at home.
Wisconsin (-11) – The Badgers aim to dominate in their final home game.
Kansas State (+6.5) – The Wildcats fight to stay competitive.
Louisville (-11) – Louisville seeks a big win to cap off the season.
Yale University (-7.5) – The Ivy League race heats up.
Tennessee Volunteers (-16.5) – The Vols hope to cruise to victory.
Wake Forest University (-6.5) – A strong play for the Demon Deacons.
Seton Hall University (+18.5) – The Pirates look to cover a big spread.
University of Alabama (+7.5) – Can Bama pull off the upset or at least keep it close?
Drake University (-7.5) – A strong mid-major play.
Louisiana State University (+6.5) – LSU fights to stay relevant.
University of Arizona (+3.5) – The Wildcats look to outshine expectations.
Clemson University (-17.5) – A big team that thrives on punishing opponents inside, but is this spread too big for them to cover?
University of Florida (-11.5) – Gators look to cover with ease.
UNC(+10.5) – A big spread for a blue-blood program
Texas Tech University (-11.5) – Red Raiders aim to finish strong.
With all these matchups on deck, this weekend is shaping up to be an exciting one. Whether you’re tailing these picks, making your own adjustments, or just enjoying the final weekend of regular-season college hoops, there’s plenty to look forward to before the madness begins. Be sure to follow along with #SuspectSpreadsSaturday for more insights and analysis!
March Madness is almost here, and every college basketball fan wants an edge. Whether you’re tracking injuries, scouting underdogs, or looking for fun destinations to experience the madness firsthand, CollegeBasketballeyetest.com has you covered. Our latest Elite 8 Articles connect you with the most important topics leading up to the tournament.
📲 Your One-Stop Shop for College Hoops
We dive deep into the latest trends, hidden betting opportunities, and must-watch storylines. These articles guide you through every aspect of the tournament:
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch – Key players battling injuries could make or break their team’s chances. Stay informed before placing any bets.
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars – Meet the next generation of basketball royalty making waves in college hoops.
🐶 Top 5 Underrated Underdogs – Every year, a few lower-seeded teams make a deep run. These are the squads to keep an eye on.
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions – From historic buzzer-beaters to iconic pep bands, relive the best traditions of the tournament.
📊 Season ATS Standings – Betting against the spread? Check which teams have been the most (and least) profitable all season.
💰 This Week’s Best Picks – Get expert insights on the best value plays leading up to Selection Sunday.
🕵️♂️ Fun Matchups the Committee Could Conspire – Which potential tournament matchups could stir up the most drama? We break down the possibilities.
✈️ Four Fun Destinations to Travel for March Madness – Want to experience the madness in person? Here are four great cities to catch the action live.
With these deep dives, our site connects college basketball fans to the info they crave. Click through to any article and stay ahead of the game this March! 🚀
When I say “the committee,” what do you think of? If you envision the power players who sit together on Selection Sunday to reveal the most unrivaled postseason format in U.S. Sports History, you would be correct. The committee is just days (or maybe hours depending on when you’re reading this) away from unveiling the Division 1 Men’s College Basketball Tournament bracket. With so many superior teams at the top of the rankings, there are sure to be some intriguing matchups with the middle of the pack. As much attention and sometimes scorn that this group gets, the tournament committee routinely fixes matchups that offer awesome storylines.
(This is one of 6 fixed traditions that I expect each year from the bracket – click here to see those).
And while you anxiously await the bracket, here are 5 fun matchups to hope for.
Border War Between Missouri and Kansas Could Re-ignite
The rivalry between Kansas and Missouri dates back much further than the Jayhawks and the Tigers. It dates back to the conflicts that preceded the American Civil War. Therefore, this basketball matchup was always a highly intense event. Kansas and Missouri spent years battling it out on the hardwood as they were Big 12 (or Big 8) conference rivals. In recent years, Missouri joined the SEC but had the good sense to still respect this history and schedule a non-conference matchup against each other. Although this has led to plenty of hotly contested games, nothing would stir the pot more dramatically than head-to-head combat in the NCAA Tournament.
The author of this blog is also a YouTube producer who created a horror stories series featuring many ghost stories dating back to Bleeding Kansas Era. Click here to watch some.
With KU struggling to finish its season strong, it could be dropping to a 6 or 7 seed. This could put them in position to play a 2 or 3 seeded Missouri Tigers team in the field of 32.
The violent confrontations between Kansas and Missouri during the Civil War era are commonly referred to as “Bleeding Kansas” or the “Border War.” These terms describe the series of violent civil confrontations between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in the Kansas Territory and western Missouri between 1854 and 1859. The conflict was characterized by electoral fraud, raids, assaults, and murders carried out by pro-slavery “border ruffians” and retaliatory raids by anti-slavery “free-staters.” This period of violence significantly shaped American politics and contributed to the onset of the Civil War.
Pitinos Pitted Against Each Other?
When it comes to teams he previously coached, legend Rick Pitino has plenty of exes. There’s Iona, Louisville, Kentucky — all of which could make this year’s tourney. And if the NCAA Tournament bracket falls into place just right, college basketball fans could witness a rare and emotionally charged showdown between a father and son on the sidelines. St. John’s is having a storybook season where Pitino has resurrected the program to already clinch a Big East regular season title as March begins.
With Rick Pitino’s St. John’s squad projected as a potential No. 2 or 3 seed, and his son Richard Pitino’s New Mexico team positioned as a dangerous 10 or 11 seed, the path to an unforgettable coaching clash is on the table. Should the Lobos pull off a first-round victory, the second-round matchup could pit the legendary Hall of Fame coach against his own son, turning the family dynamic into a high-stakes chess match on college basketball’s biggest stage. It would be a moment filled with pride, strategy, and inevitable heartbreak—one Pitino would move on, the other would go home.
Chucky’s Revenge
Now that the transfer portal has become a mainstay of how college basketball rosters are filled out, there will be no shortage of opportunities for awkward reunions. Players who thought they were tranfersring to greener pastures will undoubtedly face a program that has done fine without them, also qualifying for the tourney. Among those intriguing storylines brewing—one that could pit Louisville’s Chucky Hepburn against his former Wisconsin team in a high-stakes, win-or-go-home battle. With both programs eyeing a spot in the field of 68, a potential reunion on the court wouldn’t just be compelling—it would be personal.
Hepburn, who spent three seasons as Wisconsin’s floor general before transferring to Louisville, has quickly become an integral piece for the Cardinals. His defensive tenacity and poise under pressure once made him a beloved figure in Madison, but now, those same traits could spell trouble for the Badgers should they meet in the tournament. Depending on how the bracket shakes out, Louisville could enter as a lower-seeded team looking to pull off an upset, while Wisconsin’s steadier season might earn them a more favorable placement. That kind of disparity would only heighten the drama if the two programs are matched up in the early rounds.
If the selection committee delivers this potential clash, fans would be treated to a rare and emotionally charged battle where Hepburn’s deep knowledge of Wisconsin’s system could work in Louisville’s favor. Would his familiarity with Greg Gard’s schemes give the Cardinals an edge? Or would the Badgers’ defense, one he helped define during his tenure in Madison, have the perfect blueprint to shut him down?
Fingerprints of Former Florida Atlantic Stars All Over Tourney Bracket
Speaking of the transfer portal, the Cinderella story of the 2023 NCAA Tournament will have its fingerprints all over this college basketball bracket. Four former Owls—Johnell Davis (Arkansas), Alijah Martin (Florida), Vladislav Goldin (Michigan), and Nick Boyd (San Diego State) are all key contributors on their new teams. With each of their squads in the mix for a March Madness berth, the tournament could deliver an emotional reunion—this time as opponents.
Davis, the explosive guard who helped lead FAU’s magical run, has brought his scoring prowess to Arkansas, while Martin is making his presence felt at Florida. Goldin, a dominant force in the paint, provides Michigan with size and rim protection, and Boyd’s veteran leadership has been crucial for a normally mature San Diego State program.
Even the 2023 FAU’s head coach Dusty May could resurface in this storyline. He cashed in the 2023 run for a head coaching position at Michigan and took Vladislav Goldin with him.
Even Brenen Lorient, a role player at best on that FAU Final 4 team, could pop onto the radar screen. His North Texas Mean Green team wouldn’t be a big surprise to win the American Athletic Conference tournament because they’re currently slated as a 2 seed there. They’d likely have to knock off AP Top 25 team Memphis in the process.
March is finally here, and with it comes the excitement of college basketball’s most crucial stretch. With conference tournaments looming and Selection Sunday approaching, every game carries weight. Let’s break down today’s key matchups and make some predictions.
Clemson has been one of the most impressive underdogs throughout the season, showing strong performances against top-tier teams. Their size and experience give them a major advantage against a Virginia squad that has struggled to find consistency. Look for Clemson to control the game on both ends and cover the 7.5-point spread.
Maryland is coming off a tough loss to Michigan State, but this matchup against an inconsistent Penn State team presents a great opportunity for the Terrapins to bounce back. With a stronger defensive presence and the ability to capitalize on Penn State’s lapses, Maryland should be able to win and cover the spread.
Rivalry games are always tricky to predict. This matchup between Providence and UConn is no exception. UConn has been dominant in stretches but has shown some vulnerability. Providence, on the other hand, always plays tough in these contests. Six and a half points might be too much to lay in a rivalry battle, so this one could go either way.
Prediction: Providence covers (+6.5)
Butler at Villanova (-7.5)
Villanova looked like a tournament team just a few weeks ago, but their recent form has been shaky. The 6.5-point spread is a bit too generous for a Villanova team that hasn’t been at its best lately. Butler is fighting to finish as a .500 team this season, but just showed some feisty play against a top 10 St. John’s team. Give me the Bulldogs!
Prediction: Butler covers (+7.5)
Miami at North Carolina (-17.5)
North Carolina might be making the ultimate correction to their season in a last ditch effort to compete for an ACC (tournament) championship. However, 17.5 points is a massive spread in any conference game. While Miami has been blown out several times this season, they might be able to keep this one within reach. Still, UNC is the better team by far, and Miami’s defensive issues could make this an uphill battle for them. I am honestly staying away from this game altogether. If you need to pick this game, go with Miami!
(Of course, you should never feel like you need to make a sports betting pick. If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, help is available. For support, call 1-800-Gambler or visit this site).
Prediction: North Carolina wins, but Miami covers (+17.5)
Auburn at Kentucky (+5.5)
Auburn has been playing well, but they are due for an outright loss. Kentucky, playing at home, will have the crowd behind them and the talent to pull off the upset. Given Auburn’s recent trends and Kentucky’s potential for a big win, this could be the game where Auburn stumbles.
Prediction: Kentucky wins outright (+5.5)
March basketball is here, and the stakes are only going to get higher. Keep an eye on these games, and check back for more predictions as we get closer to tournament time!
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Coach John Calipari has the experience to guide Arkansas through a tough road test at South Carolina. With a tight spread, this game could come down to the wire, but Arkansas should have just enough to cover.
Prediction: Arkansas covers (+1)
Alabama (+3.5) at Tennessee
Alabama is hitting its stride at the right time, scoring at an elite level. While Tennessee is formidable at home, Alabama has a real shot to not only cover but also win outright.
Prediction: Alabama covers (+3.5) and could win outright
Oregon (-7.5) vs. USC
Oregon is coming off an inspirational comeback win against Wisconsin, and that momentum should carry over into this matchup. USC has been inconsistent, and Oregon’s depth and confidence should be enough to secure a comfortable win.
Prediction: Oregon covers (-7.5)
Houston (-13.5) vs. Cincinnati
Houston has the talent to dominate this matchup, but Cincinnati might keep it closer in the first half before the Cougars pull away late.
Prediction: Houston covers (-13.5), but not on the first-half line
Missouri (-2.5) at Vanderbilt
Missouri should be able to handle Vanderbilt on the road and still cover the 2.5-point spread. Their ability to close out games should help them secure the win.
Prediction: Missouri covers (-2.5)
Arizona State (+7.5) at Utah
Arizona State is getting too many points against a Utah team that just lost its head coach. This is the pick of the day, as Arizona State should keep this game close, if not win outright.
Prediction: Arizona State covers (+7.5) – Pick of the Day
Georgia (+4.5) at Texas
Texas tends to play close games, and Georgia is a live underdog in this spot. Expect Georgia to keep this one tight and potentially steal a win.
Prediction: Georgia covers (+4.5)
March basketball is here, and the stakes are only going to get higher. Keep an eye on these games, and check back for more predictions as we get closer to tournament time!
BYU (-10.5) vs. West Virginia
BYU has the home-court advantage and the firepower to handle West Virginia. The Mountaineers have struggled to find consistency this season, making this a prime spot for BYU to cover the double-digit spread.
Prediction: BYU covers (-10.5)
Texas A&M (+9.5) at Florida
Texas A&M plays its best basketball as an underdog, and after a surprising home loss to Vanderbilt, the Aggies will be looking for a strong response. Florida has been solid but not dominant, making this a great opportunity for Texas A&M to keep the game close and cover the spread.
Prediction: Texas A&M covers (+9.5)
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