March Madness: First-Round College Basketball Games Worth Betting

Finding value in the first-round of March Madness betting is like shopping at Winner’s. The Calvin Klein shirt that’s priced at $25 makes you feel like you just hit the jack pot, but a girl who finds a “Chanel” dress for $10 wonders if it’s truly even authentic at all. That’s kind of how I feel about the top-seed games – the spread is going to be far too nauseating for me to bother with.

That’s why it’s an awesome event. There are 65-teams to bet on just this week! So which teams have caught my attention so far? It’s still early, but these are the point spreads I’d dare to say I love at first glance.

#7 BYU Cougars vs. #10 Florida Gators – West Bracket
NCAAB Betting Free Pick: BYU -4.5

This game is sure to move but BYU’s chances against the spread have been vindictive this betting season. With a low line, and tons of homers banking on Florida, BYU should rightfully be a sexy pick for the betting public this year. At just 6-3 ATS in their past 9 games, with a loss to UNLV in the conference tournament, this betting line couldn’t be more attractive. BYU closes this game emphatically and erases every lasting memory from their championship woes.

#4 Purdue vs. #13 Sienna – South Bracket
NCAAB Betting Pick: Purdue -4

Purdue lost its best player and that’s going to immediately telegraph negative vibes to the betting public. They’re just waiting for this team to burst. On top of that Purdue is an atrocious 0-4-1 ATS in their past 5 games. So why do I love this point spread so much? Because the oddsmakers had their hands forced and while Purdue isn’t a powerhouse team without Robbie Hummel, they’re still heads and heels above Sienna. Couldn’t be a tastier point spread in my opinion.

#4 Maryland vs. #13 Houston – Midwest Bracket
NCAAB Betting Pick: Houston +13.5

There’s lots of things to be scared of in the straight up matchup, but teams that rally under difficult times in tournament style play are definitely worth a nod. Houston came through huge in the Conference-USA Championship, and they can shoot the lights out when they need to. They’re 4-1 ATS and that sole spread loss was by a half-point. I’ve seen all I need to from Maryland. Sure, they can win this game. But against a plucky Houston this line is death for Maryland’s betting bandwagon.

#5 Temple vs. #12 Cornell – East Bracket
NCAAB Betting Pick: Temple -4

Cornell is a rough and tumble 3-7 ATS in the last 10 games, while Temple remains a betting favorite amongst the college basketball experts by going 6-0-1 ATS. As a matter of fact, Cornell is a very dangerous shooting team and they’re not to be messed with, which is why the oddsmakers were scared of the college betting sharks on this one. A huge line would’ve caused a landslide of big money to land on Cornell’s side, but instead Vegas released a very favorable line. A lot of guys are going to bet Cornell in this one, but your bet should be with the fast-rising Temple Owls.