March Madness is known for its thrilling upsets, with lower-seeded teams often pulling off the unexpected over their higher-ranked opponents. Sports bettors should be sure to keep an eye out for these underdogs when making their March Madness picks as they will have the opportunity to make big profits. And we’re here to give you our tips and upsets pick for the First round of the most thrilling NCAA tournament. So lets get started with day 1.
No. 13 Furman over No. 4 Virginia
First potential upset, we got No. 13 Furman over No. 4 Virginia at + 215. If you’re looking for a 13-4 upset and want to keep Indiana in your bracket, Furman is worth a look. Despite being the 4-seed, Virginia is only favored by 5.5 points in the first round matchup against the 11th best scoring offense in college basketball this year. With Virginia ranking 9th in scoring defense, this promises to be an entertaining game no matter how it plays out. However, if you think the best defense is a good offense, then Furman could be the team that surprises everyone and pulls off the upset.
Furman (#13) vs Virginia (#4)
Moneyline
Furman (#13) +215
Virginia (#4) -260
Furman (#13) vs Virginia (#4)
Point Spread
Furman (#13) 5.5 (-110)
Virginia (#4) -5.5 (-110)
Furman (#13) vs Virginia (#4)
Total
Over 132.0 (-110)
Under 132.0 (-110)
Upset Pick: (#13) Furman Paladins +215
NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
No. 12 Charleston over No. 5 San Diego State
Second potential upset, we got No. 12 Charleston over No. 5 San Diego State at+180. Charleston might just be the team to pull off a 12-5 upset this year. The Cougars, the CAA Champions and 5.5-point underdogs against San Diego State, have just three losses on the season and are riding a 10-game winning streak into the first round. With the 15th highest scoring offense in the country, they could defy expectations and surprise everyone.
Coll Charleston (#12) vs San Diego State (#5)
Moneyline
Coll Charleston (#12) +180
San Diego State (#5) -220
Coll Charleston (#12) vs San Diego State (#5)
Point Spread
Coll Charleston (#12) 5.0 (-110)
San Diego State (#5) -5.0 (-110)
Coll Charleston (#12) vs San Diego State (#5)
Total
Over 142.0 (-110)
Under 142.0 (-110)
Upset Pick: (#12) Charleston Cougars +180
NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
No. 10 Boise State over No. 7 Northwesetern
Another potential upset, we got No. 10 Boise State over No. 7 Northwesetern at +110. Those filling out a bracket may have a tough decision on their hands when it comes to No. 10 Boise State and No. 7 Northwestern. The two teams are essentially evenly matched, with KenPom rankings of 31 and 42, respectively; Boise State have had a tough time in the NCAA tournament, winless in eight appearances so far. But this year could be different; with their first-round matchup against No. 7 Northwestern, they may finally break through and taste victory.
Boise State (#10) vs Northwestern (#7)
Moneyline
Boise State (#10) +110
Northwestern (#7) -130
Boise State (#10) vs Northwestern (#7)
Point Spread
Boise State (#10) 1.5 (-110)
Northwestern (#7) -1.5 (-110)
Boise State (#10) vs Northwestern (#7)
Total
Over 128.0 (-110)
Under 128.0 (-110)
Upset Pick: (#10) Boise State Broncos +110
NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
No. 10 Penn State over No. 7 Texas A&M
And finally, 10th seed Penn State over 7th seed Texas A&M at+125. Despite losing in the Big Ten tournament final to Purdue, Penn State is hot on Texas A&M’s heels. The Nittany Lions come into their first-round matchup with five straight wins against teams that made it to the dance, while the Aggies had a streak of their own broken by eventual No. 1 seed Alabama. Regardless we’re liking the Penn State here
Penn State (#10) vs Texas A&M (#7)
Moneyline
Penn State (#10) +125
Texas A&M (#7) -145
Penn State (#10) @ Texas A&M (#7)
Point Spread
Penn State (#10) 2.5 (-110)
Texas A&M (#7) -2.5 (-110)
Penn State (#10) @ Texas A&M (#7)
Total
Over 135.0 (-110)
Under 135.0 (-110)
Upset Pick: (#10) Penn State Nittany Lions +125
NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
