2023 March Madness First Four Predictions and Odds

Selection Sunday is in the books and March Madness will begin on Tuesday. The First Four games are scheduled to take place in Dayton, Ohio on Tuesday and Wednesday to finalize the 64-team bracket.

March Madness Sportsbooks

Southeast Missouri State vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Picks

Southeast Missouri State vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Preview

When: Tuesday, March 14th 2023 at 6:30 PM ET

Spread: Redhawks +4 (-110) vs. Islanders -4 (-110)

Total: Over 155 Points (-110) vs. Under 155 Points (-110)

#16 Southeast Missouri State went 15-16 (10-8 in OVC) during the regular season, but they went on a 4-0 run to win the OVC tournament. Phillip Russell leads the team in points (18.2 PPG) and assists (5 APG).

#16 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (23-10) were regular season champs and won the Southland conference tournament. Both teams will be looking to earn their first victory in the March Madness tournament.

Texas A&M-CC lost in the First Four last year, so they have the experience edge. The Islanders also rank #2 in the country in free throw percentage (80%) and #38 in three-point shooting percentage (36.9%).

The Islanders will utilize their distance shooting to build a lead and close the game out with FTs.

Best Bet: Islanders -4 (-110)

Live March Madness Odds

Pittsburgh vs. Mississippi State Picks

Pittsburgh vs. Mississippi State Preview

When: Tuesday, March 14th 2023 at 9:10 PM ET

Spread: Panthers +2 (-110) vs. Bulldogs -2 (-110)

Total: Over 132.5 Points (-110) vs. Under 132.5 Points (-110)

#11 Pittsburgh (22-11) were blown out by Duke (96-69) in the ACC tournament QFs. #11 Mississippi State (21-12) were blown out by Alabama (72-49) in the SEC tournament QFs last week.

The Bulldogs rank #8 in the country in points allowed (61 PPG), but they rank 306th in scoring (65.9 PPG). The Panthers rank #52 in scoring (76.1 PPG) and #23 in offensive efficiency (1.094).

Pittsburgh will score enough points to pull off the upset in this First Four game.

Best Bet: Panthers ML (+110)

Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Texas Southern Picks

Fairleigh Dickingson vs. Texas Southern Preview

When: Wednesday, March 15th 2023 at 6:30 PM ET

Spread: Knights +2 (-110) vs. Tigers -2 (-110)

Total: Over 145 Points (-110) vs. Under 145 Points (-110)

#16 Fairleigh Dickinson (19-15) lost the NEC tournament final to Merrimack (67-66), but will still play in the tournament, as Merrimack aren’t eligible. Fairleigh are 1-6 in seven March Madness games.

#16 Texas Southern (14-20) weren’t expected to make the big dance, but they won the SWAC tourney final against Grambling (61-58) to earn an automatic bid. Neither team will make it far in the tourney.

FDU won a First Four game the last time they played in the tournament (2019). FDU score 76.3 PPG (47th), while Texas Southern score 67.9 PPG (249th). Both defenses rank outside of the top 240.

Best Bet: Knights ML (+110)

Expert March Madness Picks

Nevada vs. Arizona State Picks

Nevada vs. Arizona State Preview

When: Wednesday, March 15th 2023 at 9:00 PM ET

Spread: Wolfpack +2 (-110) vs. Sun Devils -2 (-110)

Total: Over 133.5 Points (-110) vs. Under 133.5 Points (-110)

#11 Nevada (22-10) enter the tournament on a three-game losing streak. #11 Arizona State (22-12) lost to Arizona (78-59) in the Pac-12 semifinals. The Sun Devils are 2-4 against ranked opponents this year.

Arizona State are just 6-14 ATS as a favorite this season. However, they only allow 67.7 PPG (92nd) and rank #40 in defensive efficiency (0.941). They’re 14-0 when they allow 65 or fewer points this year.

Best Bet: Sun Devils -2 (-110)