The 2023 March Madness first round begins on Thursday. There are 16 games on the schedule starting at 12:15 PM ET. I’ll be sharing my top five March Madness picks for the games on Thursday.
West Virginia vs. Maryland Predictions
West Virginia vs. Maryland Preview
Best Bet: Under 137.5 Points (-110)
#9 West Virginia (19-14) are on a 4-2 run with both losses coming against Kansas. #8 Maryland (21-12) are on a 1-3 run heading into the tournament. This will be a tight contest, but I like the under.
Maryland play at a slow pace and average 66.0 possessions per game (338th). They allow 63.2 PPG (23rd). Both of their games in the Big Ten tournament went under and that trend will continue.
Howard vs. Kansas Predictions
Best Bet: Kansas -22 (-110)
#1 Kansas (27-7) are coming off a loss to Texas in the Big 12 tournament final. #16 Howard (22-12) were able to earn an automatic bid by winning the MEAC. Kansas have played the #1 SoS this year.
The Jayhawks are scoring 74.9 PPG (79th) and allowing 67.9 PPG (105th). Howard are going to struggle to find many easy points, which will lead to Kansas being able to push the pace in transition.
Howard opened the season against Kentucky and lost 32 points (95-63). I expect a similar score here.
Charleston vs. San Diego State Predictions
Charleston vs. San Diego State Preview
Best Bet: Under 141.5 Points (-110)
This match-up between #12 Charleston (31-3) and #5 San Diego State (27-6) is going to be close. The Cougars are scoring 80.3 PPG (13th), but the Aztecs are only allowing 63.8 PPG (25th).
Look for San Diego State to slow the Cougars offense down. The Aztecs average 68.4 possessions per game (254th) and won’t want to play into the hands of Charleston by playing at a faster pace.
Oral Roberts vs. Duke Predictions
Best Bet: Oral Roberts +5.5 (-110)
#5 Duke (26-8) should defeat #12 Oral Roberts (30-4), but this is going to be a close game and will likely come down to free throws at the end. I’m betting on the Golden Eagles to cover the point spread.
Oral Roberts are scoring 82.5 PPG (4th), while Duke score 72.5 PPG (125th). If Max Abmas (22.2 PPG) can get hot for Oral Roberts, they’ll be able to score enough points to keep this game within five points.
Louisiana vs. Tennessee Predictions
Louisiana vs. Tennessee Preview
Best Bet: Tennessee -11.5 (-110)
#13 Louisiana (26-7) won the Sun Belt conference tourney. #4 Tennessee (23-10) are on a 4-6 run, which includes a loss to Missouri in the SEC tournament QFs, but they shouldn’t struggle in this match-up.
The Ragin’ Cajuns only played one ranked team this season and they lost to Texas (100-72). Tennessee have been shaky, but they’re only allowing 58.0 PPG (3rd) and will be able to shut Louisiana down.
