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Free NCAA Tournament Betting Picks for the First Round

by Jeremy Block - 3/18/2025

Free NCAA Tournament picks first round Mason Falslev Utah State Aggies

March Madness is here, and you know what that means -- it’s time to put your bracket together, grab your favorite snacks, and bet like you’ve got all the insider knowledge (even if you don’t). The Round of 64 for the NCAA Tournament kicks off this Thursday, March 20th, and it's shaping up to be a wild ride full of upsets, and, of course, money-making opportunities.

But before you start placing your bets based on team colors or the fact that your buddy's cousin once went to a school that's in the tournament (trust me, we've all been there), let me save you the headache. I’ve got four picks for you that are as solid as your game-day snack stash. Let's dive into my first-round picks.

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Our Four Free First Round Betting Picks

Grand Canyon vs. Maryland

 Point Spread
Grand Canyon: +10.5 (-110)
Maryland: -11.5 (-110)
Over: 149.5 (-115)
Under: 149.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Grand Canyon +450, Maryland -630

First up, we’ve got the Grand Canyon Lopes going toe-to-toe with the Maryland Terrapins, and let me tell you, this has upset written all over it. Maryland's had a solid season, but they’re still licking their wounds after that brutal 81-80 loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Semifinals. Meanwhile, Grand Canyon has the momentum on their side, winning three of their last four and making their fifth straight tournament appearance -- thanks to a veteran squad that knows how to turn it on when the lights are brightest.

Now, don’t get me wrong, the Terrapins will control most of this game, but they're still trying to recover from that tough conference tourney loss, and I’m betting the Lopes use that to their advantage. With players like Tyon Grant-Foster, leading scorer Jakobe Coles, and WAC Sixth Player of the Year Lok Wur in the mix, Grand Canyon's got enough firepower and experience to outgun a Maryland squad that can’t quite match their seniority. So yeah, I’m all in on the Lopes and the points for an upset here. 

High Point vs. Purdue 

Point Spread
High Point: +7.5 (-102)
Purdue: -7.5 (-120)
Over/Under: 153.5 (-110)
Moneyline: High Point +270, Purdue -345

Coming in at No. 2 on my list of first-round picks, we’ve got High Point vs. Purdue -- and this one’s all about offense. Purdue enters this one after a tough Big Ten Tournament loss to Michigan, while High Point is strutting in on a 14-game heater, looking to pull off a massive first-round upset. 

Offensively, they’re neck and neck -- High Point is tied for sixth in the nation in field goal percentage (49.4%), with Purdue just behind at 49%. The difference? The Boilermakers have the better perimeter game, draining 38.5% from 3-point land, led by floor general Braden Smith (16.1 PPG, 8.7 APG) and sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer, who’s hitting 46.4% from deep.

Expect punches to be traded, but Purdue’s size down low and long-range shooting should give them the edge. That said, I’m not sold on them covering the 7.5-point spread. High Point inside the arc efficiency should keep them in this one, so I’m rolling with the underdog to cover while Purdue escapes with a win -- just not by much.

Wofford vs. Tennessee

Point Spread
Wofford: +18.5 (+1400)
Tennessee: -18.5 (-4000)
Over: 132.5 (-115)
Under: 132.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Wofford +270, Tennessee -345

Next up at No. 3, we’ve got Wofford vs. Tennessee. And right out of the gate, the Terriers are in for a rough one. Sure, they put on a clinic in the SoCon title game, shooting 50% from deep. However, let’s not kid ourselves -- that’s not happening against the best 3-point defense in the nation. The Vols have locked teams down all season, holding opponents to just 27.8% from beyond the arc.

However, Wofford does have a couple of guys who can keep it interesting -- veteran guard Corey Tripp and senior big man Kyle Filewich, who’s nearly averaging a double-double (11.9 PPG, 9.4 RPG). But that’s not going to cut it against a Vols team that thrives on defensive chaos. Led by SEC Defensive Player of the Year Zakai Zeigler, along with top scorer Chaz Lanier (17.7 PPG) and do-it-all forward Igor Milicic Jr. (10.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG), Tennessee has all the tools to smother the Terriers and bury them early.

Look, Wofford is better than what their 19-15 record shows, but Tennessee’s defense is as real as it gets. Expect the Vols to clamp down, turn up the pressure, and cruise to a dominant win. I’m rolling with Tennessee to cover the 18.5, and you should too.

Utah State vs. UCLA

Point Spread
Utah State: +5.5 (-120)
UCLA: -5.5 (-102)
Over: 142.5 (-115)
Under: 142.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Utah State +168, UCLA -205

Last but not least, we’ve got Utah State vs. UCLA, and this matchup could be a lot closer than people expect. Surprisingly, while neither team looks to shoot the 3-point shot, UCLA has been a flamethrower this season from the mid-range area, shooting just under 47%. That’s their bread and butter. And against an Aggies squad that struggles defensively, it could be a major weapon. 

As for Utah State, they might not have the flashiest offense, but they've got some serious scorers in veteran point guard Ian Martinez (16.8 PPG) and sophomore Mason Falslev (14.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG), who know how to keep things flowing. With those guys on the floor, UCLA’s defense will be put to the test.

Here’s the thing: both teams have their issues, especially defensively, but UCLA’s rebounding is just.. not great. They're grabbing just under 33 boards per game, which is one of the worst in the country. Factor in Utah State’s 17.4 assists per game, and their ability to spread the wealth, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for an upset. UCLA might be the higher seed, but their rebounding issues could definitely bite them. I’m all in on Utah State here -- not just to cover, but to pull off the upset.

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