Spring is in the air and College Basketball is about to control your life. Ask yourself… who lives better than us? If they’re our there, I’d love to meet them.
Only 63 games remain, and we get to see 48 of them over the next few days.
CHERISH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM.
Below are a few of our favorite bets for the opening round and some teams we’ll be invested in to make a run. Enjoy it, because soon enough baseball is all we got.
You can watch Degen breakdown the first round on our YouTube page.
South Region
We call this the Region of “UH OH”. A lot of potential upsets in what we feel is the least sexy region in the bracket. Outside of Auburn, no team is safe to make it past the first round. As much as we love Cinderellas in March, we’re going to be slight party poopers with some of our picks with fading the trendiest of dogs. It’ll even out with some high seeds we have going down early.
Best Bets:
Bryant +17.5 (Degen) - Michigan State is a team I should like. I’m usually a fan of a well coached group of guys that play hard and lack a superstar. But for whatever reason, I am just not buying in the Spartans. If I hear one more person tell me not to fade Izzo in March I’m going lose my shit, because that’s exactly what I’m doing. Right out of the gate. And if MSU advances to the Round of 32, I’ll fucking do it again.
Auburn -19 1H (Degen) - After going down early to Yale last year, I think Auburn will be on high alert. On top of that, they also have lost 3 of their last 4 games. The War Eagle has been on cruise control for a couple weeks after a stellar season. It feels as though the spotlight has shifted from Auburn to Florida, which is probably exactly how they want it. I expect this team to get right and get right early.
Lipscomb +14.5 (Degen) - Similar reasoning here. It’s not so much that I’m betting on Bryant and Lipscomb, but more-so fading MSU and Iowa State. I understand the Cyclones are dealing with injuries, and while I empathize with that, they’re still not passing my eye test. I think Iowa State is vulnerable for an early exit.
Texas A&M -7.5 (Steak) - Yale was able to take down Auburn last year, but we aren’t betting on them repeating last years magic.
Creighton +2.5 (Greg) - To be fully transparent I’m a huge sucker for Kalkbrenner and Creighton. Yes, they are coming off a whooping in MSG from St. John’s, but I think they bounce back in a big way against a Louisville team that’s getting too much love for almost winning a weak ACC.
Michigan -2.5 (Greg) - UCSD is one of the trendiest upset picks out there for the first round, but the 12/5 matchups hasn’t been printing like it used to. I still like Michigan to get ousted early, but not this early.
Favorite sleeper:
UNC (Degen) - One thing to keep an eye on when analyzing teams during the tournament is who is playing their best basketball at the right time. It’s been a pretty down year for not just UNC, but the entire ACC. However, the Tar Heels started playing their best basketball at the end of the season, and I’ve taken notice. Since February 15th they’re 9-2 straight up and ATS. If they’re playing anyone other than Duke, they’re likely winning by double digits. Now UNC is playing the villain role as nobody expected them to make it in.
Ole Miss (Steak) - Chris Beard is a good coach and Sean Pedulla has all he makings to be a tournament stud. Feels like we haven’t heard a peep about the Rebels making noise. Naturally, Steak is intrigued.
Marquette (Greg) - Another Big East team I am probably giving too much respect to, but such is life. Marquette certainly isn’t winning it all, but I’m not a big believer in Auburn, Michigan State, or Iowa State. So why not roll the dice?
Region Winner:
Auburn (Degen) - Chalk.
Auburn (Steak) - The hottest team in the country for a good portion of the season comes limping in. Look for them to wake up and roll out.
North Carolina (Greg) - Call me crazy but this team is giving me vibe of 2021 UCLA. Big name who plays in the first four, then catches fire. They have been playing fantastic ball down the stretch and now they get an opportunity to cause some chaos. This region is ripe for a wildcard.
West Region
They say the West coast is the best coast. Given the tax rate, that’s up for debate. But the West region is certainly the best region in our eyes. We call this the Region of “DOOM” because it sucks if you’re in it. Seeds 1-3 have a legit chance of winning it all. Not to mention you’ve got Dan Hurley sitting there as an 8 seed. Not as much chaos expected here, but certainly some highly anticipated juggernaut matchups in the Sweet 16 and beyond.
Best Bets:
Memphis +2.5 (Degen) - You’re going to tell me it’s strange that a 12 seed is favored over a 5 seed, and I’m not going to tell you you’re wrong, But if you dig a little deeper, it makes more sense. Colorado St has been an absolute wagon late in the season after a bumpy start. CSU ended the year 10-0 SU and ATS. Certainly not a team any smart person would be fading. But I think they may have peaked a little too early. Memphis also finished a strong 8-0, but had some scares. One thing about this Penny Hardaway coached team is that you don’t bet them as a favorite. When the Tigers are dogs, they bark.
Oklahoma +4.5 (Steak) - Who in their right mind wants to fade Dan Hurley in the opening round after back-to-back Championships? Steak’s about as sick as they come.
Drake +6.5 (Greg) - The SEC is getting a ton of love going into the tourney, so I’m picking my spots for an upset and a Missouri team that limped down the stretch is a perfect spot to strike.
Colorado State -2.5 (Greg) - It’s not every year you see the 12 seed favored over the 5 seed. This Rams team is rolling and Memphis has fraud written all over ‘em.
Grand Canyon +10.5 (Greg) - HUGE Grand Canyon guy. This team can play. I do think Maryland is being overlooked, but I’m riding with Grand Canyon for the cover.
Favorite Sleeper:
Maryland (Degen) - I wasn’t a big Terp guy most of the season, but like what I’m seeing lately. Sure they got knocked out of the Big Ten tournament, but Michigan is also playing their best basketball and that game was TIGHT. I think Maryland might be my favorite sleeper in the entire tournament if it wasn’t for being in the region of doom.
Texas Tech (Steak) - Steak loves this squad.
Colorado State (Greg) - Perfect storm of a dangerous team getting hot at the right time, and I want a piece.
Region Winner:
Texas Tech (Degen) - This is also one of my Championship winners. I’ve only watched them a handful of times, but think they have a solid team top to bottom.
Texas Tech (Steak) - Sleeper and winner, don’t say I’m not a believer.
Saint John’s (Greg) - D! Fence! Pitino has built something special out in Queens, and I think they can knock off a Florida team who everyone is hot on after winning the SEC.
East Region
This is the region “MEH”. There are a few teams who could make some noise, but it’s most likely a cakewalk for Duke.
Best Bets:
Miss St/Baylor 1H Under (Degen) - This should be a dogfight between two teams nobody really respects. I expect a good effort from both sides. Kind of like the scene in Batman where Joker makes a couple dudes fight with pool sticks for a tryout. Scrappy game where points are at a premium.
Wisconsin -16.5 (Degen) - This is one of my favorite bets of the first round. I think Wisconsin is a very good team that just ran out of gas in the Big Ten Tournament. They played 4 games in 4 days, and shot 22% from the field against Michigan. Still somehow almost won that game. I think they bounce back against a Montana game that hasn’t seen anywhere near this caliber of offense.
Miss State ML (Steak)
Baylor +1.5 (Greg) - Another spot where I’m fading the SEC. I think this Baylor team can hang with the best of them.
Montana +17.5- (Greg) - Montana is well rested after winning the Big Sky Conference. Wisconsin made a hell of a run in the Big 10 Tourney, but came up just short, I’m betting on them coming out a little tired and sloppy against a dog who not many see barking.
Favorite Sleeper:
Arizona (Degen) - I was not totally impressed with Arizona when I got my eyes on them this year, and I’ve never been a Caleb Love guy. With that said, I can’t help but be impressed with how they ended the season. Back-to-back games essentially shoot at or above 50% from the field against Kansas and Texas Tech. Then they went into halftime leading Houston. If this offense gets hot, they could be the David that knows out Goliath (Duke).
VCU (Steak) - Steak is going ALL in on VCU and has them to make the Final Four.
VCU - (Greg) - Unintentional Steak tail, but I watched this team through the A-10 tourney as the cruised to a championship. This team has got some magic in them.
Region Winner:
Duke (Degen) - Ugh.
Duke (Steak) - …but really it’s VCU;)
Alabama (Greg) - Defense, shmefence. Bama has a ton of issues and struggled down the stretch against a brutal slate of opponents, but iron sharpens iron. I think they can upset Duke if they get the chance.
Midwest Region
This is the region of “HMMM” because in what we all expect to be a chalky year, there are some teams might be able to make a surprise run. Probably not, but maybe. This isn’t your grandaddy’s Purdue, Gonzaga or Kentucky. But perhaps now with no expectations these big brands can finally make some noise…
Best Bets:
Georgia +6.5 (Degen) - My biggest bet of round one. I have 4 units on the spread and one unit on the ML. I think Georgia is full of DAWGS - literally and figuratively. Love the way they ended the season with a big win against Florida. They didn’t crash out after either. I’m okay with an early exit in the SEC tournament against Oklahoma. Just going to add more bite from this team to avoid another early exit. Also, I am not a believer in Gonzaga. This is the end for Mark Few.
Kentucky -10.5 (Steak) - Teams coming off a blowout do very well in their first round game ATS. Not a believer in Troy, and thinks Kentucky offense will bounce back after a lackluster performance against Alabama.
McNeese State +7.5 (Greg) - I’ve been duped by Clemson one too many times. This McNeese team is very good, and I’ll likely be sprinkling the ML.
Kentucky 1H (Greg) - After a loss in the first round last year to Oakland, I think Kentucky is back with a vengeance. If only for the first half.
Utah State +5.5 (Greg) - I think this is a likely upset that’s getting overlooked. Gimme USU to make some noise.
Favorite Sleeper:
Xavier (Degen) - Not going to spend too much time on this considering as I’m typing they still need to beat Texas. I do not fear Illinois at all, and I loved what I saw from Xavier in the Big East Tournament.
Illinois (Steak) - Steak’s been calling his Illini shot for a bit. A team that could be ready to make a run, so investing a bit in them after a blowout in the Big 10 Tourney.
McNeese (Greg) - This is a fun team that plays in a shit conference. Impossible to know what they have against the big dawgs, but I’m not buying Purdue or Clemson which opens a path for Cinderella to dance!
Region Winner:
Tennessee (Degen) - This is fully a tail with Steak. I am not a Rick Barnes guy, but after watching the Vols a decent amount the last few weeks, I certainly think they can challenge anyone in this bracket. Houston feels slept on, but I have Houston fatigue and am out on Kelvin Sampson.
Tennessee (Steak) - Heavily invested in the Vols and not backing down.
Houston (Greg) - I have absolutely not been a Houston guy the last few years, but something about 2025 just feels different. I think they can beat the best of teams, and I think they are ready for a run after being victims to upsets the last couple years.
We’ll be coming to you again next Thursday around this same time as the Sweet 16 kicks off, but before we go - here are a few notable future tickets we’re on to win the whole thing. Let’s see how many of these are alive next week.
DEGEN:
St Johns (30/1)
Texas Tech (33/1)
Kansas (75/1)
STEAK:
Tennessee (16/1)
GREG:
Houston (7/1)
Bama (15/1)
Marquette (40/1)