Ready to do it again on Friday? We have you covered for the second day of the Round of 64. Let's dive into our best bets for Friday's slate.
No. 14 Lipscomb +14.5 vs. No. 3 Iowa State (1:30 p.m. ET)
A double-digit underdog will cover - and win outright - in the opening round. We just need to identify the right one. Betting against an injured group that has struggled over the last few weeks is the way to go. Iowa State guard Keshon Gilbert, the Cyclones' leader in assists and second-leading scorer, is out for the tournament. They've lost four of their last seven games.
Iowa State might have enough depth to withstand his injury in the opening round, but Lipscomb rarely turns the ball over and plays at a slow pace, which should limit the total possessions. If Lipscomb races to an early lead with its relatively efficient offense, it'll be hard for Iowa State to recover.
No. 12 Colorado State -1.5 vs. No. 5 Memphis (2 p.m. ET)
This line says everything. No. 12 seeds are rarely favored over No. 5 seeds. Mountain West squads have a poor track record in the NCAA Tournament, but they typically play power conference teams. Memphis only suffered two losses in a weak AAC.
Colorado State has won 10 straight games entering the Big Dance. Meanwhile, Memphis' Tyrese Hunter is out and Dante Harris' injury status remains unclear. This should be a close game based on the line, and I'll roll with Colorado State's top-five free-throw percentage among tournament teams.
No. 11 North Carolina -1.5 vs. No. 6 Ole Miss (4:05 p.m. ET)
North Carolina has no business being in the NCAA Tournament based on its resume, but it could make a run in the Big Dance.
The Tar Heels boat-raced San Diego State in the First Four game, earning a date with Ole Miss. North Carolina has played better over the last month despite only earning one Quad 1 win in a weak ACC, winning nine of its past 11 games. Meanwhile, Ole Miss has lost five of its past eight. North Carolina is favored for a reason despite being the lower seed. RJ Davis is talented enough to lead the Tar Heels on a run.
No. 6 Illinois -3.5 vs. No. 11 Xavier (9:45 p.m. ET)
Since Jan. 8, Illinois has implemented seven different starting lineups due to various injuries and illnesses. That lack of continuity produced a 4-7 stretch. However, the Fighting Illini are healthy and closed the regular season with four straight wins. Illinois has the talent edge over Xavier, which snuck into the dance as one of the final at-large bids and outlasted Texas in the First Four game.
No. 12 Liberty +6.5 vs. No. 5 Oregon (10:10 p.m. ET)
Liberty has the formula to play spoiler with a reliable shooting group and a gritty defense. The Flames connect on 39.5% of their threes, the nation's fifth-best mark. They also hold teams to 28% shooting from beyond the arc, the third-lowest opponent 3-point percentage in the tournament.
Oregon's shooting isn't dependable. If Liberty gets hot from long range, it'll pull off the upset. This game will come down to shooting and defending the three, which gives the Flames the edge.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
