The 2025 NCAA Tournament first round is packed with exciting matchups, potential upsets, and key storylines. With games tipping off Thursday and Friday, teams will battle to advance and keep their title hopes alive. Strong teams like Auburn, Michigan State, and Houston enter as big favorites, while lower seeds like Yale, Lipscomb, and McNeese aim to pull off memorable upsets.
Betting odds play a big role in predicting outcomes, and this year’s tournament features plenty of competitive lines. Stay updated on the latest odds and betting strategies by visiting WagerHome.
Louisville Preview – Can They Show Their True Potential?
Louisville comes into the first round as a 2.5-point favorite over Creighton. The Cardinals were strong late in the season, finishing 21-2 after December 14. Despite playing in a weaker ACC this year, Louisville’s recent form shows they can compete with anyone.
Louisville’s strength comes from their balanced scoring and defensive effort. Guard El Ellis leads the team with 15.1 points per game, and their defensive pressure forces turnovers. Containing Creighton’s inside game will be key to the Cardinals’ success.
Louisville’s experience and strong form make them a solid pick to win and cover the spread.
Creighton Preview – Will Their Size Win the Day?
Creighton enters this matchup with one of the biggest frontcourts in the tournament. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner (7’1″) is a force inside and averages 16.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Creighton’s defense ranks among the top 30 nationally in efficiency.
The Bluejays rely on solid three-point shooting and strong rebounding. If Kalkbrenner dominates inside, Creighton can control the pace and make this a tough game for Louisville.
PPH Betting Prediction
Louisville has been strong late in the season, and their balanced scoring should help them pull out the win. Creighton’s size advantage may cause problems, but Louisville’s guards should control the tempo. For the latest odds and picks, visit WagerHome.
Pick: Louisville -2.5
Auburn Preview – Looking to Make a Statement
Auburn is a massive 31.5-point favorite against Alabama State. The Tigers stumbled to end the season, losing three of their last four games, but they still earned the No. 1 overall seed.
Forward Johni Broome leads Auburn with 17.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The Tigers excel in transition and rank among the top teams in offensive efficiency. They will look to push the pace and overwhelm Alabama State early.
Alabama State Preview – Can They Stay Competitive?
Alabama State pulled off a thrilling win in the First Four, but they face a massive challenge here. The Hornets rely on defense and perimeter shooting to stay in games.
Leading scorer Isaiah Range (13.4 points per game) will need a huge performance to keep Alabama State within striking distance. Turnovers will be a major concern against Auburn’s aggressive defense.
PPH Betting Prediction
Auburn’s fast pace and size advantage will likely lead to a lopsided game. Alabama State may hang around early, but expect Auburn to pull away late. For more NCAA Tournament betting strategies, visit WagerHome.
Pick: Auburn -31.5
Michigan Preview – Interior Play is Key
Michigan enters its first-round matchup as a 2.5-point favorite against UC San Diego. The Wolverines have two seven-footers in Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf, giving them a major size advantage.
Michigan plays through its big men and dominates the glass. Guard Dug McDaniel controls the offense and averages 13.5 points and 5.1 assists per game. The Wolverines are effective in half-court sets but struggle to defend the three-point line.
UC San Diego Preview – Dangerous Shooting Team
UC San Diego has emerged as one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country. The Tritons average 9.4 made threes per game and shoot 38% from deep. Bryce Pope leads the team with 15.8 points per game and will need to shoot well for UCSD to compete.
San Diego’s biggest concern is their size disadvantage. They don’t have a starter taller than 6’8″, making defensive rebounding a challenge.
PPH Betting Prediction
Michigan’s size should give them a strong advantage inside. UC San Diego will need to shoot well to stay in the game, but Michigan’s rebounding should be the difference. For betting tips and expert picks, visit WagerHome.
Pick: Michigan -2.5
Yale Preview – Experienced Ivy League Contender
Yale faces Texas A&M as a 7.5-point underdog. Yale has been the best Ivy League program in recent years, and they enter this matchup with a 16-1 record since December 22.
Yale’s strength lies in its defense and rebounding. Guard Bez Mbeng leads the team with 14.9 points per game. Yale’s disciplined style has helped them excel in close games all season.
Texas A&M Preview – Dominant on the Glass
Texas A&M is one of the best rebounding teams in the country, leading the nation in offensive rebounding percentage. Forward Henry Coleman III controls the paint with 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
The Aggies rely on physical play and controlling the boards. They struggle with turnovers, which could open the door for Yale to hang around.
PPH Betting Prediction
Yale’s defensive strength and ability to slow the game down make them a strong underdog pick. Texas A&M’s rebounding edge could push them to a win, but expect a closer game than the spread suggests. For betting insights, visit WagerHome.
Pick: Yale +7.5
Enjoy these and all the NCAA Tournament games this weekend!
