March Madness Games: First Round Run-In

March Madness is here, and for fans and sports bettors alike, the first round is always an exhilarating rollercoaster. With 64 teams fighting for a spot to move onto the Round of 32 , this is where the magic happens—or the heartbreak. 

If you’re looking to place some smart bets or just want to get a feel for how things might shake out, you’ve come to the right place. 

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament looms large, let’s break down everything you need to know about the first-round games—from the matchups to the betting angles and all the drama that’s sure to unfold.

Contents:

1. The Heartbeat of March Madness: The First Round
2. March Madness First Round Schedule: What to Expect
3. The Key Matchups to Watch in the First Round
4. Betting Tips for the First Round: Maximize Your Wins
5. What History Tells Us About First Round Games
6. The First Round is Just the Beginning
7. Navigating the First Round
8. How Can I Max My Winnings This March Madness?

1. The Heartbeat of March Madness: The First Round

The first round of March Madness is where underdogs have the chance to shine, and historical trends often go out the window. 

In this year’s tournament, every team has something to prove, and the high stakes make the games even more thrilling. 

From the classic 8 vs. 9 and 12 vs. 5  matchups to the potential upsets that will send shockwaves through your bracket, we’ll take a look at the top games, which teams to bet on, and how to approach betting in the chaos that is March Madness.

2. March Madness First Round Schedule: What to Expect

If you're a first-time bettor or just want a refresher on what the first round of March Madness typically brings, here's a quick rundown of how the games are structured:

• Day 1 & Day 2: Expect the madness to hit right from the start. The first round is typically split into two days, with 32 games happening across both days. The schedule is packed with intense action as teams from all over the country square off in hopes of making a run.
  
  
• Game Locations & Venue Layout: The official schedule for the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has been released leading up to the tournament. For a detailed schedule and venue information, please visit the official NCAA website: NCAA.com.

3. The Key Matchups to Watch in the First Round

Now, let’s dive into the matchups we’re all waiting for—those early games that could break your bracket, or make you a March Madness legend if you pick right.

Gonzaga vs Georgia (8 vs. 9)

This matchup is always a fun one, as the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds are historically the hardest to call. Gonzaga has been strong this season, but Georgia has proven to be a tough team, particularly with their defense. If Gonzaga falters early, Georgia could take advantage of their speed and offensive pressure. Watch for a close game here, and if you’re betting, consider Georgia to cover the spread.

Auburn vs Alabama State (1 vs. 16)

It’s hard to see Auburn not coming out on top in this matchup, but Alabama State has a history of being scrappy and unpredictable. The 1 vs. 16 game is usually one-sided, but if you’re looking to hedge your bets, you could find value on Auburn to cover a large spread or even first-half betting to get some early action before the game gets out of hand.

Alabama vs. Robert Morris (2 vs. 15)

A potential clash of titans looms in the 2 vs. 15 matchup. Kansas, a perennial contender, faces a Baylor team with a disruptive defense capable of unsettling top opponents. While the odds favor Kansas, Baylor’s ability to disrupt their offensive rhythm could make things interesting. For bettors, keeping an eye on Baylor to keep the game close might be a savvy move.

Kansas vs. Arkansas (7 vs. 10)

This is the type of game that could be a turning point for your bracket. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, and they’ll need to show up in full force. Kansas’ offense might just edge out Arkansas’s defense, but with both teams being so evenly matched, this one is too close to call. If you’re betting on this game, go for live betting options as momentum will play a key role.

4. Betting Tips for the First Round: Maximize Your Wins

The first round of March Madness is an absolute goldmine for bettors, and understanding how to approach the betting market can make a huge difference. Here are a few expert tips to consider before you make your first wager:

1. Make Use of Generous Sportsbook Promos

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2. Betting on Underdogs: Why It’s Worth the Risk

While betting on favorites seems like a safer bet, the first round of March Madness is notorious for upsets. Historically, No. 12 seeds have been known to upset No. 5 seeds, and even No. 11 seeds can surprise the favorites. Keep an eye on teams that have had a strong finish to their season but are under the radar in terms of seeding.

3. Avoid Emotional Bets

March Madness is a chaotic time, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. But don’t let your emotions dictate your bets. Stick to the facts—look at each team’s performance in the regular season and how they’ve matched up against top competition.

4. Consider Live Betting for Momentum Shifts

Momentum is everything in March Madness. Teams can explode out of the gates, or they can collapse under pressure. Live betting lets you capitalize on these momentum shifts. Watch the game closely—if a lower seed is catching fire, consider jumping on them for the next few possessions.

5. Betting on Totals: Points Per Game Matter

Some teams are built to run up the score, while others rely on grinding it out. The key here is understanding how each team plays. If you’re betting on the over/under, look at both teams' scoring averages and how they’ve handled fast-paced or slow-paced games throughout the season.

5. What History Tells Us About First Round Games

If history has taught us anything, it’s that March Madness is full of surprises.

In the first round, upsets aren’t just possible—they’re expected. According to historical data, about 40% of the 8 vs. 9 matchups end in upsets, and lower seeds have consistently shown the ability to punch above their weight in this round. 

A huge part of making successful bets is understanding the Cinderella stories, and this year’s bracket will likely produce a few unexpected upsets.

Key Trends:

• 1 Seed Dominance: While upsets are common, No. 1 seeds have an overwhelmingly high win rate in the first round (over 95%). The key here is betting on them to win but paying attention to how they handle their first-round competition.
  
  
• Defensive Teams Can Survive the Madness: Teams with elite defenses often thrive in March Madness because they can weather offensive runs and maintain composure. Look for teams with top-ranked defenses to cover spreads, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

6. The First Round is Just the Beginning

The first round of March Madness is more than just a chance for teams to advance—it’s a chance for upsets, momentum shifts, and, of course, your bracket to go into a frenzy. 

This is the part of the tournament where anything can happen, and as a sports bettor, it’s essential to keep an eye on the matchups, trends, and strategies that will help you maximize your bets.

7. Navigating the First Round

Whether you’re placing bets, filling out your bracket, or just soaking in the madness, the first round of March Madness is always a spectacle. With so many games to choose from and the potential for surprises at every turn, it’s no wonder that the first round is one of the most thrilling parts of the tournament.

So, get ready to make those bets, stay on top of your game, and watch as history unfolds. Who will advance to the Round of 32? Who will be this year’s Cinderella story? There’s only one way to find out—March Madness has begun!

8. How Can I Max My Winnings This March Madness?

With 67 games, 10 million+ viewers and $2.7 billion+ wagered each year, who doesn’t love March Madness? But while you may be a fan of backing a bracket and cracking a cold one, you may be missing out.

97% of bettors make a loss on March Madness each year, and while you may think that’s just part of the process, it really doesn’t have to be. 

Following a few proven techniques, expert tools and top tips, you can join that that top 3% and bank serious profit this March Madness.

In our free guide, you will discover the 5 Best Betting Strategies This March Madness, complete with all the techniques, tools and tips you need to max your profit from them (pssst, #1 is a game changer).

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