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.
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?
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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