First Four Open March Madness Thursday Night NCAA Basketball Odds (March,18)

When the First Four was created, it was ripped as an NCAA money grab. Of course, that was true. Adding four play-in games to the schedule adds to the coffers of college basketball and the networks. But the First Four has become a highly entertaining part of the NCAA Tournament. Those First Four games whet the appetite of gamblers for the massive amount of opening-round gambling action. Thursday night brings compelling matchups with the First Four odds. In particular, the Michigan State vs. UCLA matchup is comprised of marquee brands.

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First Four

First Four SBG Odds Overview

On this occasion, sports betting is going to be hot. Gamblers have waited two years for March Madness. Last year’s cancelation only enhances the appetite of the betting community. UCLA and Michigan State bring us two blue blood name-brand programs. And Wichita State is a respected newer power. All of the games stand to have a robust live betting handle.

Texas Southern vs. Mount St. Mary’s -2, 132.5, truTV 5:20 p.m. ET

Team	Spread	Total	ML
Mount St Marys	PK (-110)	131½ (-110)	-110
Texas Southern	PK (-110)	131½ (-110)	-110

Texas Southern is 16-8 SU, 12-10-1 ATS, 13-9-1 OU. By contrast, Mount St. Mary’s is 12-10 SU, 11-10 ATS, 8-13 OU. The Texas Southern Tigers have covered seven of their last nine. Specifically, the Tigers won the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament. Mount St. Mary’s has paid in four straight contests. They won the Northeastern Conference Tournament.

Drake vs. Wichita State -2, 139.5, TBS, 6:27 p.m. ET

Team	Spread	Total	ML
Drake	+1½ (-110)	141 (-110)	+105
Wichita	-1½ (-110)	141 (-110)	-125

Last weekend Wichita State was stunned in a 60-59 loss to Cincinnati in the American Athletic Conference tournament. They bring a record of 16-5 SU, 9-9-1 ATS, 9-10 OU to the March Madness lines. Counter to that is Drake at 25-4 SU, 20-6-1 ATS, 17-10 OU. Drake brings tremendous balance and a full-court style to this matchup. Second to Loyola Chicago in the Missouri Valley was Drake’s standing.

Appalachian State vs. Norfolk State -3, 136, truTV, 8:40 p.m. ET

Team	Spread	Total	ML
Norfolk St	+3 (-110)	134½ (-11	+130
Appalachian St	-3 (-110)	134½ (-110)	-150

Now Appalachian State is 17-11 SU, 14-9-1 ATS, 11-13 OU. Norfolk State 16-7 SU, 12-8-1, 12-9 OU. Late on, Appalachian State has covered five of their last six games. Norfolk State covered seven of their previous eight. The Spartans won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament. Appalachian State won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

UCLA vs. Michigan State -2, 137, TBS, 9:57 p.m. ET

Team	Spread	Total	ML
UCLA	+2½ (-110)	136½ (-110	+123
Michigan State	-2½ (-110)	136½ (-110)	-143

UCLA and Michigan State were also-rans in 2020-21. Yet that doesn’t matter to most gamblers. Cause by the Bruins and Spartans being two of college basketball’s blue blood programs. Michigan State brings a record of 15-12 SU, 9-18 ATS, 10-17 OU. Similarly, UCLA is 17-9 SU, 12-14 ATS, 15-11 OU. Michigan State has covered five of their last seven games. While UCLA has dropped four of their last six to the odds.

Michigan State may get some benefit of the doubt for playing in the Big Ten. Cause by the B1G being the best league in the country. Namely, Tom Izzo remains one of the most respected coaches in the game. Fashion that UCLA was one of the country’s biggest disappointments this season.

First Four SBG Free Picks

In this situation, Michigan State is in better form than UCLA. Drake is one of the best under-the-radar teams in the country. Also, Appalachian State brings strong momentum.

First Four SBG Best Bets: Michigan State, Drake, and Appalachian State

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