The NCAA Tournament tips off with the highly anticipated First Four games on March 17 in Dayton, Ohio. These opening matchups set the tone for March Madness, offering teams a critical opportunity to advance into the main bracket while showcasing the depth and unpredictability of college basketball.
First Four Matchups and Schedule
The First Four features two games between No. 16 seeds and two contests among No. 11 seeds. These games are often tightly contested, with momentum playing a crucial role as teams fight to extend their postseason journey.
| Matchup | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|
| (16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard | 6:40 p.m. | truTV |
| (11) Texas vs. (11) NC State | 9:15 p.m. | truTV |
Both games will be broadcast on truTV, continuing the network’s role as the primary home for early-round NCAA Tournament action.
(16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard Odds, Picks and Score Prediction
This First Four matchup is expected to be one of the most competitive games of the opening round, with sportsbooks listing it as nearly even.
Betting Odds
| Market | UMBC | Howard |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -1.5 (-110) | +1.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | -120 | +100 |
| Total | O 139.5 (-110) | U 139.5 (-110) |
This game features a clash of styles. UMBC leans heavily on perimeter shooting and disciplined half-court execution, while Howard thrives in transition with athletic guards who can push tempo.
UMBC’s experience in high-pressure tournament environments gives them a slight edge, particularly in late-game execution. Howard, however, has the athleticism to create chaos and generate easy points off turnovers.
From a betting perspective, the tight spread reflects how evenly matched these teams are, but UMBC’s ability to control pace and limit mistakes makes them the more reliable side.
NCAAB Best Bet: UMBC -1.5 (-110)
Projected Score: UMBC 72, Howard 68
Key Players to Watch
UMBC’s offense is driven by its lead guard, a high-usage scorer who can create off the dribble and stretch defenses from deep. Their secondary scorer on the wing also plays a crucial role in spacing the floor.
Howard is led by a dynamic backcourt duo, including a slashing guard who excels in transition and a versatile wing capable of scoring at all three levels. Their athleticism gives them upset potential if they can dictate tempo.
(11) Texas vs. (11) NC State Odds, Picks and Score Prediction
The late game on March 17 presents a slightly more physical matchup, with Texas entering as a narrow favorite in what could be one of the best First Four games.
Betting Odds
| Market | Texas | NC State |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -1.5 (-110) | +1.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | -125 | +105 |
| Total | O 145.5 (-110) | U 145.5 (-110) |
Texas brings a balanced attack with defensive discipline and interior strength, while NC State relies on guard play and perimeter scoring to generate offense.
The key matchup will be in the paint, where Texas holds a size advantage. If the Longhorns can control rebounding and slow the pace, they should be able to limit NC State’s offensive rhythm.
From a betting standpoint, Texas offers slightly more value due to its defensive consistency and ability to execute in half-court situations.
NCAAB Best Bet: Texas -1.5 (-110)
Projected Score: Texas 75, NC State 70
Key Players to Watch
Texas is anchored by a versatile forward who can score inside and stretch the floor, along with a composed point guard who limits turnovers and controls tempo.
NC State’s success depends on its backcourt, led by a high-volume scorer and a secondary playmaker capable of breaking down defenses. Their perimeter efficiency will be critical to covering the spread.
Why the First Four Matters
While sometimes overlooked, the First Four has become an integral part of the NCAA Tournament. Teams that win these games gain immediate experience under tournament pressure, which can translate into stronger performances in subsequent rounds.
The format also ensures broader representation across conferences, giving more programs a chance to compete on college basketball’s biggest stage. For fans, it provides an early glimpse of the drama and unpredictability that define March Madness.
For a deeper look at how the full bracket unfolds, explore our March Madness bracket guide.
Historical Impact of First Four Teams
In recent years, several First Four winners have advanced beyond expectations, proving that early momentum can be a decisive factor. These games often feature evenly matched teams, making them some of the most competitive contests in the tournament’s opening week.
Programs that succeed here typically combine disciplined defense with efficient scoring—traits that can carry them into the Round of 64 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The First Four on March 17 is more than just a prelude—it’s a proving ground. With two high-stakes matchups set in Dayton, fans can expect intensity, urgency, and the first signs of potential Cinderella stories.
