bet365 Daily March Madness Odds, Preview (March 16)

Welcome to the opening round of the March Madness college basketball tournament for 2023. We are headed into the first round of the tournament, also referred to as the Round of 64, and there are plenty of exciting matchups on the slate.

On Thursday, sports bettors will get to enjoy a full schedule of 16 games in total. This makes opening day one of the most exciting of the entire tournament, and certainly one of the best opportunities to cash in on some great gambling opportunities at the same time.

To help better determine where those opportunities might be, let’s take a look at a preview of each game that will tip off.

TeamTeamDate/Time (ET)
Maryland (8)-2.5 (-110)o137.5 (-110)West Virginia (9)March 16, 12:15 PM
Virginia (4)-5.5 (-110)o131.5 (-110)Furman (13)March 16, 12:40 PM
Missouri (7)+1.5 (-110)o155.5 (-110)Utah State (10)March 16, 1:40 PM
Howard (16)+22 (-110)o145.5 (-110)Kansas (1)March 16, 2:00 PM
Texas A&M-CC (16)+24 (-110)o155.5 (-110)Alabama (1)March 16, 2:45 PM
San Diego State (5)-5.5 (-110)o141.5 (-110)Charleston (12)March 16, 3:10 PM
Arizona (2)-14.5 (-110)o154 (-110)Princeton (15)March 16, 4:10 PM
Arkansas (8)2 (-110)o143.5 (-110)Illinois (9)March 16, 4:30 PM
Iowa (8)+1 (-110)o152 (-110)Auburn (9)March 16, 6:50 PM
Duke (5)-6 (-110)o146 (-110)Oral Roberts (12)March 16, 7:10 PM
Texas (2)-13.5 (-110)o148 (-110)Colgate (15)March 16, 7:25 PM
Northwestern (7)-1.5 (-110)o128 (-110)Boise State (10)March 16, 7:35 PM
Houston (1)-19.5 (-110)o122.5 (-110)Northern Kentucky (16)March 16, 9:20 PM
Tennessee (4)-11.5 (-110)o136.5 (-110)UL Lafayette (13)March 16, 9:40 PM
Texas A&M (7)-3 (-110)o134.5 (-110)Penn State (10)March 16, 9:55 PM
UCLA (2)-17.5 (-110)o134.5 (-110)UNC AshevilleMarch 16, 10:05 PM

(8) Maryland vs (9) West Virginia (-2.5, 137.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 12:15 p.m.
Odds to win region: Maryland (+1200), West Virginia (+1800)
Odds to win tournament: Maryland (+6000), West Virginia (+10000)

This is one of the tricky 8-9 matchups that can be extremely difficult to pick. What we know about this game is that Maryland has been struggling from a trends point of view. Maryland is just 2-3 in its last five games, and it has only played over the total in eight of its last 19 games. It seems like this one might be a lower-scoring affair and a tight contest, at least in the first half. However, bettors might expect that West Virginia will be able to pull away from Maryland in the second half with the team’s poor recent form.

Betting Stat to Know: Maryland is 4-7 against the spread this year as an underdog.

Best Bet: West Virginia -2.5 (-110).

(13) Furman vs (4) Virginia (-5.5, 131.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 12:40 p.m.
Odds to win region: Furman (+10000), Virginia (+1000)
Odds to win tournament: Furman (+50000), Virginia (+4000)

The second game of the day features Furman vs. the ACC stalwart, Virginia. Going into the contest, Virginia is 4-1 in its last five games. Known for their stout defensive play, the Cavaliers are a team that is hard to crack as they grind opponents down over the course of a game. The total number might appear quite low to the untrained eye, but that’s largely because it is a recognition of the tough defensive scheme that Virginia has played with all year. Therefore, the better play might be to take Virginia on the spread over a team that will simply be overmatched by Virginia’s game plan and tournament experience.

Betting Stat to Know: The under is 5-2 in the Cavaliers’ last seven NCAA Tournament games.

Best Bet: Virginia -5.5 (-110).

(10) Utah State vs (7) Missouri (+1.5, 155.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 1:40 p.m.
Odds to win region: Utah State (+3500), Missouri (+5000)
Odds to win tournament: Utah State (+25000), Missouri (+25000)

In what promises to be an exciting game, Utah State will take on Missouri in a 7-10 matchup. These are notoriously difficult to pick as well but there are still betting opportunities to be had with games like this. The trends show that Missouri has gone played over the total in 14 of its last 21 games at home and three of its last five games overall. Utah State has played over the total in 12 of its last 19 home games and three of its last five games overall, too. Both teams are known for scoring more points than the bookmakers expect them to make and have high-powered offences.

Betting Stat to Know: The over is 20-13 in Utah State’s games this year as well as 18-15 in Missouri’s games.

Best Bet: Over 155.5 (-110).

(16) Howard vs (1) Kansas (-22.0, 145.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 2:00 p.m.
Odds to win region: Howard (+25000), Kansas(+300)
Odds to win tournament: Howard (+100000), Kansas (+1100)

The first 1-16 matchup of the tournament takes place between Howard and Kansas in this tournament. These are famous matchups because there is a lot of pressure on the No. 1 seed to walk away with what should be an easy win. There has only been one No. 16 in the history of the tournament to ever topple a top seed. Don’t expect it to happen again in this game, but you might see Howard cover the massive spread. It’s easy for teams to come out with nerves in a tournament like this and miss some early shots.

Betting Stat to Know: Kansas is just 12-15 against the spread as a favourite this season.

Best Bet: Howard +22.0 (-110).

Howard Bison +22

-110

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(16) Texas A&M-CC vs (1) Alabama (-24, 155.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 2:45 p.m.
Odds to win region: Texas A&M-CC (-), Alabama (+180)
Odds to win tournament: Texas A&M-CC (-), Alabama (+700)

After a close victory in the First Four, Texas A&M-CC has now earned the right to take on behemoth Alabama. Alabama has been one of the best teams in the country over recent months and is widely considered to be one of the favourites to win the whole thing. Bet365 has Alabama only behind Houston in its National Championship odds. Take Alabama on the spread.

Betting Stat to Know: Alabama is 17-12 againt the spread as the favourite so far this year, an impressive feat considering some of the big spreads the team has faced.

Best Bet: Alabama -24 (-110).

(12) Charleston vs (5) San Diego State (-5.5, 141.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 3:10 p.m.
Odds to win region: Charleston (+7000), San Diego State (+1400)
Odds to win tournament: Charleston (+30000), San Diego State (+8000)

Many March Madness followers understand that there is almost always a 12-seed that defeats a 5-seed every year. It happens at least once in almost every tournament. There are many who are eyeing this game as a potential opportunity to see a 12-seed take down an overrated 5-seed. The fact that Charleston is 5-0 in its last five games and 7-6 against the spread gives plenty of reasons to look at it as a potential giant slayer in the tournament. Charleston also has a 31-3 record this year, although granted it hasn’t played the toughest schedule. Take Charleston on the moneyline for an extra dose of winnings, if you happen to hit a winner on this one.

Betting Stat to Know: Despite it being a small sample size, Charleston has a positive 2-1 record as an underdog this season.

Best Bet: Charleston moneyline (+180).

(15) Princeton vs (2) Arizona (-14.5, 154 o/u)

Time (ET): 4:10 p.m.
Odds to win region: Princeton (+10000), Arizona (+450)
Odds to win tournament: Princeton (+40000), Arizona (+1600)

This game should be a quick and easy win for Arizona. Princeton is a quality basketball squad, but the Ivy League competition that it has been up against all year simply doesn’t compete with the higher quality competition that Arizona has to face all year. Arizona is a big favourite in this game but for good reason. Expect the Wildcats to roll easily.

Betting Stat to Know: Arizona is shooting an incredible 49% from the field so far this season.

Best bet: Arizona -14.5 (-110).

(8) Illinois vs (9) Arkansas (-2, 143.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 4:30 p.m.
Odds to win region: Illinois (+3000), Arkansas (+2500)
Odds to win tournament: Illinois (+10000), Arkansas (+8000)

Both teams in this matchup are on a bit of a slide. Arkansas is 1-4 in its last five games, and Illinois is 2-3 in its last five matchups. Both teams come limping into the tournament on a slide, but they have the good fortune of matching up against each another. Flip a coin to decide this game although there might be a slight tilt in favour of Arkansas, but it will be only a very small tilt.

Betting Stat to Know: Arkansas is 18-5 in games where it’s the favourite this season.

Best Bet: Arkansas moneyline (-135).

TeamTeamDate/Time (ET)
Maryland (8)-2.5 (-110)o137.5 (-110)West Virginia (9)March 16, 12:15 PM
Virginia (4)-5.5 (-110)o131.5 (-110)Furman (13)March 16, 12:40 PM
Missouri (7)+1.5 (-110)o155.5 (-110)Utah State (10)March 16, 1:40 PM
Howard (16)+22 (-110)o145.5 (-110)Kansas (1)March 16, 2:00 PM
Texas A&M-CC (16)+24 (-110)o155.5 (-110)Alabama (1)March 16, 2:45 PM
San Diego State (5)-5.5 (-110)o141.5 (-110)Charleston (12)March 16, 3:10 PM
Arizona (2)-14.5 (-110)o154 (-110)Princeton (15)March 16, 4:10 PM
Arkansas (8)2 (-110)o143.5 (-110)Illinois (9)March 16, 4:30 PM
Iowa (8)+1 (-110)o152 (-110)Auburn (9)March 16, 6:50 PM
Duke (5)-6 (-110)o146 (-110)Oral Roberts (12)March 16, 7:10 PM
Texas (2)-13.5 (-110)o148 (-110)Colgate (15)March 16, 7:25 PM
Northwestern (7)-1.5 (-110)o128 (-110)Boise State (10)March 16, 7:35 PM
Houston (1)-19.5 (-110)o122.5 (-110)Northern Kentucky (16)March 16, 9:20 PM
Tennessee (4)-11.5 (-110)o136.5 (-110)UL Lafayette (13)March 16, 9:40 PM
Texas A&M (7)-3 (-110)o134.5 (-110)Penn State (10)March 16, 9:55 PM
UCLA (2)-17.5 (-110)o134.5 (-110)UNC AshevilleMarch 16, 10:05 PM

(9) Auburn vs (8) Iowa (+1, 152 o/u)

Time (ET): 6:50 p.m.
Odds to win region: Auburn (+3300), Iowa (+1600)
Odds to win tournament: Auburn (+10000), Iowa (+6000)

There will be two back-to-back 8-9 matchups on Thursday. These are among the hardest of contests to handicap as the two teams are usually very well-balanced. That being said, you can still find something interesting about this game in particular. That trend is for both of these teams to outperform the total score that bookmakers expected of them. Iowa has gone over the total in 13 of its last 18 home games, and Auburn has gone over in 10 of its last 18 home games. Thus, these high-scoring teams might combine for a significant number of points.

Betting Stat to Know: Auburn has hit the over in four of its last five games.

Best Bet: Over 152 (-110).

(12) Oral Roberts vs (5) Duke (-6, 146 o/u)

Time (ET): 7:10 p.m.
Odds to win region: Oral Roberts (+7500), Duke (+800)
Odds to win tournament: Oral Roberts (+30000), Duke (+3300)

This is a popular pick by the public for a possible 12-seed over 5-seed, but that may NOT be the play to go with. Both teams are white hot at 5-0 in their last five games each. However, Duke is 4-1 against the spread in its last five games, while Oral Roberts is just 1-4 over its last five games against the spread. Therefore, you might want to take the Blue Devils to cruise to an easy win against an overmatched opponent, especially since the public might push the line towards Oral Roberts in hopes of an upset.

Betting Stat to Know: The under is 7-1 in the Golden Eagles’ last eight games overall.

Best Bet: Duke -6.0 (-110).

(15) Colgate vs (2) Texas (-13.5, 148 o/u)

Time (ET): 7:25 p.m.
Odds to win region: Colgate (+12500), Texas (+400)
Odds to win tournament: Colgate (+60000), Texas (+1600)

Texas looks to be a legitimate contender to make a Final Four appearance. However, there are reasons to believe that Colgate will give the Longhorns a decent game. Colgate is 5-0 in its last five games (4-1 against the spread in that span). That said, Texas is also 5-0 in its last five games, and a perfect 5-0 against the spread in those games. This should be a very exciting contest either way.

Betting Stat to Know: The under has hit in all of Texas’ last five games.

Best Bet: Under 148 (-110).

(10) Boise State vs (7) Northwestern (-1.5, 127 o/u)

Time (ET): 7:35 p.m.
Odds to win region: Boise State (+6500), Northwestern (+3500)
Odds to win tournament: Boise State (+25000), Northwestern (+15000)

Neither team is known for putting a lot of points on the board, and that’s why you are looking at such a low total in this matchup. Perhaps the bookmakers have seen the fact that Northwestern has only played over the total in five of its last 18 home games and Boise State has only done the same in seven of its last 18 home games. When sports bettors see lines this low, they’re likely to make a snap decision and bet the over. There’s a reason why the line is this low. Go with the under.

Betting Stat to Know: Boise State has never won a NCAA Tournament game (0-8).

Best Bet: Under 127 (-110).

Boise State/Northwestern under 127

-110

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(16) Northern Kentucky vs (1) Houston (-19.5, 122.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 9:20 p.m.
Odds to win region: Northern Kentucky (+15000), Houston (+125)
Odds to win tournament: Northern Kentucky (+75000), Houston (+500)

Another 1-16 contest that should see one team with an easy win over the other. Houston is 8-4 against the spread in its last 12 away games, and that provides a strong argument that it might easily be able to walk away with a lopsided win in this contest as well. Houston is also one of the top contenders across the entire field. Expect a blowout over Northern Kentucky.

Betting Stat to Know: Houston is 18-15 against the spread this year as a favourite.

Best Bet: Houston -19.5 (-110).

(13) Louisiana vs (4) Tennessee (-11.5, 136.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 9:40 p.m.
Odds to win region: Louisiana (+10000), Tennessee (+550)
Odds to win tournament: Louisiana (+50000), Tennessee (+2500)

You know who isn’t getting enough respect in this tournament? Louisiana. The Ragin’ Cajuns certainly don’t deserve to be the 11.5-point underdogs that they are against the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols are missing some of their best players to injuries and illness right now, and they could expect to see a real scare from Louisiana in the first round. Some even say that we might be set up for an upset on this one. Regardless, you can get great value by taking the points on Louisiana.

Betting Stat to Know: Louisiana is shooting 39% from three-point land this season, one of the best marks of any team in the touranment.

Best Bet: Louisiana +11.5 (-110).

(10) Penn State vs (7) Texas A&M (-3, 134.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 9:55 p.m.
Odds to win region: Penn State (+4000), Texas A&M (+1100)
Odds to win tournament: Penn State (+20000), Texas A&M (+5000)

Texas A&M is absolutely crushing it with nine wins against the spread in its last 12 away games. The Aggies will be playing on a neutral court when they go up against Penn State, and there is a good chance that they might be able to stomp their opponents in this contest. Texas A&M beat Alabama, one of the top-ranked teams in the entire country, at the start of the month. This recent play should carry over into the tournament and help the Aggies to a big first-round win.

Betting Stat to Know: Texas A&M has covered in four of its last five games.

Best Bet: Texas A&M -3 (-110).

(15) UNC Asheville vs (2) UCLA (-17.5, 134.5 o/u)

Time (ET): 10:05 p.m.
Odds to win region: UNC Asheville (+15000), UCLA (+325)
Odds to win tournament: UNC Asheville (+75000), UCLA (+1200)

UCLA is an interesting pick both as the winners of this region and even as the overall winners of the entire tournament possibly. However, UNC Asheville has some spunk in them as well. UNC Asheville is 5-0 in its last five games, and it’s certainly looking to give UCLA a great game in the first round. No, the Bulldogs are probably not going to win, but they might keep things interesting for a while.

Betting Stat to Know: UNC Asheville is 8-3 against the spread this season as an underdog.

Best Bet: UNC Asheville +17.5 (-110).