The NCAA Tournament officially tips off Tuesday and Wednesday in Dayton, Ohio, with the First Four matchups determining the final four spots in the Round of 64. Here's a complete breakdown of the opening odds for all four games, available at BetOnline.
Tuesday, March 17
UMBC vs. Howard Spread: UMBC -1.5
Moneyline: UMBC -120 / Howard +100
Total: 142.5
The Retrievers enter as slight favorites after dominating Vermont in the America East final. Howard captured the MEAC championship with a win over NC Central. Both teams face a daunting Round of 64 matchup against No. 1 seed Michigan.
Texas vs. NC State Spread: PK (Pick 'Em)
Moneyline: Texas -105 / NC State -115
Total: 161.5
This at-large bubble battle features two power conference teams that struggled down the stretch. Texas went 1-6 to close the regular season, while NC State dropped seven of their final nine games. The two teams met earlier this season in Maui, with Texas prevailing 102-97. The winner advances to face No. 6 seed BYU in Portland.
Wednesday, March 18
Prairie View A&M vs. Lehigh Spread: Lehigh -3
Moneyline: Lehigh -135 / Prairie View A&M +114
Total: 147.5
Lehigh captured the Patriot League championship after Boston University upset regular-season champion Navy in the semifinals. Prairie View A&M completed a remarkable turnaround, winning the SWAC tournament after finishing just 9-9 in conference play. The winner draws defending champion Florida in the South Region.
Miami (OH) vs. SMU Spread: SMU -9
Moneyline: SMU -425 / Miami (OH) +330
Total: 165.5
Miami (OH) carries a 31-1 record into Dayton after suffering their only loss in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals. SMU secured an at-large bid despite losing four consecutive games to end the regular season. The Mustangs are significant favorites against the RedHawks, with the winner advancing to face No. 6 seed Tennessee in the Midwest Region. All First Four games air on truTV from UD Arena in Dayton, with winners advancing to first-round action beginning Thursday.