It’s the most wonderful time of the year for degens! March Madness is upon us, meaning wall-to-wall college basketball action all day long to watch and gamble on. For my best bet for Friday, March 20th: March Madness First Round Predictions, we’re off to the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, for some First Round Midwest Region action. Let’s get this money!
Best Bet For Friday (March 20th): March Madness First Round Predictions
#15 Tennessee State Tigers vs #2 Iowa State Cyclones
Start Time: 2:50 PM EST
For only the third time in the program’s history – and first time since back-to-back appearances in 1993 and 1994 – the Tennessee State Tigers are dancing. Quite the feather in the cap of first-year head coach Nolan Smith, who won a National Championship during his playing days at Duke.
But the party for the Tigers ends tomorrow afternoon in St. Louis at the hands of the Iowa State Cyclones. KenPom.com ranks the Cyclones as the sixth-best team in the nation; you can find the Tigers ranked waaaaaaay down at 187th.
While Iowa State’s offense isn’t too shabby (52nd in the country), it’s their defense that carries the day for them, as they allow the 12th fewest points per game in the nation. Plus, the Cyclones have not lost a non-conference (Big 12) game all season, running the board at 13-0.
So, while it’s no shock saying Iowa State is going to win this game, I’m also saying they will cover the spread. My line is Iowa State -31.5, so the Cyclones laying the points is my best bet for Friday.
Best Bet: Iowa State -24.5 (-106)
Best Bet Overall 2026 Record: 51-27 (65%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): $1,235.90
Return on Investment: 16%
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