March Madness First Round: Three Value Underdogs Worth Betting Early
March Madness 2025's first round presents three compelling underdog opportunities worth targeting early, based on opening lines and team matchups.
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Drake (+5.5) vs Missouri
- Drake's defense ranks 8th nationally in the last three games
- Missouri's 5th-ranked offense faces strong defensive test
- Line opened higher than expected at +5.5
- Drake shows potential for straight-up win
- Best odds: DraftKings (-102)
Yale (+7.5) vs Texas A&M
- Yale shoots 37% from three-point range
- Texas A&M struggles defending three-pointers
- Slow-paced game favors Yale's style
- Spread appears too wide given matchup
- Best odds: FanDuel (-110)
Liberty (+5.5) vs Oregon
- Nation's best effective field goal percentage
- Unconventional offense difficult to prepare for
- Slow pace will disrupt Oregon's 76 points per game average
- Strong potential for straight-up victory
- Best odds: DraftKings (-110)
All odds current as of March 16 at FanDuel & DraftKings.
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