March Madness is up and running, and there’s already been a big upset. Get Friday betting picks, top odds, and parlay bets for March 21, 2025.
NCAA March Madness Friday picks, odds & parlay tips
The first big shock of March Madness 2025 has arrived, as 12th-seeded McNeese stunned fifth-seeded Clemson in Thursday’s opening round in Providence, Rhode Island.
This marks McNeese’s first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, powered by a standout 21-point performance from Brandon Murray.
The Cowboys controlled the game from start to finish, fending off a late Clemson surge to secure their historic advancement to the second round.
They’ll now face fourth-seeded Purdue on Saturday, March 22, with a coveted Sweet 16 spot on the line.
In the meantime, let’s look at the best basketball bets on offer for Friday’s action in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
First Round betting picks – March 21
North Carolina v Ole Miss
North Carolina enter this matchup riding high after a dominant 27-point win in the First Four, despite some criticism over their inconsistent performances against top-tier opponents. On the other side, Ole Miss have struggled to find consistency, going 5-5 in their last 10 games and being held to 72 or fewer points in six of those. The Rebels have also failed to cover the spread in eight of their last 10.
North Carolina -1.5
New Mexico v Marquette
The under has hit in three of New Mexico’s last four games, and it has also cashed in four of the last six for Missouri. While this matchup projects to have a slightly quicker tempo, both teams bring solid defensive efficiency to the floor. Missouri’s pace has also been trending slower in recent weeks.
Under 152.5 points
Oklahoma v Connecticut
UConn look well positioned to cover in this matchup, bringing both tournament experience and a strong system under Dan Hurley. The Huskies hold a clear edge against an Oklahoma team that may find it difficult to match their efficiency and physicality on both ends of the floor.
Connecticut -5.5
March Madness Parlay of the Day
March Madness rolls into Day 4, and the excitement is already in full swing. As the tournament continues, bettors can jump into the action with top betting sites offering odds on every game from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
- North Carolina -1.5
- New Mexico v Marquette under 152.5
- Connecticut -5.5
TOTAL RETURN: $6.78
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