The First Four was a convenient way for the NCAA to gain four extra prime-time TV games for cash. Additionally, the First Four odds expand the field from 64 to 68 teams. Gamblers, fans, and TV networks quickly accepted the First Four format. The four winners will advance to the regular bracket of the NCAA Tournament betting. Most important of all, the First Four has legitimate hope for big things. Last year the UCLA Bruins limped into the First Four. Three weeks later, they were in the Final Four!
2022 First Four
| Date: | Tuesday, March 15, and Wednesday, March 16, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location: | UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio |
| TV Coverage: | truTV |
First Four Matchups
Texas A&M-CC vs. Texas Southern
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 6:40 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio |
| TV Coverage: | truTV |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M | +4 (-110) | 136 (-110) | +155 | |
| Texas Southern | -4 (-110) | 136 (-110) | -175 | |
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Texas Southern enters the First Four with a record of 15-12 straight up, 14-13 against the spread, and 13-17 under the sportsbook total. Late on, the Tigers have failed to cover six of their most recent eight games. Over the total has paid in their most recent four games. Out of 350 teams, Texas Southern ranks 234th for scoring offense and 102nd for points allowed.
The Texas A&M CC Islanders are 23-11 straight up, 20-10 against the spread, and 17-12-1 over the total. In sum, the Islanders rank 41st for scoring offense and 224th for points allowed. Texas A&M CC has covered four of its previous five games.
Indiana vs. Wyoming
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 9:10 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio |
| TV Coverage: | truTV |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana U | -4 (-110) | 132½ (-110) | -175 | |
| Wyoming | +4 (-110) | 132½ (-110) | +155 | |
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Overall, the Indiana Hoosiers are 20-13 straight up, 19-14 against the spread, and 16-17 under the total. IU ranks 162nd for scoring offense and 69th for points allowed.
The Wyoming Cowboys are 25-8 straight up, 17-13-2 against the spread, and 14-17-1 under the total. Wyoming ranks 114th for scoring offense and 75th for points allowed. Late on, the Cowboys have covered only two of their last seven games.
Bryant vs. Wright State
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 6:40 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio |
| TV Coverage: | truTV |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant | +3 (-110) | 152½ (-110) | +133 | |
| Wright State | -3 (-110) | 152½ (-110) | -153 | |
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To summarize, the Wright State Raiders are 21-13 straight up, 14-19 against the spread, and 18-15 over the total. Wright State ranks 68th for scoring offense and 251st for points allowed. Wright State has covered only two of its last six games.
The Bryant Bulldogs are 23-9 straight up, 16-13-1 against the spread, and 16-14 over the total. Accordingly, Bryant has national rankings of 59th for scoring offense and 259th for points allowed. Bryant has covered eight of its most recent ten games.
Notre Dame vs. Rutgers
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 9:10 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio |
| TV Coverage: | truTV |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | -1 (-110) | 132 (-110) | -118 | |
| Rutgers | +1 (-110) | 132 (-110) | -102 | |
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 22-9 straight up, 17-14 against the spread, and 16-13 over the total. Overall, the Irish rank 147th for scoring offense and 91st for points allowed. Notre Dame has covered four of its last five games.
To show, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 18-13 straight up, 13-16-2 against the spread, and 16-15 over the total. Rutgers has covered only one of its last five games. The Scarlet Knights rank 264th for scoring offense and 62nd for points allowed.
First Four SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Rutgers is outclassed by Notre Dame. In comparison, Wyoming is a dangerous NCAABB betting opponent for Indiana. It is true that Indiana had a remarkable run to get into the tournament. But Wyoming was more consistent this season.
First Four SBG Best Bet: Notre Dame and Wyoming.