How’s your bracket? Need help? Now’s the time to become a VSiN Pro. Find a price that works for you.
As VSiN reporter Dave Tuley chronicled: Favorites went 12-4 straight up on the opening day of the NCAA Tournament, but just 9-7 ATS (56.3%) as 3 dogs🐶covered in losses (Alabama State, Wofford and NC-Wilmington).
Unders went 9-7, but don’t get me started on the McNeese State-Clemson Total. I needed more than a few drinks to shake that off.
On the the bright side, I stayed at Circa late enough to be able to report that “Private Plane Wayne” — interviewed on a segment with Circa owner Derek Stevens on Follow The Money with Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard — continued on his Vegas heater and won $26,000 on the Mo Mummy slots late in the night.
Let’s see what today brings.
16 first-round previews
We have previews for every game and I’ve included links to our matchup pages, which include lines, ATS records, splits and picks (for VSiN Pro subscribers).
>Baylor vs. Mississippi State (12:15 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup.
>Robert Morris vs. Alabama (12:40 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Lipscomb vs. Iowa State (1:30 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Colorado State vs. Memphis (2:00 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Mount St. Mary’s vs. Duke (2:50 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Vanderbilt vs. Saint Mary’s (3:15 pm. ET). Preview / Matchup
>North Carolina vs. Mississippi (4:05 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Grand Canyon vs. Maryland (4:35 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Norfolk State vs. Florida (6:50 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Troy vs. Kentucky (7:10 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>New Mexico vs. Marquette (7:25 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Akron vs. Arizona (7:35 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Oklahoma vs. UConn (9:25 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Xavier vs. Illinois (9:45 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Bryant vs. Michigan State (10 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
>Liberty vs. Oregon (10:10 p.m. ET). Preview / Matchup
This is the magic link: You will find the best of our NCAA coverage — first-round previews and trends as well as the second-round previews as the pairings are set.
Contests, Picks & Best Bets
>Today’s remaining contest selections for the Circa College Hoops Challenge are here.
>If you want to see how contestants in the VSiN March Bracket Challenge played today’s games, go here.
>If you want to see how VSiN staffers played today’s menu in the Bracket Challenge, go here.
Best Bets columns for today’s action:
>Adam Burke (later this morning)
VSiN fan contribution: Artie “The Swami” Alonzo weighs in after picking BYU -2.5 yesterday:
Illinois -3.5: The Swam is now 2-0, but we’re just getting started! This Illinois team is one of the most talented teams in the nation, make no mistake about it. They have underachieved but I have watched them closely and they are putting it together. I was on Xavier Wednesday, but Illinois is super athletic and Xavier is no match for them. Lay it with confidence!
>VSiN Pro picks for the tournament
And let’s not forget that the women’s tournament starts today. Tyler Shoemaker, our resident expert, has first-round Best Bets.
The Run for the Roses
If you want to take a break from the hoops, VSiN At The Track — Road to the Kentucky Derby will debut today at 2:30 p.m. ET on our YouTube page (not our YouTubeTV channel).
VSiN host Mike Somich and Aaron Halterman of RacingDudes.com will cover their Kentucky Derby Top 5 and darkhorses, plus preview Saturday’s prep races (Jeff Ruby Stakes and Louisiana Derby).
>Here is a link to the show whether you want to watch it live or on replay.
VSiN At The Track will be a regular series through the Derby and the other Triple Crown races.
1/ST BET handicapper Jeff Siegel offers his picks for today’s card. 1/ST Bet offers wagering on hundreds of races every day from across the country and around the world. Sign up at 1STBET.COM with promo code VSIN200 to claim a 20% rebate for your first 60 days, up to $200.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen will have his plays later this morning.
NHL: Jonathan Davis will have his Best Bets later, too.
Tennis: Zach has posted his plays for today’s action at the Miami Open.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Friday, March 21. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
