March Madness: Best Predictions for First Four Games Today on March 18
The second night of March Madness in the First Four brings another tight two-game slate, but this one has a slightly different feel with more volatility on the board. That creates a strong opportunity to target underdogs and lean into player props where roles are clearly defined.
In spots like this, it’s less about volume and more about identifying where the value actually sits. Lehigh is set to take on Prairie View A&M, followed by Miami (OH) versus SMU.
Here are the best bets today for Wednesday’s First Four slate in the NCAA Tournament.
Game Lines
Odds via Thrillzz
Lehigh Moneyline (+135) vs. Prairie View A&M
This is a spot where the slight underdog has a very real path in what should be a competitive game. Lehigh plays with more balance offensively, which matters in a one-game setting where relying too heavily on one player can become a problem.
Prairie View A&M has scorers, but the offense can lean too heliocentric at times. If Lehigh can stay disciplined and force a more team-oriented game, this number feels too wide for what should be a close matchup.
Miami (OH) Moneyline (+250) vs. SMU
This is the swing-for-upside play on the slate, but the price justifies it. SMU is the more talented team, but Miami (OH) has enough shot-making and structure to stay within striking distance, plus they only lost one game all season.
In these types of First Four matchups, guard play and composure matter, and Miami (OH) checks both boxes. At +250, you’re betting on a game that stays close late, which is all you need for this to have real value.
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Odds via DraftKings
Cory Wells Over 7.5 Rebounds (-121)
Wells plays a physical role for Prairie View A&M and is one of their more consistent contributors on the glass. His involvement around the rim and ability to stay active on both ends gives him a strong baseline for rebound opportunities.
He has also shown recent consistency in this area, pulling down eight or more rebounds in more than half of his last 10 games. In a matchup that should generate plenty of missed shots, this line aligns well with both his role and recent form.
Boopie Miller Over 20.5 Points (-111)
Miller is known for his playmaking, but he is more than capable of stepping into a scoring role when needed. He has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five games, which shows the kind of offensive rhythm he is bringing into this matchup.
With SMU expected to generate offense and control stretches of the game, the opportunity should be there again. If he stays aggressive from the jump, this line becomes very reachable.
New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets Instantly With just two games on the board, this is the type of slate where targeting value is more important than anything else. Lehigh and Miami (OH) both present underdog paths worth backing, while Wells and Miller bring strong role-based cases in the prop market.
All Odds as of 11:59 p.m. ET on March 17
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