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The madness in March is about to begin. Selection Sunday is on March 13. Then the First Four happens at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio on March 15 and March 16. Which teams will launch their NCAA Tournament bids in the First Four? Check out a First Four prediction as well as early March Madness Betting picks on which teams win their First Four game.

First Four Round Predictions and Picks | March Madness Betting

2022 NCAA Tournament First Four

When: March 15 – Mach 16
Where: UD Arena, Dayton, OH
TV/Streaming: TBD/Paramount +

Texas Southern Tigers vs New Orleans Privateers

The 14-11 Texas Southern Tigers are 12-4 in conference play. Make no mistake, Texas Southern must win the South Western Athletic Conference Tournament to make the First Four. That should happen because Texas Southern’s opponent, Florida A&M, just isn’t as good as they are.

New Orleans must win the Southland Conference Tournament to make the First Four. The Privateers can beat Nicholls and win their conf. tourney, but they will lose to Texas Southern in their First Four matchup.

First Four Pick: Texas Southern Tigers

Longwood Lancers vs Norfolk State Spartans

Big South power Longwood has an excellent 23-6 record. Longwood should win the Big South Tournament and grab a spot in the First Four.

Norfolk State is the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s beset team. The Spartans are 19-6, but 10-2 in conference play. Like Longwood, Norfolk State should win their conference tournament.

A Longwood versus Norfolk game would be difficult to handicap. Because Longwood has an overall better record, they’re the pick to secure a bid in the NCAA Tournament Round-of-64.

First Four Pick: Longwood Lancers

San Francisco Dons vs Indiana Hoosiers

Now we’re getting down to underrated teams in bigger conferences. The San Francisco Dons play in the West Coast Conference where Gonzaga and St. Mary’s rule.

Indiana is a Big Ten team. No doubt San Francisco, who has wins over Davidson, Arizona State, and BYU, deserves a First Four berth.

Indiana beat Notre Dame, Purdue, and Ohio State this season. So the Hoosiers deserve a chance to play there way into the 64.

In a game between these two, Indiana gets the nod. The Hoosiers ended a 5-game winning streak by beating Maryland and Minnesota last week. Indiana looks like the better team.

First Four Pick: Indiana Hoosiers

Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs Memphis Tigers

Memphis started the season a Top 10 ranked team. The Tigers fell apart early, losing to Iowa State, Ole Miss, Georgia, Murray State, and Tulane.

Memphis is a talented squad, though, and they beat Houston this season. So the Tigers deserve a chance to play in the First Four.

Loyola Chicago is 22-7. The Ramblers also deserve a chance to play for an NCAA Tournament 64 bid. The Ramblers are better on the offensive end. So if this turns into a shootout, and it probably will, Loyola Chicago should beat Memphis.

First Four Pick: Loyola Chicago Ramblers