- The 2025 NCAA Tournament is upon us so we need to lock in and start getting down
- One of my favorite ways to usher in the tournament is by making a parlay for the First Four
- See below for my +260 March Madness Parlay for the First Four
The First Four often gets overlooked in the grand scheme of things when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. Everyone talks about the first Thursday and Friday, which they should, but what about the First Four? Early on it wasn’t really a “thing” but lately it has been. Tonight we’ll see a couple small schools fight it out (Mount St Mary’s vs American) and then two “big boys” will get it on (Xavier vs Texas). That actually sounds like a great way to spend a Wednesday night. What’s even better is, we can take one bet from the early game and combine it with a bet from the late game for a little two-leg parlay. Now we’re cooking with grease. Feels like the move.
March Madness Parlay for the First Four
Pick | Odds |
---|---|
Matt Rogers Over 17.5 Points | +100 |
Ryan Conwell O17.5 Points | -125 |
Two-Leg Parlay | +260 |
Odds as of March 19 at Fanduel. Download the best March Madness betting apps before the 2025 NCAA Tournament starts.
First Four Parlay Leg #1 – Matt Rogers Will Show Up
What I normally look for in this tournament is a team playing with an edge. Basketball is a very emotional game so when guys are fired up, maybe feel slighted, it’s a net positive. Look at what happened with North Carolina last night.
If there’s anyone in the Mount St. Mary’s/American game that feels slighted, it’s Matt Rogers.
Enough said. 💍 pic.twitter.com/pQiMdUcPdX
— Matt Rogers (@matt_rogers4) March 18, 2025
Should Matt Rogers have been the Patriot League Player of the Year? Maybe or maybe not. That’s not the point. The point is, he was talented enough to be up for the award and probably feels like he now has something to prove. That’s a kid we want to back in a “loser goes home” game.
Just last game, in the conference championship game, Rogers dropped 25 points like it was nothing. It was the 13th time he recorded a 20-burger this season. Tonight he’ll be in a pace-up spot which means more possessions which means more opportunities. Rogers could easily go wild and we only need 18 out of him. Feels easy.
- Leg #1: Matt Rogers Over 17.5 Points (+100) – FanDuel

First Four Parlay Leg #2 – Ryan Conwell Is A Star
The NCAA Tournament is about the stars. It just is. It’s been like that since the very first one and it will likely never change. There’s just something about giving the ball to your “guy” and letting him cook.
If Xavier has a “guy”, it’s Ryan Conwell. We’re talking NBA talent here people.
Xavier’s Ryan Conwell is a:
– 6’4 Guard
– Plus Defender
– And this is how much space he needs:NBA Player pic.twitter.com/Rfp9IfeBMw
— Ryan Cassidy (@ryancassidycbb) March 6, 2025
If you’ve watched Xavier play recently, then you already know. They like Ryan Conwell and have no problem jumping on his back. When it’s do or die, you want your best scorer taking a million shots and that’s exactly what’s happening.
Over his last five games, Conwell has scored at least 20 points in every game. In his last three games, he’s taken at least 12 shots in all of them. They lost to Marquette in the quarter finals of the Big East Tournament and in that game, Conwell hung 38. We only need 18 tonight. Feels easy.
- Leg #2: Ryan Conwell Over 17.5 Points (-125) – FanDuel
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March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year for college basketball fans. With the tournament just around the corner, many bettors are looking to get in on the action and make some money by placing bets on the games.
One popular way to bet on March Madness is through parlays, which allow bettors to combine multiple bets into one wager for a potentially larger payout. And for the First Four games, one sportsbook is offering an enticing +260 parlay that could result in a big payday for those who are willing to take a chance.
A +260 parlay means that if all of the bets in the parlay hit, the bettor will receive a payout of $260 for every $100 wagered. This type of parlay can be a great way to increase your potential winnings, but it also comes with a higher level of risk since all of the bets must hit in order to cash in.
For the First Four games, bettors will have the opportunity to wager on a variety of different outcomes, including the point spread, over/under totals, and moneyline bets. By combining multiple bets into one parlay, bettors can increase their potential payout while also adding an extra layer of excitement to the games.
When constructing a parlay for the First Four games, it’s important to do your research and consider factors such as team performance, injuries, and historical trends. By taking the time to analyze each game and make informed decisions, you can increase your chances of hitting on all of your bets and cashing in on that +260 payout.
Overall, betting on March Madness can be a fun and potentially lucrative way to enjoy the tournament. And with a +260 parlay available for the First Four games, bettors have the opportunity to turn a small wager into a big payday. Just remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the games.