The mad dash for information and analysis from top college basketball minds has begun.
With 2023 March Madness brackets being filled out, it’s time to discuss those pivotal first-round matchups.
Looking for that big upset pick that separates you from the bunch?
And look no further, as The Post has everything you could want, from 2023 March Madness winners and predictions about the tournament.
Below we preview the first round of the 2023 March Madness tournament and give a future pick on who could be cutting down the nets come April.
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2023 March Madness first round picks and predictions
Charleston vs. San Diego State
Charleston opens as 5.5-point underdogs for Thursday’s contest and color me a believer.
The Cougars will likely be a trendy pick in many brackets coming in as a 12-seed against the five-seeded Aztecs.
The Cougars rank higher in net offensive rating according to KenPom, a particular issue for San Diego.
San Diego cannot get into firefights with anyone.
The Cougars have a dynamic attack on offense and is the play here at +5.5 on BetMGM.
Michigan State vs. USC
The first of two, 7/10 matchups were are targeting.
Up first, the Michigan State Spartans who come into this matchup playing solid basketball against the Southern California Trojans.
We know what to expect from the Spartan, a slow-paced grudge match with suffocating defense.
USC will need to rely heavily on its veteran backcourt in order to keep the offense flowing.
The rankings think this matchup is especially tight on paper, with KenPom having ranked Tom Izzo’s bunch No. 32 overall and USC coming in at 36.
Look for Izzo to keep the pace slow and methodical while stifling star Trojan guard Boogie Ellis.
Target the more experienced coaching in a game like this and take Michigan State here -1.5, still available on Caesars.
Missouri vs. Utah State
A pick ’em in another 7/10 matchup but this time, we’re going with the low seed.
Utah State poses clear ranking advantages on KenPom and NET rankings.
As the Action Network’s C. Jackson Cowart pointed out in his bracket tips, beware of the high offense low defense squad.
This has gotten Missouri into trouble in the past and this year is no different.
Their offensive efficiency rating is fantastic (ninth) but their defensive rating is a horror story (179th).
The Aggies don’t rank poorly in either category (13th on offense, 64th on defense).
An upset on the bracket but not necessarily for sports bettors.
With no favorite declared on FanDuel, grab that line and expect the Aggies to obtain favorite status by Thursday.
2023 March Madness predictions
Alabama +800 (PointsBet)
The Crimson Tide will be the most popular pick among your friends in your NCAA Tournament bracket challenge.
They have everything you could want.
Brandon Miller is the best player in college hoops, looking between some combination of Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant during their legendary amateur careers.
This team is not just about Miller, though.
KenPom has Alabama ranked as the third-best defensive college basketball team in the nation while post the 19th-best adjusted offensive ranking.
At +800, you are getting the best player in college basketball as well as a solid supporting cast that plays fast while also averaging the most rebounds per game in the country (44).
They are the pick to win it all.
