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High Point Today
By the People, for the People
March Madness Picks Against the Spread for Thursday, March 19
Our March Madness against the spread picks for Thursday, March 19, include Gonzaga, Arkansas, and more.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 6:07pm
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The 2026 NCAA Tournament kicks off on Thursday with a full slate of 16 games. Our expert March Madness picks against the spread cover each matchup, including top picks like Gonzaga, Arkansas, and Illinois.
Why it matters
With the first round of the NCAA Tournament underway, these against-the-spread picks provide valuable insights for sports bettors looking to gain an edge in their March Madness wagers. The analysis highlights key factors like team metrics, recent form, and player injuries that could impact the outcomes of these opening-round games.
The details
Our March Madness expert has analyzed the opening-round matchups and provided picks against the spread for each game on Thursday's schedule. The analysis covers factors like team rankings, offensive and defensive efficiency, recent performance, and player availability that are shaping the point spread odds.
- The 2026 NCAA Tournament tips off on Thursday, March 19.
The players
Graham Ike
A forward for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Bruce Thornton
A guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
John Mobley Jr.
A guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Fred Hoiberg
The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Flynn Clayman
The head coach of the High Point Panthers.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This March Madness coverage provides valuable insights for sports bettors looking to gain an edge in their wagers on the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The expert analysis highlights key factors like team metrics, recent form, and player availability that could shape the outcomes of these games.
