March Madness First Round Best Bets, Picks, Odds: Arizona, Duke, Kentucky, Iowa, Virginia, and More!

Vaughn Dalzell breaks down his first round best bets for the NCAA Tournament!

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:24pm

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Vaughn Dalzell provides his top picks and best bets for the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, including games featuring Arizona, Duke, Kentucky, Iowa, and Virginia.

Why it matters

As the NCAA Tournament kicks off, Dalzell's expert analysis and betting recommendations can help readers make informed wagers and get an edge on the competition.

The details

Dalzell highlights several key first round matchups, providing in-depth analysis on the strengths and weaknesses of each team. He makes the case for favorites like Duke, Arizona, and Virginia to cover the spread, while also identifying an underdog in Santa Clara that he believes can pull off an upset against Kentucky.

  • The first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is taking place.

The players

Vaughn Dalzell

A sports betting expert who provides analysis and picks for the NCAA Tournament.

Duke

A top-seeded team in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Arizona

A top-seeded team in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky

A highly ranked team in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Iowa

A team competing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Virginia

A team competing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Santa Clara

An underdog team competing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NCAA Basketball schedule!”

— Vaughn Dalzell

The takeaway

Dalzell's expert analysis and betting recommendations provide valuable insights for fans looking to make informed wagers on the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. His picks highlight both favorites and underdogs worth considering, giving readers a comprehensive look at the opening slate of games.