What Is the First Four in March Madness?

Arizona State is one of eight teams playing in the 2023 NCAA Tournament's First Four.
(AP Photo/David Becker)

The First Four is a series of four early March Madness games played on Tuesday and Wednesday, prior to the start of the NCAA Tournamentโ€™s round of 64 on Thursday.

In that way, the First Four is a bit like a light appetizer, served before the sprawling six-course meal that is the full March Madness slate.

A whopping 68 teams are chosen for the modern NCAA Tournament, and before Thursdayโ€™s round of 64 can begin, the field has to be whittled down from 68 teams to 64.ย 

To do that, two games are played on Tuesday night. Two more games are played on Wednesday night. The winners of all four games advance to the round of 64; the losers go home.

All eight teams involved in the First Four games are technically considered NCAA Tournament teams, even if the official first round doesnโ€™t start until Thursday.ย 

First Four March Madness

Favorite (Spread)Underdog (Spread)TotalMoneyline
Howard (-3.5)Wagner (+3.5)128.5-165/+135
Colorado State (-2.5)Virginia (+2.5)120.5-155/+125
Montana State (-3.5)Grambling (+3.5)135.5-185/+150
Colorado (-2.5)Boise State (+2.5)140.5-145/+120

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.