What Is the First Four in March Madness?

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Arizona State is one of eight teams playing in the 2023 NCAA Tournament's First Four.
(AP Photo/David Becker)
Chase Kiddy @chaseakiddy Mar 19, 2024, 10:12 AM

The First Four is a series of four early March Madness games played on Tuesday and Wednesday, prior to the start of the NCAA Tournament’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 Thursday’s round of 64 can begin, the field has to be whittled down from 68 teams to 64. 

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 doesn’t start until Thursday. 

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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About the Author

Chase Kiddy

Read More @chaseakiddy

Chase Kiddy is a writer for BetMGM and co-host of The Lion's Edge, an NFL and college football podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else. He has also written for a number of print and online outlets, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Washington Post, Daily News-Record, and HERO Sports. His first novel, Cave Paintings, is in development.

Chase Kiddy is a writer for BetMGM and co-host of The Lion's Edge, an NFL and college football podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else. He has also written for a number of print and online outlets, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Washington Post, Daily News-Record, and HERO Sports. His first novel, Cave Paintings, is in development.