Men's College Basketball First Four Predictions and Preview
BetQL's NCAAB experts break down the college national championship play-in games.
Eight teams are still vying for a spot in the NCAA Men's National Championship tournament. Our experts are here to break down the First Four play-in games and share their predictions. Who will live to fight another day and who will only be able to watch from the sidelines, our CBB have the top college basketball picks you've been looking for.
Midwest 16 Seed
Howard Bison vs. UMBC Retrievers
BetQL is excited to bring you this prediction for the upcoming NCAA First Four Playoffs game featuring the Howard Bison against the UMBC Retrievers on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The intensity of playoff basketball is unmatched, and both teams will be eager to secure a victory in this high-stakes matchup.
Howard Bison's Performance
The Howard Bison enter this game with a solid performance in their recent outings. In the previous season of the NCAA Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, they finished with a record of 11 wins and 3 losses, showcasing their competitive edge.
In their last five games, the Howard Bison have demonstrated remarkable form:
- March 14, 2026: Won against North Carolina Central Eagles (70-63)
- March 13, 2026: Won against South Carolina State Bulldogs (78-61)
- March 5, 2026: Lost to Norfolk State Spartans (76-84)
- March 2, 2026: Won against Coppin State Eagles (90-70)
- February 28, 2026: Won against Morgan State Bears (84-59)
With a strong finish heading into the playoffs, the Bison are expected to leverage their home-court advantage to make a significant impact in this game.
UMBC Retrievers’ Performance
On the other hand, the UMBC Retrievers have also been performing exceptionally well. In their last season of the NCAA America East, they concluded with a record of 14 wins and 2 losses, making them a formidable opponent.
The Retrievers' recent results indicate their readiness for this playoff game:
- March 14, 2026: Won against Vermont Catamounts (74-59)
- March 10, 2026: Won against UMass Lowell River Hawks (91-69)
- March 7, 2026: Won against New Hampshire Wildcats (84-69)
- March 3, 2026: Won against NJIT Highlanders (91-52)
- February 28, 2026: Won against UMass Lowell River Hawks (84-60)
The UMBC Retrievers come into this game on a high, boasting a strong win streak, and they’ll be eager to continue their momentum as they face off against the Howard Bison.
Prediction for the Game
As the Bison prepare to face the Retrievers, the predictions suggest a tightly contested affair. According to BetQL's analysis, the following betting odds are available:
- Moneyline: Win for UMBC Retrievers -118 (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Spread: Win for Howard Bison (-1.5 points) -118 (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Totals: Over 140.5 points -110 (FanDuel Sportsbook)
With both teams showing excellent form leading up to the game, viewers can expect an exciting showdown. Basketball fans won’t want to miss this clash between the Bison and the Retrievers as they battle for a coveted spot in the next round of the playoffs.
Midwest 11 Seed
SMU Mustangs vs. Miami (OH) Redhawks
BetQL is excited to present this detailed prediction for the upcoming NCAA First Four Playoffs game between the SMU Mustangs and the Miami (OH) Redhawks, scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This pivotal game promises to deliver exciting basketball as both teams vie for their place in the playoffs.
SMU Mustangs Performance Overview
The SMU Mustangs, currently part of the NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference, have had a challenging season. As they head into this game, they are aiming to turn around their recent performances. So far in the playoffs, they have played two games but emerged victorious only once in their preceding regular season, indicating that they may be looking to build momentum.
In their last five games, the Mustangs have faced tough competition. Here’s how they fared:
- March 11, 2026 - Loss against Louisville Cardinals (58-62)
- March 7, 2026 - Loss against Florida State Seminoles (78-91)
- March 4, 2026 - Loss against Miami Hurricanes (69-77)
- February 28, 2026 - Loss against Stanford Cardinal (75-95)
- February 25, 2026 - Loss against California Golden Bears (69-73)
With a stronger focus on their upcoming game, the Mustangs will look to capitalize on their home advantage and improve upon their recent gameplay.
Miami (OH) Redhawks Performance Overview
On the other side, the Miami (OH) Redhawks from the Mid-American Conference have showed promising signs of competitiveness this season. They’ve made significant strides in the playoffs, winning two games while being strong contenders throughout the majority of their matches this season.
Their last five games illustrate their current form:
- March 12, 2026 - Loss against Massachusetts Minutemen (83-87)
- March 6, 2026 - Win against Ohio Bobcats (110-108)
- March 3, 2026 - Win against Toledo Rockets (74-72)
- February 27, 2026 - Win against Western Michigan Broncos (69-67)
- February 24, 2026 - Win against Eastern Michigan Eagles (74-64)
The Redhawks will aim to carry this momentum into their game against SMU, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess.
Game Prediction
As for the prediction of the game, the odds suggest a significant opportunity for the SMU Mustangs. The spread favors SMU Mustangs at -6.5 points at -116 odds according to Fanatics Sportsbook, with the total points proposal set at over 163.5 at -120 odds. However, it’s worth noting that predicting a definitive outcome is tricky in the playoffs, especially with such competitive teams.
In conclusion, this game promises thrilling competition, with both teams striving for playoff success. Fans should prepare for an engaging evening of basketball as the SMU Mustangs take on the Miami (OH) Redhawks.
South 16 Seed
Lehigh Mountain Hawks vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers
BetQL has an exciting NCAA First Four Playoffs prediction for the upcoming game between the Lehigh Mountain Hawks and the Prairie View A&M Panthers on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The game promises to be intense as both teams gear up for a crucial clash in this postseason competition.
Lehigh Mountain Hawks Performance
The Lehigh Mountain Hawks enter the game fresh off a strong performance in their previous playoff run. In their last five games, they have demonstrated remarkable form, which includes impressive wins over notable opponents:
- March 11, 2026: Defeated Boston University Terriers (74-60)
- March 8, 2026: Victory over Colgate Raiders (76-69)
- March 5, 2026: Beat Holy Cross Crusaders (69-66)
- February 28, 2026: Won against Bucknell Bison (89-79)
- February 25, 2026: Overcame American Eagles (78-73)
In the 2024/2025 season, the Mountain Hawks had a commendable record, finishing in a prominent position in the NCAA Patriot League. With a coach at the helm who understands the high stakes, the team is determined to leverage their successful playoff run and push for another win in this crucial game.
Prairie View A&M Panthers Performance
On the other hand, the Prairie View A&M Panthers are coming off a solid playoff performance as well. Their recent games have shown resilience and skill, particularly in high-pressure situations:
- March 14, 2026: Victory over Southern University Jaguars (72-66)
- March 13, 2026: Dominated Alabama A&M Bulldogs (74-55)
- March 11, 2026: Beat Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (71-67)
- March 10, 2026: Strong win against Alcorn State Braves (65-56)
- March 5, 2026: Overcame Texas Southern Tigers (70-59)
The Panthers finished their 2024/2025 season strongly in the NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference, and their recent playoff form showcases their capability to compete at a high level. They will be looking to carry this momentum into their matchup against Lehigh.
Game Prediction
With this game being highly anticipated, predictions lean towards the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, who are considered strong favorites. The odds reflect their current form and confidence, with a moneyline of -169 for Lehigh at BetMGM Sportsbook. Additionally, the spread prediction favors the Hawks with a -3.5 points advantage at -110 odds.
This game is set to be an exhilarating battle, and with both teams showing great recent form, fans can expect a thrilling display of collegiate basketball action. Don't miss out on the excitement!
West 11 Seed
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Texas Longhorns
BetQL is excited to bring you this NCAA D1 Playoffs prediction for the upcoming game between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the Texas Longhorns, set to take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 21:15. This thrilling matchup promises to deliver plenty of action as both teams vie for victory in the First Four round.
Home Team Performance: North Carolina State Wolfpack
The North Carolina State Wolfpack have shown resilience this season as they advance through the playoffs, boasting a competitive record from previous competitions. In their last five games, they have experienced a mix of triumphs and challenges, including a narrow defeat to the Virginia Cavaliers (74-81) but a strong performance against the Pittsburgh Panthers with a commanding win of 98-88. Here's a summary of their recent outings:
- Lost to Virginia Cavaliers: 74-81
- Defeated Pittsburgh Panthers: 98-88
- Lost to Stanford Cardinal: 84-85
- Lost to Duke Blue Devils: 64-93
- Lost to Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 90-96
The Wolfpack currently find themselves stepping up their game as they approach this critical playoff encounter, and they appear determined to leverage their home crowd's support.
Away Team Performance: Texas Longhorns
On the other hand, the Texas Longhorns are entering this game with a solid track record as well. They showcased their potential during the Southeastern Conference and are coming off an intense first round where they faced Ole Miss Rebels, although they fell short with a score of 66-76. Their recent performances have seen them striving to find consistency, with victories against formidable opponents in earlier games. Here are Texas’s last five games:
- Lost to Ole Miss Rebels: 66-76
- Lost to Oklahoma Sooners: 85-88
- Lost to Arkansas Razorbacks: 85-105
- Lost to Texas A&M Aggies: 70-76
- Lost to Florida Gators: 71-84
Despite their recent setbacks, the Longhorns remain a fierce competitor, eager to capitalize on any weaknesses in North Carolina State's gameplay.
Game Prediction
For this upcoming clash, the odds are leaning slightly towards the North Carolina State Wolfpack with a Moneyline of -111 offered by DraftKings Sportsbook. Conversely, the Texas Longhorns' spread (+1.5 points) is at +114 with the same sportsbook, indicating a predicted close contest where every shot will count. The totals are set at under 158.5 points at -112, suggesting a tactical defensive show may prevail over offensive fireworks.
As this pivotal game draws near, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable battle on the court. Fans of both teams will surely be engaged and ready to witness whether the Wolfpack can leverage home advantage or if the Longhorns can pull off an upset on their road to victory. Don't miss out on the excitement!
