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2024 NCAA Tournament Same Game Parlay Picks: Round 1 (Thursday)

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The first round of the NCAA Tournament is here!

Let the madness begin with our favorite Same Game Parlays (SGPS) for Thursday, March 21.

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2024 NCAA Tournament Same Game Parlay Picks

(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)

#9 Mississippi State vs. #8 Michigan State

The first game of the opening round has all the makings of a low-scoring nail-biter. Mississippi State and Michigan State have two of the nation’s best defensive teams, ranking inside the top 10 in Kenpom’s adjusted defensive efficiency. 

In addition to great defensive play, these are some of the slowest teams in the country. MSU ranks 306th out of 362 teams in terms of tempo, while the Bulldogs rank 202nd.

Freshman Guard Josh Hubbard has been impressive this year, averaging 20.5 points per game in the SEC Tournament. While he did face a few good defensive units, this one may be the toughest he’s faced, based on the situation. With Tom Izzo’s defense and the nerves of playing in his first March Madness, it may take a bit for him to find his groove.

On the Flipside, Tyson Walker has been here before and is no stranger to making big shots for the Spartans. While the Bulldogs defend the deep ball well (sixth-best in the country), Walker is second on the team in 3PA and 3P%. 

Give me Izzo and the Spartans as they move on to the Round of 32.

Total Parlay Odds: +410

#10 Nevada Wolfpack vs. #7 Dayton Flyers

We will see strength vs. strength in a matchup between the seven-seed Dayton Flyers and the 10th-seed Nevada Wolfpack. Both teams shoot and defend the 3-ball exceptionally well, which is a blessing and curse come tournament time. 

While Nevada may have difficulty getting the long ball to go in, Kenan Blackshear will find other ways to score. Blackshear will be the best player on the court and won’t have to rely on the 3 to get his points. Blackshear is second on the team in scoring, averaging 15.1 points per game, while only taking 26 3PAs all season. Against other teams that defend the arc well (New Mexico, San Diego State, Utah State), he averaged 19 points per game in five games. 

Give me a more experienced team to control the pace and advance to the next round.

Total Parlay Odds: +400

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday:

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