The 2025 men's NCAA tournament began with 68 teams looking to raise a banner and write their name into college basketball history. The Auburn Tigers, the overall No. 1 seed in the South, are looking to avenge their SEC tournament loss and claim the title as the best team in the country.

Betting odds suggest the Terps have an ideal opportunity to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16 against the Rams, who have won 11 in a row. Maryland is a 7 1/2-point betting favorite over Colorado State, according to most sportsbooks legally available in Maryland.

The Big Dance is upon us! Get set for the action with Newsweek's breakdown of the odds and 8 best bets for the matchups tipping off this afternoon.