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Men's NCAA tournament first-round best bets and futures

March Madness is alive and well, which means plenty of betting opportunities. Our experts -- ESPN analysts Doug Kezirian, "Stanford Steve" Coughlin, Chris "The Bear" Fallica, Joe Fortenbaugh, Dalen Cuff, Erin Dolan and Anita Marks -- are here to give their best bets for the first two days of first-round action and offer tournament futures. And be sure to check your status in ESPN's Tournament Challenge!

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.

Jump to:
Friday's picks | Futures Thursday's results


Best bets for Friday

7. Ohio State Buckeyes (Even, 132.5) vs. 10. Loyola Chicago Ramblers

South Region: Ohio State 54, Loyola 41

The Bear's pick: Ohio State pick 'em

Everyone's favorite bracket buster is back. Loyola nearly beat Michigan State earlier this year. The Buckeyes have been in a complete free fall late in the year, but they might get Kyle Young back. And if he plays, that's a total game-changer. E.J. Liddell is still the best player on the floor, and the escape from Big Ten play could be a good thing for the Buckeyes.