Are you looking for trends and best plays for 2025 March Madness? First-half unders have been among the most popular trends for college basketball in March for years. In fact, three years ago, the SGPN crew rode a wave of First-half under cashes in The Halfening. Find out what a first half under is, trends to look for, and teams that you may want to take in the 2025 NCAA basketball tournament.
Let’s dig into the details, and walk through the info you’ll need to dominate the books this March! Let it ride!
1st Half Unders Guide for the 2025 NCAA College Basketball Tournament
What is a ‘first half under’?
Betting a 1st half under means wagering on both teams to go lower than the 1st half total set by sports books. It’s just like betting game totals, but you’re only counting for the first half of the game.
For example, let’s say Duke and Central Connecticut State meet in a first-round NCAA basketball tournament match. Your preferred online sports book sets the first half total at 62.5. If you felt that the two teams would combine for less than 63 points in the first half, you would bet the under on the first half total. Simple.
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Why did first half unders become popular?
Three years ago Sean ‘Stackin’ The Money’ Green, Ryan ‘Real Money’ Kramer, and Colby Dant made the recommendation to play first half unders. All the first half unders. Of the 32 possible bets, as many as 25 cashed for some bettors. The guys at SGPN got a flood of messages on social channels from listeners who did all kinds of crazy parlays, and made a ton of cash. The team at SGPN commemorated ‘The Halfening’ with a short on YouTube.
What’s the thought process behind betting first half unders
The angle into betting first half unders is simple. A lot of these teams aren’t used to playing on national TV and just about everyone is playing in an unfamiliar arena that’s likely bigger than what they have at home.
Also, a lot of these teams are unfamiliar with each other. How often has Texas A&M had to think about playing against Yale? A lack of familiarity between opponents also plays into the angle.
Which teams were known for scoring in the first half?
Certain teams were known for scoring a lot of points in the first half of this year. A lot of the top-scoring teams made the NCAA tournament.
For example, Alabama was the top scoring team in the in nation in the first half this season. They averaged 43.5 points in the first half per game this year. The Crimson Tide are the two-seed in the East region. Bettors will need to exercise caution when considering taking a first half under with Alabama involved.
Gonzaga was third in the nation in first half scoring and averaged 41.8 points in the first half this year. The Bulldogs are an eight-seed in the Midwest region, and they drew Georgia in the first round. Georgia is 64th in the nation in first half scoring. This is likely a first half under to stay away from unless you get a total close to 80 points.
One game to watch out for in the first round is St. John’s and Omaha. These team are playing as the 2-seed / 15-seed in the West region. Omaha is averaging 44.7 points in the first half over their last three games. St. John’s is 89th in the nation in 1st half scoring this year with an average of 36.1 points scored in the first half. If you get a first half under below the 70-to-72-point range, you may want to stay away from this one.
Which are known for scoring fewer points in the first half?
Not every team plays at the pace of an Alabama or Gonzaga. A few teams look to slow things down, grind out points, and keep their opponents from getting extra opportunities.
The lowest-scoring team in the field of 68 this year? American University! The Eagles only averaged 30.3 points in the first half this season. They drew Mount St. Mary’s in a play-in game for the right to get wrecked by Houston in the first round. Mount St. Mary’s only averages 31.4 points in the first half this year. If you get a number over 60, look to jump on the first half under here. This game will be played at a snail’s pace on an unfamiliar court on national TV. Look for this one to go under in the first half.
San Diego State also get a play-in game this year, but the Aztecs are also known for low-scoring in the first half. San Diego State is 307th in the nation in first half scoring with an average of only 31.2 points. The Aztecs draw North Carolina for the right to face Ole Miss in the first round. North Carolina is 38th overall in the nation in first half scoring with an average of 38.1 points per game. If you get a first half total that starts with a ‘seven’, look to go lower here. If it starts with a six, look to go higher.
The College Basketball Experience
For more analysis on every college basketball game for all the 2025 tournaments, make sure you tune into The College Basketball Experience. Colby Dant, Moneyline Mac, and Noah Bieniek talk about each game on the entire slate. Listen for input on ATS and moneyline college basketball picks every night!
