Mark Zinno's first-round best bets highlight a potential 12/5 upset with High Point (+10.5) against Wisconsin. The Panthers' 14-game winning streak and elite perimeter defense (31.9% 3PT defense) clash with the Badgers' weak 3-point defense (middle of Big Ten). Zinno finds the Houston/Idaho first-half OVER 63.5 (+105) playable, betting Idaho's poor defense can't hold Houston's offense (14th efficiency) under 40 points.

His ESPN Eliminator Challenge pick is Michigan State, favored to overcome North Dakota State despite a defensive focus. Zinno also selects Kansas for the East bracket, seeing potential early exit for the Jayhawks. Friday's best bets include Santa Clara (+3.5) against Kentucky, Texas Tech laying points to Akron, and UCF +5.5 over UCLA, while Queens is a strong OVER 68.5 against Purdue.