Texas Tech vs UNC Wilmington predictions, game picks for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round
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NCAA players who could rise their draft stock with big March Madness performances
Get to know four prospects who could improve their draft stock during March Madness, including Tennessee senior Chaz Lanier and Texas Tech forward J.T. Toppin.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is here, folks.
Thursday's action in the West Region features a matchup between Texas Tech and UNC Wilmington.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders finished the 2024-25 season with a 25-8 record, good for second in the Big 12. That earned them a 3 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the UNC Wilmington Seahawks, finished second in the Colonial Athletic with a 27-7 record and a conference tournament win earned them a No. 14 seed in the Big Dance.
Texas Tech ranks as the seventh-best team in the KenPom rankings, sporting the sixth-best offense and 37th-best defense. Meanwhile, UNC Wilmington ranks 105th overall, possessing the 84th-ranked offense and 184th-ranked defense.
Here's how our experts see Thursday's Round of 64 clash playing out. Be sure to check out USA TODAY's complete March Madness bracket predictions to see our team's picks for every game. While you're at it, don't forget to read our tournament bold predictions and upset picks.
Without further ado, here's our Texas Tech vs. UNC Wilmington picks and predictions.
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Texas Tech vs. UNC Wilmington picks and predictions
Jordan Mendoza: Texas Tech
Paul Myerberg: Texas Tech
Erick Smith: Texas Tech
Eddie Timanus: Texas Tech
Dan Wolken: Texas Tech
Craig Meyer: Texas Tech 78, UNC Wilmington 61
Nathan Giese: Texas Tech 83, UNC-Wilmington 74
It's a clean sweep. None of our experts have this contest turning into an upset. Craig Meyer is backing Texas Tech to cover the 14.5-point spread and the game going under the 142.5-point total. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal's Nathan Giese is on UNC Wilmington to cover and has the game going over.
Texas Tech vs. UNC Wilmington date, start time, how to watch
Game Day: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Thursday, March 20, 2025 Game Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
10:10 p.m. ET Location: INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas
INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas TV Channel: truTV
truTV Live Stream: Sling TV - Watch Now!
Watch Texas Tech vs. UNC Wilmington on Sling TV
Texas Tech vs. UNC Wilmington odds
Odds as of Wednesday, March 19 via BetMGM.
Spread: Texas Tech -14.5 (-115)
Texas Tech -14.5 (-115) Moneyline Favorite: Texas Tech -1400
Texas Tech -1400 Moneyline Underdog: UNC Wilmington +825
UNC Wilmington +825 Total: 142.5
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He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
