Memphis vs Colorado State prediction, picks for 2025 men's NCAA Tournament
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is here, folks.
First-round action continues on Friday with a matchup between Memphis and Colorado State in the West Region.
The Memphis Tigers finished the 2024-25 season with a 29-5 record, good for first in the American Athletic Conference. That earned them a 5 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the Colorado State Rams, finished second in the Mountain West with a 25-9 record and a conference tournament win earned them a No. 12 seed in the Big Dance.
Memphis ranks as the 51st-best team in the KenPom rankings, sporting the 72nd-best offense and 40th-best defense. Meanwhile, Colorado State ranks 42nd overall, possessing the 43rd-ranked offense and 49th-ranked defense.
Here's how our experts see Friday'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 Memphis vs. Colorado State picks and predictions.
Memphis vs. Colorado State picks and predictions
Jordan Mendoza: Colorado State
Paul Myerberg: Memphis
Erick Smith: Colorado State
Eddie Timanus: Colorado State
Dan Wolken: Memphis
Craig Meyer: Memphis 79, Colorado State 75
Jonah Dylan: Memphis 78, Colorado State 75
Our experts are pretty split in this matchup but have a slight lean toward Memphis advancing. Craig Meyer and Memphis Commercial Appeal's Jonah Dylan both have the underdogs, Memphis, winning outright and the game going over the 147.5-point total.
Memphis vs. Colorado State date, start time, how to watch
Game Day: Friday, March 21, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025 Game Time: 2 p.m. ET
2 p.m. ET Location: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle TV Channel: TBS
TBS Live Stream: Sling TV - Watch Now!
Memphis vs. Colorado State odds
Odds as of Wednesday, March 19 via BetMGM.
Spread: Colorado State -1.5 (-115)
Colorado State -1.5 (-115) Moneyline Favorite: Colorado State -130
Colorado State -130 Moneyline Underdog: Memphis +105
Memphis +105 Total: 147.5
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