2025 March Madness best bets, picks by Chris "The Bear" Fallica

"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making.

I literally can't stop talking about college basketball, and I'm not mad at it.

The first round of the NCAA Tournament has come and gone. Now, we're on to the second round. 

And with that, here are my best futures bets for the coming weeks.

Houston to win region, to win title 

Prices on the Cougars are great, as they are the forgotten 1-seed. And they also got a great path through the region. This team defends like nothing else and shoots it better than it has in years past. Injuries have held this team back in the past, so that's always a risk, but this bunch has lost four games all season, with three coming in overtime. You’re gonna have to play 40 — or more — and do it in an elite, physical grind mode to beat Houston.

PICK: Houston to win region (+140), to win title (+650)

Texas Tech to win region, to win title 

The Red Raiders — Darrion Williams, et al. — should be healthy for the games that matter in the Tournament, and when they hit shots like they did against Baylor, it's almost impossible to beat them. A St. John’s Sweet 16 game would be must-see TV. I love this Tech team, as it is deep, can score and is just unphased by anything. 

PICK: Texas Tech to win region (+500), to win title (+3000)

Arizona to win region 

I've often poked fun at the Cats' NCAA tourney debacles under Tommy Lloyd, but I've come around on this team. It gets a really good matchup on the interior with Akron, which often plays four guards and loves to shoot the 3. Then, Arizona would get the Oregon-Liberty winner. If Duke’s injury problems aren't solved, I give Zona a great chance at pulling the upset. 

PICK: Arizona (+900) to win region 

Chris "The Bear" Fallica has covered sports for nearly three decades. While college football has been his focus, he also enjoys the NFL, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MLB, NHL and Horse Racing, with an "occasional" wager on such events. Chris recently won the inaugural Circa Football Invitational and finished in the Top 10 of the Golden Nugget Football Contest. He's a multiple-time qualifier for the NHC Handicapping Championship. Remember, "The less you bet, the more you lose when you win!" Follow him on Twitter @chrisfallica.

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