2025 March Madness Bracket Advice: Optimal Strategy (Small Pools)

by BettingPros Staff |
Mar 17, 2025

The 2025 NCAA Tournament is officially here! The March Madness Bracket is set, and first-round NCAA Tournament matchups are in place. It’s time to make your picks and predictions for the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament! We’re here to help as we’ll have picks and predictions for each of the first-round 2025 NCAA Tournament games. Below we dive into the optimal 2025 March Madness bracket strategy for small pools.

2025 March Madness Bracket Strategy: Small Pools

Let’s dive into our 2025 March Madness bracket strategy and advice for small pools.

Optimal 2025 March Madness Bracket for Small Pools

Final Four & Championship Picks

Florida

The Florida Gators have emerged as one of college basketball’s biggest surprises and are now regarded as one of the title favorites. Ranked No. 21 in the AP preseason poll, Coach Todd Golden’s squad has shattered expectations to become an SEC powerhouse poised for a deep tournament run.

Florida’s success stems from its elite shooting efficiency and pure shot volume. The Gators boast a top-five offense via KenPom’s efficiency metrics and a top-10 defense, making them one of the most complete teams in the country.

Walter Clayton Jr.’s senior year provided the perfect foundation, giving Florida one of college basketball’s most skilled scorers at point guard. If Johni Broome didn’t exist, Clayton would have been the front-runner for SEC Player of the Year, but he’ll just have to settle for first-team honors. Clayton was part of a devastating perimeter trio along with Alijah Martin and Will Richard, creating what might be the nation’s most dangerous backcourt. Meanwhile, Alex Condon has emerged as a defensive force inside, helping Florida rank in the top five in defensive effective field goal percentage, top 10 from the perimeter, and top five in near-proximity. I haven’t even gotten to Thomas Haugh, whose impressive sophomore leap has positioned him as a top-10 DI player per EvanMiya’s Bayesian Performance Rating.

No matter where an opponent shoots against Florida, it will be a contested look. Golden’s system emphasizes attacking the paint, pushing transition, and optimizing shot selection — a formula that’s translated to relentless efficiency. And that’s what stands out. With their ability to take care of the ball and get ample second-chance looks, the Gators’ floor might be the highest in the country from the pure number of shot attempts they’ll get each game. Even when Georgia shot 55% from deep against Florida, the Gators still led on the road with a minute left — and that was one of their worst games of the year.

Forcing Florida to beat you from the perimeter can be a path to an upset. All four of the Gators’ losses came with a 46%-plus three-point attempt rate. Richard can get hot, but none of Florida’s core players are shooting above 37% from deep. That, combined with limiting Florida on the offensive glass, is the way you take down this juggernaut. But with their elite interior shooting efficiency, tenacious defense, and blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, Florida has positioned itself as a legitimate contender poised for a deep March Madness run.

Check out all of our 2025 NCAA Tournament Bracket & Betting Coverage >>

2025 NCAA Tournament Sports Betting Picks

For those looking to place bets on the matchups, let's take a look at the early odds and picks for the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

EAST REGION

MIDWEST REGION

SOUTH REGION

WEST REGION

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