The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, or March Madness, is here and already delivering exciting moments as it progresses toward crowning a new champion. With the tournament officially tipping off on March 18-19 in Dayton, Ohio, the First Four games set the stage for an intense month of basketball action.
First Four: March 18-19
The First Four served as the opening act of the 2025 tournament, where teams fought for a spot in the Round of 64:
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March 18:
- No. 16 St. Francis (PA) vs. No. 16 Alabama State: In a thrilling back-and-forth, Alabama State triumphed over St. Francis with a nail-biting 70-68 win, advancing to face higher-seeded teams in the main bracket.
- No. 11 North Carolina vs. No. 11 San Diego State: North Carolina's experience paid off as they held off San Diego State, securing a 75-68 victory to progress.
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March 19:
- No. 16 Mount St. Mary's vs. No. 16 American
- No. 11 Xavier vs. No. 11 Texas: Both teams will battle it out for a chance to enter the field of 64 and make their mark.
First and Second Rounds: March 20-23
Following the First Four, the First and Second Rounds will take place from March 20-23, with games hosted at multiple locations across the country, including:
- Lexington, Kentucky (Rupp Arena)
- Providence, Rhode Island (Dunkin' Donuts Center)
- Seattle, Washington (Climate Pledge Arena)
- Wichita, Kansas (INTRUST Bank Arena)
- Cleveland, Ohio (Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse)
- Denver, Colorado (Ball Arena)
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Fiserv Forum)
- Raleigh, North Carolina (PNC Arena)
The first and second rounds will feature matchups that could lead to upsets, with teams trying to break through and earn a coveted spot in the Sweet 16.
Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: March 27-30
After the first two rounds, the Sweet 16 will tip off on March 27, with games continuing through March 30 for the Elite Eight. The action will intensify as the tournament narrows down to the best teams in the nation, battling for the right to compete in the Final Four.
Final Four and Championship: April 5-7
The Final Four will take place on April 5, leading up to the National Championship Game on April 7, both held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. This is the culmination of a month filled with unexpected turns and thrilling finishes, where the nation's top teams will leave it all on the court for the ultimate prize.
Broadcast Information
Fans can follow every game of the tournament across multiple networks, including CBS, TBS, truTV, and TNT, ensuring no action is missed. For those without cable, streaming services such as DIRECTV Stream also provide access to these channels, ensuring fans stay connected to the tournament wherever they are.
What to Expect
This year’s tournament promises to be as unpredictable as ever, with strong teams and surprising underdogs vying for glory. The SEC teams have secured all 14 of their spots in the tournament, further cementing the conference's dominance. However, the inclusion of teams like North Carolina, which faced criticism for its shaky season, adds fuel to the fire for debate over the selection process.
Additionally, some schools are making their tournament debut this year, with programs like High Point, UC San Diego, SIU Edwardsville, and Omaha stepping onto the big stage for the first time, bringing fresh energy to the competition.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect heart-pounding moments, buzzer-beaters, and, of course, upsets that are the hallmark of March Madness.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent memory. From the thrilling First Four games to the upcoming Final Four, this year’s March Madness promises to deliver unforgettable moments that will capture the attention of basketball fans everywhere.
For more updates and a complete schedule, be sure to check out the official tournament page at NCAA.com.