The exciting 2025 NCAA March Madness tournament kicked off on March 19 with a thrilling First Four matchup between the American Eagles and the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. The game, which started at 6:40 p.m. ET, unfolded with a tension-filled atmosphere as both teams sought the final spot in the coveted Round of 64.
American entered the matchup with a sense of triumph, having secured their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2014 by clinching the Patriot League title. Under the guidance of their senior forward Matt Rogers, who averaged 17 points per game, the Eagles showcased their grit in the previous tournament games, especially in the Patriot League Championship where they overcame Navy with a commanding 74-52 victory. Rogers himself contributed significantly to that win, scoring 25 points while grabbing eight rebounds.
Mount St. Mary’s, on the other hand, arrived at this tournament after an impressive run in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), despite facing adversity with injuries to key players Carmelo Pacheco and Terrell Ard Jr. The Mountaineers, driven by the inspired play of junior forward Dola Adebayo, who has averaged 13.2 points per game, triumphed in their conference with a notable 63-49 victory over Iona to secure their spot in the Big Dance.
As the game unfolded, American’s reliance on a mix of slow, methodical play styles clashed against the Mountaineers’ gritty defense. The pre-game odds favored American with a 2.5-point spread, indicating a closely contested matchup between the two 16-seed teams.
On the betting front, the total for the game was set at 129.5 points—a clear indication of expectations for a lower-scoring affair, reflective of both teams' contrasting strengths. American’s defense had previously ranked first in the Patriot League, allowing just 67.3 points per game, a statistic that underscored their capability to stifle opposing offenses.
The first half kicked off with a brisk pace, both teams exchanging leads, but the Mountaineers quickly found their rhythm. Key players Jedy Cordilia and Dallas Hobbs made waves early, with Cordilia scoring efficiently and Hobbs hitting a buzzer-beater three-pointer at the end of the first half. With their solid defensive play, Mount St. Mary’s managed to maintain their lead, closing the first half up 36-28.
The momentum shifted when American’s star player, Matt Rogers, re-aggravated a knee injury, casting doubt on the Eagles’ chances as he left the court. Despite his absence, teammates Elijah Stephens and Geoff Sprouse were crucial, keeping American in the contest with key outside shooting. If they could maintain their scoring, they still had the opportunity to turn the game around without their top scorer.
As the second half progressed, American struggled with turnovers, an issue that hurt their chances against a disciplined Mountaineers defense. With every possession crucial, American hoped to regain their footing and capitalize on their physical play style. The challenge of overcoming the Mountaineers’ size on the boards loomed large as well, with Adebayo, Ard Jr., and Cordilia creating mismatches that could dictate the game’s outcome.
Throughout the match, American’s defense was put to the test against a Mount St. Mary’s side determined to utilize their size advantage, scoring most of their points in the paint. With a solid track record in past seasons and having participated in the tournament with resilience, Mount St. Mary’s hopes of advancing further ignited the rivalry.
In situations when close games occur, which team can stifle their opponent's offense while maintaining their own? College basketball's intricacies demand tailored strategies to seize opportunities, and both teams faced unique paths to success. Coaches on both sides knew the high stakes of this matchup, as the winner would move on to face the No. 1 seed, Duke, on Friday, March 21, in the Round of 64.
Ultimately, this March Madness first-round affair represented more than just a game; it symbolized the culmination of hard work and grit, showcasing the power of college athletics. Every game in this elimination tournament tells its own story—here, the fight between American and Mount St. Mary’s echoes through the halls of college basketball history.
While the final score of this game is yet to be determined, the narratives surrounding the players and their journeys through the season underscore the heart of NCAA basketball. As fans tune in from their homes or arenas, the hopes of small schools battling for respect amidst giant programs resonate universally. It’s what March Madness is all about.
The aftermath of this competitive game will surely be discussed as the tournament advances, reminding us that every moment counts on the fast-paced journey of March Madness.
