The 2025 NCAA Tournament officially kicked off on March 18, with the highly anticipated First Four games taking place at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. This year, the excitement stems from the tournament's expansion to 68 teams, which makes way for the First Four: a series of single-elimination games designed to trim the field down to 64 before the main event begins.
The first game of the evening featured two 16-seed teams, Alabama State and Saint Francis, going head-to-head at 6:40 p.m. ET. The stakes were high, as the winner would not only advance in the tournament but also face the No. 1 seed, Auburn. By halftime, the Red Flash from Saint Francis were in the lead, 39-34, showcasing an impressive offensive performance throughout the first half. The second half saw Alabama State clawing back, with Amarr Knox being a key player, scoring 12 points.
Following the excitement of the first game, the night continued with the showdown between No. 11 seeds North Carolina and San Diego State at approximately 9:10 p.m. ET. Each team hoped to prove their worth as they aimed to qualify for the next round, where the winner is set to face No. 6 seed Ole Miss.
In the Alabama State vs. Saint Francis game, tension mounted as the score fluctuated in the second half—with Saint Francis maintaining a narrow lead. As the game progressed, key moments highlighted the players' resilience. For instance, CJ Hines from Alabama State drained a pivotal three-pointer, briefly putting his team ahead. However, Saint Francis responded robustly, with Valentino Pinedo leading all scorers with 17 points.
Historical context adds an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s First Four. The men's tournament initiated its expansion in the 2000-2001 season, and with the 2011 addition of more games, March Madness now features the First Four that both the men's and women's tournaments embraced in 2021. This historic tournament format has seen teams like VCU and UCLA blossom from First Four contenders to Final Four participants, underlining the unpredictable nature of March Madness. The 2023 women’s tournament featured Mississippi State, who, as a First Four team, broke barriers by advancing past the initial round, thus demonstrating the potential of teams that start amidst the so-called 'play-in' games.
Controversy surrounding team selections is a recurring theme in sports narratives, and this year is no exception. North Carolina's selection has sparked significant debate across the country, particularly in West Virginia where fans and officials alike have voiced their frustrations. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice labeled it as “robbery at the highest level,” throwing down the gauntlet and calling for a review into the selection proceedings.
As the evening progressed, game updates flew in with each minute becoming crucial in determining who would move forward. The urgent nature of March Madness perfectly captured the hearts of fans, with updates reflecting changes in momentum and intense nail-biting moments.
Alabama State managed to keep the score tight, even taking leads at several key junctures, but Saint Francis ultimately ruled the court as the final minutes ticked down. They remained steadfast despite the pressure. With less than five minutes to go, Saint Francis battled to retain and extend their lead, at one point sitting at 62-60.
The showdown with North Carolina also bore witness to a passionate storyline unfolding, as both teams fought to prove themselves worthy within the tournament. This Second game was set to unravel at 9:10 p.m. ET, ensuring that tensions in the arena would be palpable as fans awaited the outcome.
With coverage of the First Four airing across platforms like truTV, the excitement of March Madness extends beyond those present at the games. Fans following online and via streaming platforms, such as March Madness Live, have access to every fleeting moment of the action. Every rebound, assist, and lead change matters in this knockout format, captivating audiences even in the most chaotic moments.
As for the teams that fell short in the selection process—for instance, the West Virginia Mountaineers—this controversy emphasizes the passion that these games inspire and the lengths that fans go to fight for recognition. The week ahead looks thrilling as fans gear up for more intense matchups, leading into the first full day of tournament games commencing on March 21. For teams like Alabama State and Saint Francis, Wednesday delivers an opportunity to earn their spot in history against some of the nation’s best. Can they secure an upset, or will the powerhouses dominate the court? Each game in the NCAA tournament carries the weight of heart, legacy, and the unpredictability that makes March Madness the spectacle we all love.
With the energy palpable in the arena and across the nation, March Madness is indeed here, continuing to bring fans together in celebration of the competition, intrigue, and the chance for every team to chase their championship dreams.
