March Madness 2025 has officially begun, showcasing an electrifying slate of games as 68 teams across the nation compete for glory.
The annual NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament kicked off with the highly anticipated First Four games in Dayton, Ohio. The passion and excitement were palpable as teams vied for a coveted spot in the main tournament bracket.
On Tuesday, March 18, the spotlight was on two key matchups: No. 16 St. Francis faced off against No. 16 Alabama State at 6:40 PM ET, followed by No. 11 North Carolina taking on No. 11 San Diego State at 9:10 PM ET. Viewers caught the action live on truTV, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
The opening game saw Alabama State emerge victorious, defeating St. Francis 70-68 in a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Amarr Knox stood out as the hero of the night, scoring 16 points and executing a critical layup with just seconds left on the clock. The game was a classic March Madness thriller, accentuated by momentum shifts and crucial plays down the stretch.
As the tournament progresses, expectations are high for the remaining First Four matchups, which continue on Wednesday, March 19. No. 16 Mount St. Mary's will face No. 16 American at 6:40 PM ET, followed by No. 11 Xavier matching up against No. 11 Texas at 9:10 PM ET on truTV.
One of the most compelling storylines leading into this year’s tournament is the presence of historically strong teams alongside newer faces eager to prove themselves. This year's No. 1 seeds include established powerhouses like Duke, Florida, Houston, and Auburn, igniting intense competition right from the outset.
The NCAA has fine-tuned its tournament structure over the years, with the evolution to 68 teams in 2011 giving rise to the First Four format, which features the lowest-seeded teams competing for a chance to advance. With a total of 67 games airing on various networks such as CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV, fans can experience every moment of the tournament.
The unpredictable nature of the tournament is part of what makes March Madness beloved by fans across the country. This year, onlookers are keen to see if any of the underdog teams can replicate the success of prior lower-seeded teams that captured the nation’s hearts, notably the 2011 VCU Rams and the 2021 UCLA Bruins.
With the stakes high and the upsets possible, analysts and fans alike are preparing their brackets in hopes of predicting the outcome of this thrilling tournament. The excitement of picking winners and watching games unfold live creates a collective frenzy, as workplaces, schools, and communities engage in spirited discussions around their favorite teams.
Stream options for fans continue to expand, as cable-cutters find innovative ways to watch the games online. Services such as DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, and Paramount+ provide various packages containing all the necessary channels to catch the tournament without a traditional cable subscription.
For example, DirecTV Stream’s Choice plan is fully equipped with the channels to air March Madness, costing $115 per month, but offering promotional rates for the first few months. Hulu + Live Television and Sling TV also offer adaptable packages catering to fan preferences, proving that accessibility is growing for viewing beloved sports events.
But perhaps just as engaging as watching the games live is the communal experience that March Madness brings. Friends and family join in filling out brackets and hosting viewing parties, fostering a sense of camaraderie inspired by the thrill of the competition.
As we gear up for the remainder of the tournament, the anticipation builds—what phenomenal plays will we witness? Which surprising victories will unfold? March Madness promises a wild ride filled with unforgettable moments that create lasting memories for sports enthusiasts.
With Alabama State having secured its place in the official tournament bracket, analyzing the upcoming games will be key. Will the Hornets satisfy fans by advancing further in the tournament or will the pressure of the NCAA environment prove too heavy? One thing is certain—March Madness is back and roaring to life!
This year marks the 34th anniversary of Saint Francis's last tournament appearance, and their journey amidst the competitive entries reflects the stories that make March Madness compelling. With a promising set of games still to come, viewers are reminded that in the world of sports, anything is possible.
