The 2025 NCAA Tournament is officially underway, bringing excitement and frenzy to basketball fans across the nation. Kicking off on March 20, the first round features 32 games held over two thrilling days, promising non-stop action for avid supporters.
From the very first whistle at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, where No. 8 seeded Louisville will go up against No. 9 seeded Creighton at 12:15 p.m. ET, the tournament is set to engage millions. This year, the match between Louisville and Creighton is just the beginning of an exhilarating lineup, showcasing various teams vying for glory.
Thrilling matchups will continue throughout the day as powerhouse schools like No. 1 Houston, who finished the season with an impressive record of 30-4, face off against No. 16 seed SIU Edwardsville, with the game kicking off at 2:00 p.m. ET at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita. The Cougars, having dominated the Big 12, are 29-point favorites in the contest. Houston outscored Arizona 72-64 in their last outing, showcasing their strength going into the tournament.
Throughout this first round, basketball enthusiasts can tune into the games via multiple channels including CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV, making it easy to cheer for their favorite teams. This year’s tournament is particularly notable as it’s paired with cultural trends, such as a noticeable increase in scheduled vasectomies during March Madness—a strategy allowing fans to recuperate while immersing themselves in the games. "It's probably a little late to schedule a vasectomy for this week, but you can stream the First Round on Sling from anywhere (even work, I won't tell)," notes a report by USA TODAY.
Fans will enjoy the full spectrum of competition, with some lesser-known teams creating potential Cinderella stories. For instance, on March 21, No. 5 Memphis will face off against No. 12 Colorado State, and No. 4 Maryland will meet No. 13 Grand Canyon. Both matchups are expected to draw considerable interest, especially from bracket pickers hunting for an upset.
The NCAA Tournament is not just about the games; it’s an immersive experience that includes parties and gatherings among fans. Sports bars across the country will fill up as friends gather, snacks in hand, to watch the action unfold. With multiple games airing at the same time, fans have ample opportunity to shift focus based on which bracket shows the most promise.
As teams battle it out on the hardwood, the drama of March Madness will unfold with each buzzer-beater and unexpected upset, fueling conversations around the water cooler and social media alike. The intensity peaks with each game leading up to the Sweet 16, generating countless stories of triumph and heartbreak.
The excitement builds as the tournament progresses through the weekend, with the conclusion of the first round paving the way for a heightened level of energy in the second round. As basketball enthusiasts look ahead, they can prepare for more electrifying matchups, with the stakes increasingly high.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this incredible event; ensure you tune in according to the schedule of games highlighted through March 21, with streaming options available for those cutting the cord. Options like Sling TV and Fubo will allow viewers to catch all the action without any hassle.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is a celebration of basketball, cementing its place on the sports calendar as an annual highlight.
