March Madness has officially begun with the first round of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicking off on Thursday, March 20. Fans are ready for an exhilarating two-day run where 16 games per day promise upsets, nail-biting finishes, and the kind of excitement that characterizes this beloved college basketball tradition.
The action starts bright and early at 12:15 PM ET with an anticipated clash between the 8 seed Louisville Cardinals and the 9 seed Creighton Bluejays on CBS. Both teams are aiming for a strong opening performance, knowing that every matchup can shift the momentum of the tournament dramatically.
Following closely behind at 12:40 PM ET, viewers can tune into truTV for the game between the 13 seed High Point Panthers and the 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers. This matchup features two high-powered offenses; Purdue ranks 8th in adjusted offensive rating while High Point sits at 29th. As the Panthers make their first March Madness appearance since moving up from Division II, will they rise to the occasion against a seasoned Purdue unit that made a deep run last year?
As the tournament unfolds, the spotlight will shift to the Clemson Tigers facing off against the McNeese Cowboys at 3:15 PM ET. This game is particularly significant as Clemson seeks to match or exceed its Elite Eight appearance from the previous year. Head coach Will Wade leads McNeese into the fray after a remarkable 27-6 season, looking to establish an upset against a favored Clemson team who dominated their conference.
Purdue and High Point's matchup is expected to generate high scoring, primarily due to both teams ranking well in effective field-goal percentage. As the Boilermakers work to capitalize on their strong offensive strategies, the Panthers hope to create a surprising upset reminiscent of last year's tournament.
Later in the day, the clash between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arkansas Razorbacks occurs at 7:10 PM ET on CBS. This momentous matchup features two college basketball powerhouses, with Kansas determined to overcome challenges faced during their last two seasons in the Big 12. Historically significant, this encounter will be just as much about tactical prowess as it is about the weight of tournament legacy.
Fans should not miss the exciting contest between the 12 seed UC San Diego Tritons and the 5 seed Michigan Wolverines, scheduled for 10 PM ET on TBS. UC San Diego brings impressive statistics into the game, ranking 6th in offensive turnover rate and boasting a notable three-point rate. Their recent momentum could very well open the door for a classic 12-over-5 upset.
As the day unfolds, the narratives create layers of anticipation; teams are keenly aware of the stakes involved with every passing minute. The first round will inevitably lead to debates about strategy, player performances, and the overall chances of advancing to the Sweet 16.
For viewers keeping an eye on betting odds, Clemson enters as a 7.5-point favorite over McNeese, reflecting confidence from the betting community in the Tigers' chances. Will they carry that momentum or will McNeese surprise everyone with a tactical game plan designed to exploit weaknesses?
It’s a carnival of college basketball as fans gather at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, with ticket prices reflecting the excitement generated by this highly anticipated tournament. "Fans who make their way to Amica Mutual Pavilion this week are in for a treat," writes Bill Koch, pointing to prime matchups that underscore the caliber of competition.
In conclusion, whether it’s a historic performance from underdogs or a reaffirmation of top-seeded dominance, the first round of March Madness brings stories that captivate audiences across the nation. As fans ready their brackets, the search for that elusive perfect prediction continues amid thrilling moments on the court.
