March Madness officially kicks off today, March 18, 2025, with the much-anticipated First Four play-in games. College basketball fans across the nation are ready to immerse themselves in a total of 67 games played over the course of the tournament.
Starting off the action are two games scheduled for tonight at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio. TruTV will exclusively broadcast these games, further solidifying its growing reputation as a key player during the NCAA Tournament.
The First game features No. 16 St. Francis facing No. 16 Alabama State at 6:40 p.m. ET. This will be followed by a clash between No. 11 North Carolina and No. 11 San Diego State at 9:10 p.m. ET. Both games are significant as they will determine which teams secure their spots in the main bracket. Fans anxiously await to see which teams will rise to the occasion and make a mark in the tournament.
Tomorrow, March 19, 2025, will see more excitement with two additional games, where No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s will take on No. 16 American at 6:40 p.m. and No. 11 Xavier will clash with No. 11 Texas at 9:10 p.m. ET, all aired on TruTV.
truTV, a network under the Turner umbrella, primarily known for its entertainment programming, has become an integral part of the March Madness landscape. This year, truTV is set to air 21 games throughout the tournament, kicking off with the First Four.
For those looking to follow the games without traditional cable subscriptions, several streaming services are available. DIRECTV Stream offers a subscription with a five-day free trial and includes truTV among its channels. Similarly, Hulu + Live TV offers a base plan that includes truTV with a three-day free trial. For a more cost-effective option, Sling TV allows new users to sign up for a discounted first month at $25.50, providing access to truTV in its Blue package.
As for the teams competing today, North Carolina entered the NCAA Tournament with a record of 22-13 and is making its second consecutive tournament appearance under head coach Hubert Davis. Meanwhile, San Diego State holds a strong position in the tournament, having proven its mettle with five consecutive seasons of NCAA Tournament appearances.
North Carolina faced criticism for its inclusion in the tournament, particularly considering its record of 1-12 in Quad 1 games. The Tar Heels barely squeezed into the tournament field, following a close loss to Duke in the ACC Tournament finals. Junior guard Seth Trimble acknowledged the criticism but mentioned that the team was motivated to prove doubters wrong.
Meanwhile, North Carolina's standout player, RJ Davis, has made history as the first player in the school's history to hit over 300 career three-point shots. His experience and consistency will be invaluable as he leads his team through this crucial tournament.
In the other matchup tonight, St. Francis will aim to secure their place in the tournament by conquering Alabama State, while both teams aspire to step into the limelight and make a run at the championship.
Moving into the competitive arena, tomorrow's match with Mount St. Mary’s and American will witness the thrill of their participation, as both teams are vying for a chance to advance. Mount St. Mary's entered the tournament as the MAAC Champion while American earned its spot as the Patriot League Champion.
Matt Rogers, the standout player from American, showcased his skills in the tournament, recently achieving MVP honor in the Patriot League, scoring 19 points against Navy in the championship game.
These games highlight the deep competitive spirit and the unpredictable nature of March Madness, setting the stage for potential upsets and excitement.
Different broadcasters will cover the tournament, with CBS, TNT, TBS, and of course, truTV, ensuring fans have access to all the thrilling matches. Each channel will air various games after the First Four conclude, with CBS broadcasting both Final Four games and the national championship.
As anticipation builds for each contest, the stage is set for an exciting few weeks. Whether it’s the thrill of watching underdog teams surprise the favorites or the traditional powerhouse schools vying for more glory, March Madness is truly a showcase of talent, resilience, and spirited competition.
With the tournament's trajectory about to unfold, who will step up to the challenge? Fans across America are tuning in to see how the rest of the month will play out in what many consider the most exciting time in college sports.
Be sure to catch all the action, starting today at the First Four games, where history could be made!
