The first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament kicked off on March 21, 2025, with thrilling matchups across various neutral sites, marking the beginning of a month-long journey toward the national championship. The anticipation and excitement surged as fans prepared for a day filled with electric play and unexpected outcomes.
Throughout the day, numerous games unfolded, with broadcasting coverage provided by CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. The first game highlighted was the matchup between No. 8 seed Mississippi State and No. 9 seed Baylor. In a close encounter, Baylor emerged victorious with a score of 75-72, eliminating Mississippi State from further competition. This game was a prime example of the high stakes and intensity characteristic of March Madness.
In another key game, No. 15 seed Robert Morris faced off against second-seeded Alabama. Alabama, showcasing their prowess, secured a decisive 90-81 win, advancing to the next round with confidence. Fans watching on truTV were treated to an impressive performance as Alabama looked to solidify its position as a title contender.
As the day progressed, No. 5 seed Memphis faced No. 12 seed Colorado State. In what became one of the tournament's early upsets, Colorado State triumphed over Memphis with a score of 78-70, shocking many fans and analysts alike. This outcome highlighted the unpredictability of the tournament, a hallmark of the NCAA's annual spectacle.
The excitement was not confined to just these games. The tournament featured a pivotal matchup at 2:50 p.m. on CBS, where top-seeded Duke took on No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary's. This match marked the much-anticipated NCAA Tournament debut of Duke's superstar freshman, Cooper Flagg, revitalizing hopes for Duke's road deep into the tournament. Following an earlier ankle injury during the ACC Tournament, Flagg's performance was under keen scrutiny as the Blue Devils aimed to live up to their top seed status.
Later in the day, reigning national champions and No. 8 seed UConn challenged No. 9 seed Oklahoma. The matchup had fans buzzing not only because of UConn's success over the past two years, but due to the potential for a compelling narrative if they could continue their winning streak.
As spectators eagerly tuned in, CBS Sports kept the excitement alive with real-time updates on scores, highlights, and analyses throughout the day. The flagship sports network confirmed a packed schedule with 67 total games planned across the tournament, ensuring fans wouldn't miss any of the action.
Adding to the viewing experience were notable broadcasting talents returning to CBS Sports, including play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle, who, alongside analysts Bill Raftery and Grant Hill, amplified the excitement surrounding each matchup. Tracy Wolfson served as the main reporter on court, providing fans with insider insights and interviews that enhanced their engagement with the tournament's unfolding drama.
Former Michigan standout Jalen Rose also joined the broadcast this year, stepping in as an analyst and providing fans with his unique perspective on the games. The network’s commitment to delivering a high-quality viewer experience was evident, drawing in devoted and casual fans alike.
For those looking to catch the games via streaming, CBS Sports introduced the March Madness Live app, allowing viewers to tune into every game conveniently. Additionally, Paramount+ offered full coverage for subscribers wanting to engage with the CBS-endorsed contests, providing flexibility for those on the go. Meanwhile, Max provided access to TBS, TNT, and truTV games, ensuring fans could watch their favorites regardless of network.
The first round of the tournament continued with matches scheduled throughout the evening, featuring teams like No. 3 seed Iowa State against No. 14 seed Lipscomb, and No. 6 seed Illinois facing No. 11 seed Xavier. With each moment carrying the weight of hope and determination, fans yearned to see their teams claim victory and move closer to the coveted Final Four countdown.
Looking ahead, the tournament’s march toward San Antonio only grows more intense as second-round matchups are set to pick up on March 22. The excitement of March Madness will carry on as 32 teams remain in the hopes of attaining a place in the next round. The buzz from game one set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament, with every game being an opportunity for heroes to rise and stories to be written.
The upcoming schedule holds promise, with highly anticipated games featuring powerhouse teams ready to battle under the glaring March Madness lights. As the tournament unfolds, one thing is clear: the road ahead is filled with unpredictability, excitement, and the very essence of sportsmanship that fans have come to love.
