The NCAA's March Madness gets underway with the First Four games, featuring a pivotal match between two teams looking to make their mark: the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the San Diego State Aztecs. Scheduled to tip-off on March 18, 2025, at 9:10 p.m. ET, this game carries significant weight for both squads, especially for North Carolina, which secured its place in this year’s tournament under somewhat controversial circumstances.
The Tar Heels, with a record of 22-13, were the last at-large team selected for the tournament, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike who felt teams like West Virginia or Indiana deserved the nod instead. Their journey into March Madness comes on the heels of a tough loss to rival Duke in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. Despite this setback, North Carolina's storied history in NCAA basketball—54 tournament appearances to date, their last championship victory coming in 2017—positions them as perennial contenders.
Meanwhile, the Aztecs, who enter the game with a 21-9 record, also had a nail-biting path to the First Four. Known for their resilience and competitive spirit in the Mountain West Conference, San Diego State will be making its fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament. “This is their fifth straight appearance and the 17th at the Division I level,” bringing a fresh energy to the competition against a legendary program like UNC.
Fans can catch the action live on truTV, where seasoned commentators Spero Dedes and Jim Spanarkel will lead the broadcast, alongside Jon Rothstein reporting from the sidelines. This initial game is crucial as the winning team will set their sights on facing the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in the round of 64 on Friday.
The atmosphere in Dayton, Ohio, where the game will be held, is expected to be electric, with both teams determined to advance. For viewers wishing to stream the game, options include platforms such as Max, DirecTV, Sling, and Hulu with Live TV. March Madness enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting season as the action unfolds.
As for North Carolina's lineup, they will look to their star player, RJ Davis, who is averaging 17 points per game and is expected to be instrumental in their offensive strategy against the Aztecs. The veteran leadership and dynamic play of players like Davis will be crucial for UNC as they face the pressure of tournament stakes.
In contrast, while San Diego State may not boast the same storied history as their opponents, their consistent performance in recent years has earned them respect and a dedicated following. Both teams are not just competing to win; they are also playing for legacy, pride, and the opportunity to write their own story in this year’s tournament.
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament has become a staple of American sports culture, showcasing moments of triumph and heartbreak every March. This year’s layout includes the First Four games commencing on March 18-19, with subsequent rounds scheduled rapidly thereafter, making it a thrilling sprint toward the Final Four and the championship game set to occur on April 5 and 7 in San Antonio, Texas.
As North Carolina and San Diego State prepare for their clash, the larger narrative of March Madness looms overhead. The winners will not only advance but also contribute to the legends crafted during this beloved high-stakes tournament. So, whether you’re a Tar Heels supporter or an Aztecs devotee, all eyes will surely be on Dayton for what promises to be an unforgettable night of college basketball.
