The First Four of the NCAA Tournament got underway with an electrifying matchup between the No. 11-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels and the San Diego State Aztecs on March 18, 2025, at the UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. This was a clash of two teams looking for redemption and a shot at moving deeper into March Madness.
North Carolina, boasting a record of 22 wins and 13 losses, entered the game with a sense of urgency, having been the last team to secure an at-large bid. The Tar Heels' selection caused quite a stir on Selection Sunday, particularly given their poor performance in high-pressure situations, finishing 0-10 against top-seeded opponents. Nevertheless, they demonstrated resilience against lower-tier teams, showing an impressive 21-1 record against Quadrant 2 or lower squads.
Facing them was San Diego State, also an 11-seed with a record of 21-10. The Aztecs entered the game with a solid defensive reputation but were marked by a struggling offense, ranking lower in key scoring categories. Remarkably, San Diego boasts a defensive efficiency ranking among the top ten in the nation, making them a tough contender. However, their offensive struggles, particularly in high-stakes situations, had left them with unanswered questions heading into the game.
The matchup started at 9:10 p.m. ET, and both teams were eager to make their mark early. The Tar Heels capitalized on their offensive prowess, shooting an astounding 61% in the game, including a phenomenal 78% from beyond the arc. Their scoring was led by RJ Davis, who ended the evening with 26 points, including six three-pointers. With a blazing first half, the Tar Heels raced to a 37-16 lead, dominating much of the game.
North Carolina's game strategy revolved around their ability to exploit San Diego State's defensive lapses, pushing the pace and minimizing turnovers. Despite some inconsistent performances throughout the season, R.J. Davis thrived, averaging 22.1 points per game over his last eight games while hitting an impressive 45.2% from three-point range during that stretch. His scoring was complemented by Seth Trimble and Jae’Lyn Withers, who bolstered UNC's versatility and rebounding efforts.
San Diego State struggled to find their rhythm offensively, managing only 42 points at halftime, trailing the Tar Heels by a staggering margin. Their pieces, such as Nick Boyd, who had averaged 14.3 points per game leading into the tournament, were unable to overcome UNC’s dynamic pace. While SDSU has been known for stifling opponents, they found themselves relentlessly attacked by the explosive Tar Heels, who turned the game into a track meet.
At the other end of the court, SDSU's defense, which typically boasts a strong standing—holding opponents to just 63.6 points per game—was caught off guard. The Aztecs managed to recover somewhat in the second half, but it was too late. They fought back to close within 20 points, but did not have enough to change the outcome. Every shot taken was scrutinized, with UNC defending well against SDSU's attempts to score, clearly illustrating the Tar Heels’ commitment to improving their defensive game.
The game culminated in a decisive 95-68 victory for North Carolina, earning them a chance to advance into the NCAA Tournament against No. 6 seed Ole Miss. This win marks an important moment for the Tar Heels as they seek to regain their footing in the tournament after their controversial selection.
With both teams reflecting contrasting styles of play—UNC’s high-scoring offense versus SDSU’s stonewall defense—the Tar Heels' ability to adapt and overcome their early setbacks this season shone brightly. The Aztecs’ brand of basketball may have its strengths, but against the fast-paced, potent offense of North Carolina, they faced a formidable barrier they couldn't breach.
As the first day of March Madness progressed, UNC's victory is a reminder that in this tournament, anything can happen. The stakes are high, and every game can turn fortunes around. The next challenge awaits North Carolina as they prepare to clash with Ole Miss on March 21, 2025. Will the Tar Heels carry this momentum forward, or will they falter against the next level of competition? The excitement of March Madness continues to unfold.
