The anticipation is palpable as the first round of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament approaches, promising a thrilling start to March Madness. Sixteen games are slated for Thursday, initiating a whirlwind of competition that will captivate college basketball fans across the nation. The tournament, a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination, will showcase the nation’s top collegiate teams vying for the coveted championship title.
The opening game of the day features a compelling matchup between the No. 8 seed Louisville Cardinals and the No. 9 seed Creighton Bluejays. This contest is expected to be a closely fought battle, with both teams eager to establish momentum and advance to the next round. Louisville, with its rich basketball tradition, will look to its experienced players and disciplined coaching to overcome the challenge posed by Creighton. The Bluejays, known for their offensive prowess and sharp shooting, will aim to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities and control the tempo of the game. The outcome of this game is likely to set the tone for the rest of the day’s action.
Among the highly anticipated games on Thursday are those featuring the top seeds, Houston Cougars and Auburn Tigers. These teams, boasting exceptional talent and impressive regular-season records, are considered strong contenders for the championship. Houston, renowned for its stifling defense and strategic offense, will face Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). While SIUE is expected to present a challenge, the Cougars’ overall strength and depth make them the clear favorites in this encounter. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on TBS and available for streaming on Sling TV.
Auburn, another formidable contender, will square off against Alabama State. The Tigers, known for their athleticism and aggressive style of play, are expected to dominate this matchup. Alabama State, while a worthy opponent, will likely struggle to contain Auburn’s high-powered offense and tenacious defense. The game is slated for 2:50 p.m. EST and will be televised on CBS, with streaming options available on Fubo. These top-seed matchups offer an early glimpse into the potential trajectory of the tournament and provide an opportunity for fans to witness the prowess of the leading contenders.
Beyond the headline games, the Thursday schedule is packed with intriguing matchups that promise excitement and potential upsets. The remaining fourteen games, spread across various time slots throughout the day, will showcase a diverse array of talent and playing styles. Teams from different conferences and regions will collide, creating a dynamic and unpredictable atmosphere. The tournament’s inherent unpredictability is what makes it so captivating, as underdogs often rise to the occasion and defy expectations.
The broadcasting schedule for Thursday’s games is comprehensive, ensuring that fans have ample opportunities to follow the action. CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV will provide extensive coverage, while streaming services like Fubo and Sling TV offer convenient alternatives for viewers on the go. The availability of multiple platforms allows fans to customize their viewing experience and stay connected to the tournament regardless of their location.
The complete schedule, with times listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST), is as follows:
12:15 p.m. | CBS (Fubo)
12:40 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
1:30 p.m. | TNT (Sling TV)
2 p.m. | TBS (Sling TV)
2:50 p.m. | CBS (Fubo)
3:15 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
4:05 p.m. | TNT (Sling TV)
4:35 p.m. | TBS (Sling TV)
6:50 p.m. | TNT (Sling TV)
7:10 p.m. | CBS (Fubo)
7:25 p.m. | TBS (Sling TV)
7:35 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
9:25 p.m. | TNT (Sling TV)
9:45 p.m. | CBS (Fubo)
10 p.m. | TBS (Sling TV)
10:10 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
In addition to the schedule, expert picks from reporters across the USA TODAY Sports Network offer valuable insights and analysis. These predictions, based on in-depth knowledge of the teams and their performance throughout the season, can help fans make informed decisions and enhance their understanding of the tournament landscape. While upsets are inevitable, expert analysis provides a framework for evaluating the relative strengths and weaknesses of each team.
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. The first round, commencing on Thursday, sets the stage for a captivating journey towards the championship. As the nation tunes in to witness the unfolding action, the spirit of March Madness will undoubtedly captivate fans and create lasting memories. The convergence of talent, strategy, and sheer determination will make this tournament a must-watch event for all college basketball enthusiasts.
