March Madness: First Round Games, Times, TV Guide & Matchups

March Madness: Your Complete First Round Viewing Guide

Gentlemen, start your brackets! As the legendary Jackie Gleason, a comedic genius you should absolutely Google, would proclaim, "And awaaay we go!" (But we digress, back to the hardwood.) The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament officially tips off in full swing this Thursday, presenting a smorgasbord of basketball action with 16 captivating first-round matchups unfolding throughout the day.

The opening act features two of the coveted No. 1 regional seeds, setting the tone for a day brimming with high-stakes competition. As the sun dips below the horizon, prime-time matchups will showcase some of the sport’s most prestigious programs and seasoned coaches, all navigating challenging paths through the tournament bracket.

To ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the madness, here’s your comprehensive viewer’s guide for the first full day of March Madness, complete with game times, television channels, and a few insightful nuggets about each contest. Get ready to cheer, jeer, and experience the unpredictable thrill of college basketball’s grandest stage.

Morning Slate

• Time/TV: 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS
  Louisville Cardinals vs. Creighton Bluejays

  The action ignites in Lexington, Kentucky, where the Cardinals, arguably seeded lower than anticipated, enjoy the comfort of playing in their home state. However, the Bluejays are no strangers to hostile environments, having recently battled in the Big East final amidst a sea of St. John’s supporters at Madison Square Garden. To advance, Creighton must avoid a repeat of their second-half struggles and contain Louisville’s offensive firepower.

• Time/TV: 12:40 p.m. ET, TruTV
  Purdue Boilermakers vs. High Point Panthers

  The Boilermakers embark on their quest to return to the Final Four, facing a tournament debutant in the High Point Panthers. After years of knocking on the door, the Panthers finally burst through with a Big South tournament triumph. Now, they aim to maximize this hard-earned opportunity. High Point boasts more depth than most non-power conference teams, while Purdue enters the tournament with a touch of uncertainty, having lost six of their last nine games. Keep an eye on whether Purdue can reassert their dominance early.

• Time/TV: 12:40 p.m. ET, TNT
  Wisconsin Badgers vs. Montana Grizzlies

  This matchup could prove to be a trickier assignment for Big Ten runner-up Wisconsin than initially appears. The Badgers face a quick turnaround after competing in the league finale just days before. The Grizzlies, though making their first tournament appearance since 2019, won’t be intimidated by the altitude in Denver. However, matching the three-point prowess of John Tonje and the Badgers will be a tall order.

• Time/TV: 2:00 p.m. ET, TBS
  Houston Cougars vs. SIUE Cougars

  For those unfamiliar, SIUE represents the Cougars, not the Salukis. The Ohio Valley champions are dancing for the first time since transitioning from Division II in 2008. Their journey is likely to be short against the more accomplished Houston Cougars, but they can at least hope for a highlight-reel play or two to grace the "One Shining Moment" montage.

• Time/TV: 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS
  Tennessee Volunteers vs. Morehead State Eagles

  After a hard fought win in Dayton against St. Francis, the Eagles now seek to become only the second 16 seed to topple a No. 1 seed after winning in the First Four, a feat accomplished only two years ago by Fairleigh Dickinson. It’s a daunting task, and the Volunteers have almost certainly emphasized attention to detail after dropping three of their last four games.

Afternoon/Early Evening Slate

• Time/TV: 3:15 p.m. ET, TruTV
  Clemson Tigers vs. McNeese State Cowboys

  Will Wade, a Clemson grad, has led the Cowboys back to the dance as a No. 12 seed for a second consecutive year. The Tigers will be slightly shorthanded, with reserve guard Dillon Hunter sidelined due to injury. However, his brother Chase is among several veterans returning from last year’s Elite Eight squad. The Cowboys could pose a threat if Clemson’s offensive firepower is limited.

• Time/TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, TNT
  VCU Rams vs. BYU Cougars

  One of the most intriguing matchups of the round of 64 pits VCU, a strong A-10 program with a rich history of March success, including an improbable First Four to Final Four run in 2011, against the Cougars, perhaps undeservedly seeded considering their strong second half of the Big 12 season. Both teams heavily rely on three-point shooting, promising a barrage of long-range bombs.

• Time/TV: 4:35 p.m. ET, TBS
  Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Georgia Bulldogs

  An all-Bulldogs showdown concludes the early session. Recent Sweet 16 regular Gonzaga has been in top form down the stretch, and the steady guidance of Ryan Nembhard at point guard is a significant asset. However, Georgia is battle-tested after navigating the rugged SEC and possesses a wealth of athletes capable of forcing turnovers. The outcome could hinge on which team controls the pace and limits mistakes.

Prime-Time Slate

• Time/TV: 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT
  Tennessee Volunteers vs. Wofford Terriers

  The Volunteers kick off the evening slate as they begin their quest to escape the dreaded "never made the Final Four" club. They defend as well as any team in the field, and an early surge could quickly dispatch the Southern Conference champion Terriers. Wofford has faced quality competition this season, but their early November visit to Duke didn’t inspire much confidence.

• Time/TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS
  Kansas Jayhawks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

  From a coaching perspective, this pod in Providence arguably offers the most intrigue of the first round. Longtime KU mentor Bill Self squares off against John Calipari, in his first year helming the Razorbacks, for the right, barring a colossal upset, to meet Rick Pitino and St. John’s in the second round. The Jayhawks, ranked No. 1 in the preseason, secured valuable early wins but struggled in Big 12 play. Arkansas did just enough in the ultra-competitive SEC to make the field, and those frequent encounters with ranked opponents could serve the Razorbacks well. A clash of coaching titans with a Sweet Sixteen berth on the line!

• Time/TV: 7:25 p.m. ET, TBS
  Texas A&M Aggies vs. Yale Bulldogs

  After eliminating Auburn from the round of 64 last season, Yale will no longer catch anyone by surprise. Nevertheless, the Aggies can be prone to cold streaks, which could allow a smart bunch like the Bulldogs to hang around well into the second half. The backcourt matchup between Yale’s John Poulakidas and A&M’s Wade Taylor should be one to watch closely.

• Time/TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, TruTV
  Missouri Tigers vs. Drake Bulldogs

  Yet another SEC squad finds itself in the middle of the bracket, facing a dangerous group of Bulldogs. This Drake team looks considerably different from the one that narrowly lost to Washington State last year, but new coach Ben McCollum reloaded quickly to keep the Bulldogs atop the Missouri Valley. Mizzou possesses more overall scoring depth but may need all its options to contribute in what promises to be a full 40-minute battle.

Late Night Slate

• Time/TV: 9:25 p.m. ET, TNT
  UCLA Bruins vs. Utah State Aggies

  The Bruins, one of the two Big Ten west-coast additions to make the dance, embark on a treacherous bracket draw. Utah State reached the second round last season and has the offensive firepower to repeat. UCLA lacks a true superstar but can apply relentless ball pressure, forcing opponents into over 15 turnovers per game. This could be problematic for the Aggies, who need to utilize their screen game to create open looks from three-point range.

• Time/TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS
  St. John’s Red Storm vs. Omaha Mavericks

  The Mavericks already knew they’d be dancing when they reached the Summit League final against St. Thomas, which is still in its transition period and ineligible for the NCAA Tournament. To their credit, Omaha won the game anyway, rightfully claiming the title of conference champ. However, the Mavericks’ run likely ends here, as the Red Storm completed their takeover of the Big East in Rick Pitino’s second season. St. John’s has been shooting the ball much better lately, a frightening prospect for future opponents.

• Time/TV: 10:00 p.m. ET, TBS
  Michigan Wolverines vs. UC San Diego Tritons

  With an impressive victory total and a high NET ranking, the Tritons were expected to be a popular upset pick before the bracket’s unveiling. They still might be, but they face a tough task in the Big Ten tournament champion Wolverines. On the positive side for UCSD, Michigan will be playing on shorter rest in the high altitude of Denver. Even so, scoring points at the rim could be challenging for the Tritons against the Wolverines’ towering seven-footers, potentially forcing them to rely more heavily on three-pointers.

• Time/TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, TruTV
  Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. UNC Wilmington Seahawks

  The final game of the day features the Red Raiders, the only Big 12 team to defeat Houston during the regular season, hoping to embark on a journey to the program’s second Final Four appearance. First up are the Seahawks, who claimed their first CAA crown and NCAA berth since 2017. UNCW got a taste of the Big 12 back in November, suffering an 18-point loss at Kansas, which, as a footnote, was Jayhawks’ coach Bill Self’s 800th career victory.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – your comprehensive guide to navigating the exhilarating chaos of the first day of March Madness. Prepare for buzzer-beaters, bracket busters, and unforgettable moments that will be etched in college basketball lore. Happy hooping, and may your brackets be blessed with good fortune!