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March Madness 2025: First Round Frenzy Kicks Off with Upsets, Stars, and Championship Dreams

The air crackles with anticipation. The brackets are meticulously filled, the office pools are underway, and the nation collectively holds its breath. It’s that time of year again: March Madness is here, and the 2025 NCAA Tournament promises to be another unforgettable chapter in college basketball history. Friday’s first-round action is primed to deliver a captivating blend of Cinderella stories, star-studded performances, and nail-biting finishes as 32 teams embark on their quest for the national championship.

All eyes will be glued to the debut of Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Flagg, a dynamic and versatile player whose talent has captured the imagination of basketball fans nationwide, is set to lead the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils into battle. Concerns arose when Flagg suffered an ankle injury during the ACC Tournament, casting a shadow over his availability. However, reports indicate that he is expected to play, much to the relief of Duke fans and college basketball enthusiasts eager to witness his March Madness premiere.

Duke’s opponent, the No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s, faces a monumental task in trying to overcome the Blue Devils’ talent and experience. While history favors the higher seed in such matchups, March Madness is known for its unpredictable nature, and Mount St. Mary’s will undoubtedly enter the game with the belief that they can pull off an improbable upset. The game is sure to draw significant attention, offering a compelling narrative of David versus Goliath.

But the Duke-Mount St. Mary’s contest is just one thread in the rich tapestry of first-round action. Two-time defending national champion UConn finds themselves in an unfamiliar position, entering the tournament as a No. 8 seed. Their opponent, the No. 9 seed Oklahoma, presents a challenging matchup. UConn, despite their lower seeding, retain the pedigree of a championship-caliber program. Oklahoma, however, is a hungry team eager to prove their worth and advance deep into the tournament. This game promises to be a hard-fought battle between two programs with rich basketball traditions.

Another intriguing matchup pits the No. 6 seed Illinois against the No. 11 seed Xavier. This contest showcases a clash of styles and conferences, with Illinois representing the Big Ten and Xavier hailing from the Big East. Illinois, known for its strong guard play and offensive firepower, will face a tough test against Xavier’s disciplined defense and balanced attack. The game is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams possessing the potential to make a deep tournament run.

Perhaps one of the most popular upset picks of the first round involves the No. 12 seed Colorado State facing the No. 5 seed Memphis in the South Region. Colorado State, fueled by a strong regular season and a confident team, has emerged as a trendy pick to advance. Memphis, while boasting considerable talent, has faced inconsistencies throughout the year, making them vulnerable to an upset. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair with plenty of drama.

Beyond the individual matchups, several teams with Final Four and national championship aspirations begin their NCAA Tournament journeys on Friday. The No. 1 seed Florida, showcasing a potent offense and a stingy defense, enters the tournament as a legitimate contender. The No. 2 seed Alabama, known for their explosive scoring and up-tempo style, will look to make a statement. The No. 2 seed Michigan State, coached by the legendary Tom Izzo, always poses a threat come March, thanks to their experience, grit, and tactical acumen.

The opening day of March Madness will kick off with the No. 9 seed Baylor facing the No. 8 seed Mississippi State at 12:15 p.m. ET. This game promises to be a closely contested battle between two teams eager to advance and make a name for themselves. The first round will conclude late in the night with the No. 12 seed Liberty taking on the No. 5 seed Oregon at 10:10 p.m. ET. Oregon, with their strong defense and experienced players, will aim to shut down Liberty’s upset hopes.

For fans eager to soak in every moment of the March Madness action, coverage will be widespread across various platforms. CBS, TNT, TBS, and TruTV will broadcast games throughout the day, providing comprehensive coverage of the tournament. Streaming options such as Max and Sling will offer access to games carried on TNT, TBS, and TruTV. Games broadcast on CBS will be available on Fubo, which offers a free trial subscription to new users.

The 2025 NCAA Tournament is poised to deliver a thrilling spectacle of college basketball. From the anticipated debut of Cooper Flagg to the potential for bracket-busting upsets, the first round promises to be filled with memorable moments. As the nation tunes in to witness the drama unfold, one thing is certain: March Madness has arrived, and anything can happen. So, buckle up, grab your brackets, and prepare for the ride. The road to the Final Four begins now. Don’t miss a second of the action as these teams battle for glory on the grandest stage of college basketball.