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Navigating the 2025 NCAA Tournament: Dates, Matchups, and Bracket Busting

The air crackles with anticipation. The chalkboards are dusted, the stats are crunched, and the collective heart of college basketball fandom beats a frantic rhythm. It’s almost time for March Madness, that glorious, unpredictable, and utterly captivating tournament that consumes the nation. The seedings are finalized, the combatants are set, and the matchups are just days away. However, a sobering truth underlies all the excitement: your meticulously crafted bracket, the one you swore was foolproof, is likely doomed. It’s not a matter of if it will be shattered, but when.

The beauty of March Madness lies in its inherent chaos. The underdogs rise, the giants stumble, and the narratives shift with every buzzer-beater. While you might be brimming with confidence in your bracket predictions, historical evidence suggests that near-perfect brackets are more mythical than factual. The sheer number of possible outcomes makes accurately predicting every game an exercise in improbable luck.

So, while embracing the madness, it’s also wise to be prepared. To help you strategize your viewing schedule, plan those strategic "sick days," and finalize your bracket with the most up-to-date information, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, covering key dates, initial matchups, and even some insight into potential bracket-busting upsets.

ITS BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY’s Bracket Challenge contest for a chance at a $1 million prize (and bragging rights, of course!). But before you dive into the contest, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the tournament schedule.

The Men’s Tournament: A Timeline of Tip-Offs and Triumphs

The men’s March Madness journey begins with the First Four, a series of play-in games that determine the final spots in the Round of 64. This year, the First Four tips off on Tuesday, March 18.

On that fateful Tuesday, the action unfolds as follows:

• St. Francis PA vs. Alabama State: These two teams will battle it out for the coveted 16-seed in the South region, with the winner earning the daunting task of facing powerhouse Auburn in the Round of 64. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on truTV. This game represents a classic underdog story, with both teams looking to defy expectations and pull off a monumental upset against Auburn. Expect a high-energy, passionate performance from both sides.

• San Diego State vs. North Carolina: This matchup is arguably the more intriguing of the two Tuesday games. San Diego State will face North Carolina, a team that sparked considerable debate about its tournament inclusion. Many fans questioned whether North Carolina truly deserved a spot in the bracket, making this game a chance for the Tar Heels to silence the critics. They are vying for the 11-seed in the South region, with the victor advancing to face No. 6 Mississippi. This game could be an early indicator of bracket volatility. A motivated and talented North Carolina team could easily make a deep run, but a loss here would validate the doubters and throw the South region into early chaos.

The First Four continues on Wednesday, March 19, with two additional games: Mt. Saint Marys vs. American, Xavier vs. Texas. These games will finalize the field of 64 and set the stage for the main event.

The Round of 64 officially commences on Thursday, March 20 and continues on Friday, March 21. These two days are a whirlwind of non-stop basketball action, with games taking place from morning until late into the night. Prepare for bracket-busting upsets, thrilling finishes, and the emergence of Cinderella stories.

The Round of 32 follows on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, further narrowing the field and separating the contenders from the pretenders. By the end of this round, only the Sweet Sixteen remain.

The journey culminates with the Final Four on Saturday, April 5, and the NCAA Championship Game on Tuesday, April 7. Starting with the Final Four, all games will be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The Women’s Tournament: Parity and Passion on Display

The women’s NCAA Tournament mirrors the men’s in format but begins a day later. The First Four kicks off on March 19, and the Round of 32 extends until Monday, March 23.

Games for the Women’s March Madness will be available across ESPN networks. You can also stream games with Fubo, which offers a free trial subscription for new users.

The Final Four for the women’s tournament will be held on Friday, April 4, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The championship game will take place on Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. at the same venue.

Beyond the Dates: Embracing the Madness

While knowing the dates and matchups is crucial for planning your viewing schedule, remember that March Madness is about more than just filling out a bracket. It’s about the passion, the rivalries, the unexpected moments, and the unforgettable stories that unfold on the court.

Don’t be afraid to take risks with your bracket. While picking all the top seeds might seem like the safest strategy, history has shown that upsets are inevitable. Consider identifying potential Cinderella teams – those mid-major programs with talented players and a chip on their shoulder – and don’t be afraid to pick them to advance a round or two.

Remember to enjoy the ride. March Madness is a celebration of college basketball, so embrace the chaos, cheer for your favorite teams, and don’t take your bracket too seriously. After all, it’s just a game (or 63 of them). And who knows, maybe this year will be the year you finally achieve bracket perfection. But even if you don’t, you’ll still have a month filled with thrilling basketball and unforgettable moments.

Finally, as a reminder, Catch March Madness action on TruTV with Sling. Action for the wider field starts on Thursday, March 20.

NCAA Tournament: March Madness bracket hot takes, from upset picks to Final Four predictions

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