March Madness Continues: A Friday Feast of First-Round Action
The exhilarating chaos of March Madness barrels forward today, promising another day filled with dramatic upsets, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable moments. Following a Thursday brimming with unexpected results and thrilling contests, college basketball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the sixteen first-round games slated for today. Get ready for a whirlwind of hardwood action, featuring top seeds, potential Cinderella stories, and a plethora of talented players vying for a coveted spot in the next round.
The Friday festivities commence with a clash between the No. 8 seed Mississippi State Bulldogs and the No. 9 seed Baylor Bears. This East region matchup, tipping off at 12:15 p.m. ET in Raleigh, North Carolina, pits two evenly matched teams against each other. Mississippi State boasts a rugged defense and a balanced offensive attack, while Baylor possesses a potent scoring punch led by their dynamic guards. The victor of this contest will advance to face the winner of the highly anticipated game between No. 1 seed Duke and No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s.
Duke, the top seed in the East region, enters the tournament with high expectations and a roster brimming with talent. The Blue Devils are widely expected to cruise past Mount St. Mary’s, especially with the anticipated return of star freshman guard Cooper Flagg. Flagg, a projected top NBA draft pick, missed the final two games of the ACC tournament due to a sprained left ankle. His presence on the court adds another dimension to Duke’s already formidable offense and defense.
Beyond the Duke spectacle, Friday marks the first opportunity for fans to witness several other top seeds in action. No. 1 seed Florida, hailing from the South region, looks to assert their dominance early. Similarly, No. 2 seed Alabama, known for their high-octane offense, will aim to showcase their scoring prowess. No. 3 seed Kentucky, a perennial powerhouse, will seek to live up to their storied legacy, while No. 3 seed Iowa State, fresh off a Big 12 tournament title, aims to continue their momentum. These teams represent a mix of established programs and rising contenders, each with aspirations of making a deep tournament run.
As the day progresses, the intensity will only escalate. The nightcap features a compelling matchup between No. 7 Marquette and No. 10 New Mexico, scheduled for 7:25 p.m. ET in Cleveland. This game showcases a captivating point guard battle between Marquette’s Kam Jones and New Mexico’s Donovan Dent. Both players are known for their exceptional court vision, scoring ability, and leadership qualities, making this a must-watch encounter for fans of guard play.
The Friday schedule also features two Big Ten teams closing out the first round of games. No. 2 seed Michigan State, a program with a rich tournament history, will face off against No. 15 seed Bryant. Michigan State, led by their veteran coach Tom Izzo, will aim to avoid an upset and advance to the next round. Meanwhile, No. 5 seed Oregon will square off against No. 12 seed Liberty. Oregon, riding a late-season surge, will look to overcome Liberty’s upset potential and secure a spot in the round of 32.
Navigating the March Madness landscape requires careful planning and attention to detail. With sixteen games spread across various networks and streaming platforms, it’s essential to stay informed to avoid missing any of the action.
How to Watch Friday’s March Madness Games:
Friday’s slate of men’s NCAA Tournament games will be broadcast across a variety of television networks. CBS will carry four games nationally, providing widespread access to some of the day’s most intriguing matchups. Additionally, truTV, TBS, and TNT will each broadcast four games, offering a diverse selection of contests throughout the day.
For those who prefer to stream the games, several options are available. All sixteen games can be streamed on the March Madness Live app with a TV login, granting access to every contest. To stream the games airing on CBS, viewers can turn to Fubo, which carries CBS and offers a free trial to new subscribers. For the twelve games airing on truTV, TBS, and TNT, SlingTV provides a streaming option for those channels.
With a variety of viewing options available, fans can easily tune in to their favorite games and follow the tournament action from the comfort of their homes or on the go.
Thursday Recap: A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Before diving into Friday’s action, it’s worth reflecting on the excitement and surprises that unfolded on Thursday. The first sixteen games of the first round provided a taste of the unpredictable nature of March Madness, with several upsets and close calls that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The results from Thursday serve as a reminder that anything can happen in the tournament, and that no lead is ever safe.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only continue to rise. Each game represents an opportunity for teams to achieve their dreams and advance closer to the ultimate goal of winning a national championship. The madness of March is in full swing, and the drama is only just beginning. Be sure to tune in and witness the excitement firsthand as the nation’s top college basketball teams battle it out for supremacy.
