The First Four Sets the Stage for March Madness Mayhem in 2025

The annual spectacle that is the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament officially ignited with the First Four, a play-in round that has become an integral part of the March Madness experience. These initial contests, held at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, pit teams on the fringes of the tournament field against each other, vying for a coveted spot in the traditional 64-team bracket. The stakes are high, the emotions are raw, and the dreams of Cinderella runs begin here.

The 2025 edition of the First Four commenced with a doubleheader of high-intensity matchups, setting the tone for the weeks of basketball drama to come. On night one, Alabama State and Saint Francis battled it out for the opportunity to claim the No. 16 seed in the South Regional. This is a chance to play a basketball goliath, a No. 1 seed, on the grandest stage. While the odds are stacked against them, the allure of an improbable upset, the chance to etch their names in March Madness lore, fuels their competitive fire.

Following that contest, San Diego State and North Carolina faced off in a clash to determine the No. 11 seed, also in the South Regional. This game promised a compelling contrast in styles, with San Diego State known for its tenacious defense and North Carolina boasting a rich basketball tradition and a potent offensive attack. The winner earned not only a place in the tournament proper but also the chance to test their mettle against a higher-seeded opponent, hoping to prove they are more than just a bubble team.

The First Four has been a part of the NCAA Tournament landscape for 14 years, consistently delivering memorable moments and unexpected narratives. In that relatively short span, two teams have defied expectations and embarked on unforgettable journeys all the way to the Final Four after emerging from the First Four crucible. VCU, in 2011, captivated the nation with their improbable run, showcasing the potential for a First Four team to become a legitimate championship contender. A decade later, in 2021, UCLA mirrored that feat, demonstrating the enduring possibility of a Cinderella story originating from these play-in games.

The remaining two First Four matchups promised to continue the excitement. The winners of these games would secure the final two spots in the tournament bracket, adding further intrigue to an already captivating tournament field.

America University and Mount St. Marys were set to tip off in a battle to determine the No. 16 seed in the East Regional. The victor would earn the unenviable task of facing the tournament’s top overall seed, Duke. While the challenge may seem daunting, it is an opportunity to compete against one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball history, a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage.

Later in the evening, Texas and Xavier were slated to face off for the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Regional. The winner would advance to take on No. 6 seed Illinois, a team with aspirations of making a deep tournament run. This matchup represented a chance for either Texas or Xavier to prove their worth and potentially disrupt the plans of a higher-seeded opponent.

The games are more than just basketball, they are about the human stories of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream. Players who have to earn their spot, coaches who have led their teams through adversity, and fans who have poured their hearts into supporting their schools.

For those eager to catch every moment of the First Four action, truTV served as the national broadcast home. The broadcast team of Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Jim Spanarkel (analyst), and Jon Rothstein (sideline reporter) provided viewers with expert commentary and insights, enhancing the viewing experience.

For cord-cutters and those on the go, streaming options were readily available. The March Madness Live app, requiring a TV login, offered a convenient way to watch the games on various devices. Additionally, Sling TV, a popular streaming service, carried truTV and the Warner Bros. Discovery networks, providing another avenue for fans to access the First Four broadcasts.

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Tournament’s First Four games were strategically spread out over two days, Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19, ensuring maximum exposure and engagement. All four games were held at the UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, a venue that has become synonymous with the First Four experience. The tip-off times were set for 6:40 p.m. ET for the first game of each night and 9:10 p.m. ET for the second, allowing fans across different time zones to tune in and witness the unfolding drama.

The First Four is more than just a preliminary round; it’s an embodiment of the spirit of March Madness. It showcases the underdog, the determination, and the unpredictable nature of college basketball. It’s a reminder that every team has a chance, every game matters, and that anything is possible when the calendar turns to March. The First Four plants the seeds of excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for the thrilling journey that lies ahead in the NCAA Tournament. It’s a celebration of the sport, a showcase of young talent, and a testament to the enduring appeal of March Madness. The nation waits with bated breath to see who will emerge from the First Four and begin the chase for the championship title.