March Madness Arrives: A Preview of the First Four
The wait is over, basketball fans. The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is officially underway, kicking off with the always-intriguing First Four matchups. Tonight’s slate of games promises drama, excitement, and the first steps on the road to championship glory.
Tonight’s action unfolds at UD Arena on the University of Dayton campus in Ohio, the traditional home for the First Four. The opening contests will be broadcast nationally on truTV, a network that will showcase 21 tournament games over the coming weeks. So grab your brackets, settle into your favorite spot, and prepare for a night of compelling college basketball.
Game 1: Alabama State Hornets vs. Saint Francis Red Flash
The first game of the night pits two 16-seeds against each other: the Alabama State Hornets, champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and the Saint Francis Red Flash, winners of the Northeast Conference (NEC). Tip-off is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
For both programs, this game represents a significant opportunity. A victory would catapult either Alabama State or Saint Francis into the main bracket of 64 teams, a feat that can define a season. However, the reward for that victory is a daunting one: a first-round matchup against the top overall seed in the tournament, the Auburn Tigers.
This game holds even greater significance as it will be the first ever meeting between the Alabama State and Saint Francis programs. This adds another layer of intrigue, as both teams will be stepping onto the court with limited prior knowledge of their opponent’s strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. Expect a period of feeling-out in the opening minutes, as each squad attempts to establish their game plan and gain an early advantage.
For Alabama State, success will likely hinge on their ability to control the tempo and leverage their athleticism. They will need to utilize their guard play and offensive efficiency to keep pace with the Red Flash. For Saint Francis, executing their offensive sets and relying on a strong defensive presence in the paint will be key. Their frontcourt players will need to be aggressive on the glass to secure rebounds and create second-chance opportunities. Ultimately, the team that can maintain composure under pressure and capitalize on opponent mistakes will emerge victorious.
Game 2: San Diego State Aztecs vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
Following the conclusion of the first game, the spotlight will shift to the second matchup of the night: an 11-seed showdown between the San Diego State Aztecs and the North Carolina Tar Heels. This game is slated to tip off at 9:10 p.m. ET, though the start time could be adjusted depending on the length of the earlier contest.
This game carries significant weight, as the winner advances to face the Ole Miss Rebels, a 6-seed, in the first round. More than that, this game is shrouded in controversy, given North Carolina’s inclusion in the tournament field. Many analysts and fans believe that the Tar Heels were an undeserving selection, citing their inconsistent performance throughout the season and the presence of other teams, such as West Virginia and Indiana, who were arguably more deserving of a spot.
The pressure is on Head Coach Hubert Davis and his Tar Heels to prove their place in the tournament. They must demonstrate that they belong amongst the nation’s elite teams and silence the critics who questioned their selection. This game against San Diego State presents a prime opportunity for North Carolina to make a statement and validate their inclusion in the field of 68.
History favors North Carolina in this matchup. The Tar Heels have won both previous meetings against the Aztecs. The first encounter occurred on December 29, 1988, in San Diego, with UNC emerging victorious by a score of 103-92. Two years later, on November 24, 1990, UNC defeated the Aztecs 99-63 in Chapel Hill. It is curious to note that Hubert Davis, the current North Carolina coach, played in both of those games for the Tar Heels.
One key factor to watch in this game is the return of Magoon Gwath, San Diego State’s 7-foot center. Gwath, who was named both the Mountain West’s freshman and defensive player of the year in 2024-25, has been sidelined with an injury since late February. His presence will provide a significant boost to the Aztecs’ frontcourt. Prior to his injury, Gwath was averaging 8.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, leading the team in both rebounds and blocks. How effective Gwath will be after his injury is a critical unknown, but his return certainly alters the dynamic of the game.
How to Watch
Both of tonight’s First Four games will be broadcast live on truTV. Streaming options are also available through March Madness Live, which requires a valid cable login, and Sling TV, which carries truTV and the TBS family of networks.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the immediate reward of advancing to the first round, the First Four provides a unique opportunity for these teams to build momentum and gain confidence. A victory in this pressure-packed environment can serve as a catalyst for a deep tournament run, as teams discover the grit, determination, and teamwork needed to compete on the national stage. Whether it is Alabama State, Saint Francis, San Diego State, or North Carolina who come out victorious tonight, the energy and excitement of March Madness will be in full swing!
