The men’s March Madness is in full swing. Today’s games promise heart-pounding action. Basketball fans everywhere are excited to watch March Madness.
68 teams are battling for glory. The schedule is packed with thrilling matchups. It shows the best of college hoops.
This year’s tournament has some interesting stats. Yale has a 16-1 record since December 22. Louisville has gone 21-2 since mid-December. Gonzaga, usually a top seed, is an 8th seed this year.
Fans can watch March Madness on various platforms. There are 32 first-round games across four regions. Keep an eye out for upsets, especially in 5 vs. 12 matchups.
Key Takeaways
- 68 teams are competing in the NCAA Tournament
- First-round features 32 games across four regions
- Yale enters with a strong 16-1 record since late December
- Gonzaga ranks 9th on KenPom.com despite being an 8 seed
- 5 vs. 12 matchups often produce upsets
- Multiple viewing options available for fans
Key Matchups and Tournament Overview
The March Madness tournament challenge starts with exciting first-round matchups. Fans ask, “When is the first March Madness game?” The action begins with power conference showdowns that set the tone for the whole event.
First Round Power Conference Clashes
A standout matchup is North Carolina vs. Ole Miss. It’s a potential 11 vs. 6 upset scenario. Since 2010, No. 11 seeds have a 30-26 record against No. 6 seeds in the first round. Last year, they went 3-1 in these matchups.
Tournament Structure
The NCAA Tournament is a single-elimination format. It starts with 68 teams and narrows down to the Final Four. The bracket is divided into four regions, each with 16 teams seeded 1 through 16.
Regional Team Distribution
Teams are spread across four regions: East, West, South, and Midwest. This affects travel times and fan support. The March Madness TV schedule considers these factors when setting game times.
As fans prepare their brackets, they’re eager to know when March Madness starts. The first game tips off at 12:15 PM ET. This marks the start of an exciting three-week journey to find the national champion.
Break down of todays march madness games
The ncaa march madness live action starts today with 16 exciting men’s games. CBS sports march madness coverage begins at 12:15 p.m. ET. No. 8 Louisville will play No. 9 Creighton.
Fans can watch all the ncaa basketball games today on CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. There’s a 12-hour basketball marathon.
Two No. 1 seeds play today. Auburn and Houston aim to avoid early upsets. Watch for possible march madness upset predictions, especially in the 5 vs 12 games.
The day ends with No. 3 Texas Tech vs No. 14 UNC Wilmington at 10:10 p.m. ET.
Women’s basketball fans have two First Four games to watch starting at 7 p.m. ET. These games lead to the full 64-team women’s tournament.
| Network | Number of Games | Notable Matchups |
|---|---|---|
| CBS | 4 | No. 1 Auburn vs No. 16 Alabama State |
| TNT | 4 | No. 5 Wisconsin vs No. 12 James Madison |
| TBS | 4 | No. 4 Duke vs No. 13 Vermont |
| truTV | 4 | No. 6 Texas A&M vs No. 11 NC State |
Games are on many networks and streaming platforms. Basketball fans won’t miss a thing. Get ready for buzzer-beaters, upsets, and unforgettable moments as the tournament starts!
Top Seeds Performance Analysis
As the ncaa march madness schedule unfolds, fans wonder who will win march madness 2025. Top seeds face unique challenges that could impact their tournament run. Let’s dive into the performance of some key contenders.
Houston’s Free Throw Line Struggles
The Houston Cougars, boasting a 30-4 record, showcase impressive stats. They rank 10th in adjusted offensive efficiency on KenPom. L.J. Cryer’s 43% 3PT accuracy and 18.0 PPG in the final 12 regular-season games stand out. Yet, their free throw performance might be a concern in close games.
Tennessee’s Tournament Aspirations
Tennessee enters the tournament with a top-five defense. The offensive duo of Zakai Zeigler and Chaz Lanier could propel them deep into the bracket. Their strong showing in the SEC, including wins against Florida, bodes well for their march madness schedule 2025 prospects.
Duke’s Championship Outlook
The Duke Blue Devils, at 31-3, are favorites to win it all. Their 19-1 run after Cooper Flagg’s 18th birthday and 4th-ranked adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom make them formidable. As the march madness women’s schedule progresses alongside the men’s, Duke aims to dominate both brackets.
| Team | Record | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 30-4 | 10th in adjusted offensive efficiency |
| Tennessee | N/A | Top-five defense |
| Duke | 31-3 | 4th in adjusted defensive efficiency |
Potential Upset Alerts
March Madness 2025 is here, and fans are excited. Upsets are thrilling, and this year’s games could surprise us all.
No. 12 vs No. 5 Matchups
No. 12 vs No. 5 games are perfect for upsets. Since 2005, at least one No. 11 seed has beaten a No. 6 seed. Watch the McNeese State vs Clemson game closely. McNeese State is on a winning streak and scores a lot. Clemson, on the other hand, struggles on the road.
Mid-Major Threats
Mid-major teams are like Cinderella. High Point has won 14 games in a row. They are good at shooting and defending, making them a danger to others.
Historical Upset Patterns
When making bracket predictions, remember these patterns:
- No. 11, 12, and 13 seeds often upset early
- No. 15 Princeton and No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson beat teams in the first round
- The Big South has lost 28 times in the Round of 64
When watching March Madness 2025, think about these upsets. They could change the game and make it more exciting.
Key Players to Watch
As the ncaa schedule today unfolds, fans are eager to see which stars will shine in the 2025 March Madness. Expert bracket picks 2025 have highlighted several standout players who could make a significant impact on their team’s success.
In the ncaab spotlight, Braden Smith from Purdue has been turning heads. He averages 16.1 points and 8.7 assists per game. His ability to both score and facilitate makes him a dual threat that opponents must account for in their game plans.
Georgia’s Asa Newell is another player to keep an eye on. He boasts 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. His consistent performance has made him a key factor in many march madness picks.
| Player | Team | Points per Game | Other Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braden Smith | Purdue | 16.1 | 8.7 assists |
| Asa Newell | Georgia | 15.3 | 6.8 rebounds |
| Walter Clayton Jr. | Florida | N/A | 38% 3-point shooting |
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. is a sharpshooter to watch. He attempts over 7 three-pointers per game with a remarkable 38% success rate. His long-range prowess could be a game-changer in close matchups.
“The individual talents on display this year are exceptional. These players don’t just put up numbers; they elevate their entire team’s performance,” notes a seasoned college basketball analyst.
As the tournament progresses, these players and others will have the chance to etch their names in March Madness history. They could influence the outcome of expert bracket picks 2025.
Bracket Prediction Analysis
March Madness 2025 is coming, and fans are excited. They want to fill out their brackets with the best ncaa tournament predictions. Let’s look at the data that’s shaping this year’s tournament.
Statistical Model Insights
SportsLine’s computer model has simulated the 2025 NCAA Tournament 10,000 times. It gives us valuable bracket predictions. The model sees VCU as a possible Cinderella, predicting wins over No. 6 BYU and No. 3 Wisconsin to reach the Sweet 16.
Expert Picks Overview
Top analysts have made their final four predictions for 2025. Bruce Marshall leads with a 77-41 record (65.3% win rate) on college basketball picks. Matt Severance is close behind at 67-33 (67.0%). Jason La Canfora and Tom Casale have records of 61-37 (62.0%) and 59-32 (64.1%) respectively.
Historical Performance Patterns
March Madness often follows history. Gonzaga has the longest active Sweet 16 streak at nine years. Houston is next at five. Also, an 11 seed has reached the Sweet 16 in four years in a row, a trend to watch in 2025.
| Team | Record | Tournament Ceiling | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 28-5 | National championship | +500 |
| Duke | 31-3 | National championship | +300 |
| Houston | 30-4 | National championship | +650 |
| Florida | 30-4 | National championship | +380 |
Tournament Viewing Guide
The NCAA March Madness 2025 starts on March 20. There are 16 exciting first-round games. Fans all over the country can’t wait to see the action. Here’s how to watch March Madness and catch every game.
Broadcast Schedule
Games will be shown on many networks. CBS, truTV, TNT, and TBS will air games all day. The first game starts at 12:15 PM ET, with No. 9 Creighton vs. No. 8 Louisville.
The day ends with No. 14 UNC Wilmington vs. No. 3 Texas Tech at 10:10 PM.
Streaming Options
Wondering how to watch March Madness online? NCAA March Madness Live is your go-to. It lets fans watch games on many devices. So, you won’t miss any of the excitement.
Regional Coverage
Regional broadcasts might differ, so check your local listings. The tournament covers a lot of areas. Fans can watch their favorite teams, from top seeds like No. 1 Auburn to underdog stories.
Day 1 has games for over 12 hours. Planning your watch schedule is key. You’ll see legendary coaches and the SEC’s 14 teams. The NCAA March Madness live experience is full of unforgettable moments.
Tournament Storylines and Narratives
The 2025 March Madness tournament is going to be exciting. Teams are ready for big games. Houston is a top team with a 30-4 record and 19 wins in 20 Big 12 games.
BYU is a surprise team with a nine-game winning streak. They score over 80 points per game. VCU’s defense is strong, holding opponents to 61.6 points per game.
Liberty is great at shooting 3-pointers, ranking sixth in the nation. They have three players who shoot over 40% from beyond the arc. St. John’s is known for coming back from big deficits, winning seven out of eight times.
| Team | Key Stat | Tournament Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 30-4 record | Championship favorite |
| BYU | 80+ points per game | Potential Cinderella |
| VCU | 61.6 points allowed per game | Defensive powerhouse |
| Liberty | 6th in 3-point shooting | Upset threat |
Fans are excited to see who will win March Madness 2025. These stories make the tournament more interesting. This year, we can expect amazing moments and big upsets.
Conclusion
March Madness 2025 is here, and basketball fans are excited. With 64 teams, expert picks are full of predictions. The SEC has 14 teams, and UCLA is the No. 1 seed.
Florida has a great record and is a top pick. Upsets are a big part of the fun. Since 2015, underdogs have won 52.8% of the time.
The 12-seed vs 5-seed matchup is always exciting. They have won 55 times since 1985. This shows how unpredictable the tournament can be.
Looking at the Final Four predictions for 2025, top seeds often win. But surprises can happen. This year, Duke, Florida, and Houston are favorites. But dark horses could surprise us too.
FAQ
What are the key matchups in today’s March Madness games?
Today, we have Power Conference showdowns in the First Round. These games are key. They could change the tournament’s path. For details, see the game schedule and breakdown in the preview.
How is the NCAA Tournament bracket structured?
The bracket has four regions. Teams are seeded from 1 to 16 in each. The tournament is single-elimination. Winners move on until the Final Four and the championship game.
What time do the March Madness games start today?
Game times change throughout the day. For today’s schedule, including start times and TV channels, see the Tournament Viewing Guide in the preview.
Which top-seeded teams should I watch out for?
Watch Houston, Tennessee, and Duke. They have strengths and challenges. Houston might struggle with free throws. Tennessee has a strong coach in Rick Barnes.
Are there any potential upsets to look out for in today’s games?
Yes, No. 12 vs. No. 5 matchups are often upsets. Also, mid-major teams might challenge higher seeds. The preview lists specific upset possibilities.
Who are the key players to watch in today’s March Madness games?
The preview names key players to watch. This includes stars and breakout performers. They could greatly affect their team’s success.
How can I watch March Madness games today?
Games are on multiple networks and streaming platforms. For broadcast schedules, streaming options, and regional coverage, see the Tournament Viewing Guide in the preview.
What are some interesting storylines in this year’s tournament?
This year, we have underdog stories and redemption arcs. Top seeds face pressure to perform. The preview dives into these stories, offering context and background.
How accurate are bracket predictions for March Madness?
Bracket predictions vary in accuracy. They use stats, expert analysis, and history. But, March Madness is full of surprises and upsets.
What is the significance of today’s games in the overall tournament?
Today’s games are key. They set the stage for the tournament. Wins can build momentum, while upsets can change the bracket and Final Four predictions.