Guide to Men’s March Madness Day 1: Viewing options, teams to watch, and possible upsets
The excitement and anticipation of March Madness have arrived, and basketball fans across the United States are gearing up for three weeks of intense competition. The NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament features 64 teams battling it out for the title of national champion. With a rich history and storied rivalries, this tournament is a must-watch event for sports enthusiasts.
Viewing Options:
To ensure you don’t miss a single game, there are various viewing options available. You can catch the March Madness games live on CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV, Max, Paramount+, and the March Madness Live App. With these platforms, you can enjoy all the action from the comfort of your own home or on-the-go.
Teams to Watch:
As always, there are several standout teams that are worth keeping an eye on during Day 1 of the tournament.
Wagner (No. 16) vs. North Carolina (No. 1) – 2:45 p.m. ET on CBS
The North Carolina Tar Heels, a perennial powerhouse, will face off against the Wagner Seahawks in what could be a historic matchup. The Tar Heels, a No. 1 seed for the fifth time in nine years, will be looking to avoid becoming only the third No. 1 seed in NCAA history to lose to a No. 16 seed. With an impressive 27-7 season behind them, the Tar Heels are favored to come out on top. However, the Wagner Seahawks will be hoping to make history once again, following in the footsteps of last year’s No. 16 seed Fairleigh-Dickinson, who upset No. 1 seed Purdue.
Duquesne (No. 11) vs. BYU (No. 6) – 12:40 p.m. ET on truTV
Duquesne University men’s basketball returns to March Madness after a 44-year absence. Head coach Keith Dambrot, who has had an illustrious career coaching Division I basketball, led the Dukes to their first tournament appearance since 1977. This will be Dambrot’s final season as head coach, as he announced his decision due to his wife’s illness. On the other side, the BYU Cougars finished fifth in the Big 12 Conference with a strong 23-10 record. Led by guard Jaxson Robinson, BYU’s offense will pose a challenge for Duquesne.
Long Beach State (No. 15) vs. Arizona (No. 2) – 2 p.m. ET on TBS
The Arizona Wildcats are looking to avoid a repeat of last year’s upset when they were knocked out by Princeton as a No. 2 seed. With an impressive 25-8 record this season, the Wildcats are determined to make a deep run in the tournament. However, Long Beach State has their own Cinderella story in the making. Head coach Dan Monson announced his departure from the team at the end of the season due to personal reasons. The 49ers rallied and won the Big West tournament, securing their spot in March Madness. They will be looking to extend Monson’s farewell with a memorable upset.
Possible Upsets:
March Madness is known for its unpredictability and nail-biting upsets. Day 1 of the tournament presents several matchups that could provide thrilling surprises.
No. 14 Akron vs. No. 3 Creighton – 1:30 p.m. ET
Akron, as a No. 14 seed, will aim to upset Creighton, a No. 3 seed. While Creighton is favored to win, Akron’s strong defensive play and ability to create turnovers could prove troublesome for their opponents.
No. 11 Oregon vs. No. 6 South Carolina – 4 p.m. ET
South Carolina, a No. 6 seed, faces a tough challenge against Oregon, a No. 11 seed. Despite being the lower seed, Oregon has the talent and experience to pull off an upset and advance to the next round.
No. 13 Samford vs. No. 4 Kansas – 9:55 p.m. ET
Samford, a No. 13 seed, will go up against Kansas, a No. 4 seed. Kansas has a strong basketball program but cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. Samford has the potential to cause an upset and make March Madness history.
Conclusion:
As the first day of March Madness approaches, basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament. With a wide range of viewing options and an array of exciting matchups, it promises to be a thrilling day of basketball action. Whether you’re cheering for the favorites or hoping for underdog victories, Day 1 of March Madness is sure to deliver excitement and surprises that define this iconic tournament.
