Thu Mar 20 21:00:00 UTC 2025: **March Madness Begins After Thrilling First Four**

DAYTON, OH – The NCAA Tournament officially tipped off after a dramatic First Four, narrowing the field down to 64 teams. Tuesday and Wednesday’s play-in games saw upsets and nail-biting finishes, setting the stage for the main event beginning Thursday.

Several compelling storylines emerged from the First Four:

* **Cinderella Hope:** Following a trend, at least one First Four winner is expected to advance beyond the second round. This year, North Carolina and Xavier, both No. 11 seeds, secured their spots after victories, setting up intriguing matchups against higher-seeded opponents. Mount St. Mary’s, a No. 16 seed, also emerged victorious, showcasing a dominant inside game in their win.

* **Controversial Selection:** North Carolina’s inclusion in the tournament, spearheaded by their athletic director, Bubba Cunningham, who also chaired the selection committee, sparked significant controversy. Critics pointed to their weak record against top-tier opponents. However, a resounding victory over San Diego State silenced much of the dissent, highlighting San Diego State’s surprising underperformance.

* **Emotional Moments:** The First Four also featured emotional highs and lows. Alabama State’s thrilling last-second win over St. Francis was a particularly heart-stopping moment, contrasting with the disappointment displayed by the wife and mother of Alabama State players. Conversely, the loss by Texas added fuel to the fire surrounding their coach’s job security.

* **SEC Dominance, Then a Loss:** The SEC sent a record 14 teams to the tournament, but that number dropped to 13 after Texas’ defeat.

* **West Virginia’s Disastrous Week:** The absence of West Virginia from the tournament, coupled with their governor’s over-the-top reaction and the departure of their coach, Darian DeVries to Indiana, added another layer of drama to the already exciting week.

The First Four delivered plenty of excitement, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the main draw of the NCAA Tournament. The upsets and controversies will undoubtedly make for a memorable start to March Madness.

Read More