Don’t let that page of 68 school names intimidate you. Everyone who wants to build a winning NCAA men’s tournament bracket is in the same boat: Pick a bunch of favorites, play a few hunches and cross your fingers.

Regardless of how much research you do, your odds of picking all 63 games – not including the four play-in games – correctly are impossibly large. Perhaps that’s why we’ll give you $1 million to do it.

So your bracket doesn’t need to be perfect. Just a little lucky.

Printable 2025 NCAA March Madness bracket

We’ll give you a few trends based on 39 years of history since the tournament grew to 64 teams. Our tips will get you started, but you’ll still need to make a few guesses – educated or not – along the way.

Below is a different way to look at the traditional NCAA Tournament bracket. The first round comes down to four sets of these eight pairings. These 2,496 squares below represent all the teams – not counting the play-in teams – that have competed in the tournament since 1985.

1a. NCAA Tournament first-round winners are usually the top seeds

Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them.

If you just pick the highest-seeded team throughout the tournament, your odds improve significantly – especially through the first few rounds. That makes the No. 1 and 2 seeds especially good bets in almost every tournament.

The NCAA has hosted its own online bracket contest during the past 10 tournaments. They’ve found that players get two-thirds of their picks right when they based their picks on ‘likely outcomes.’ That method improves your odds of a perfect bracket to 1 in 120.2 billion. 

That’s 70 million times better than coin flipping, but likely outcomes probably won’t be enough to win among your friends and co-workers.

1b. Lowest-seeded teams might not be a good bet to upset

The 15th- and 16th-seeded teams have won a combined 13 times in the past 39 years, or once every three years. So the odds are stacked against those eight lowest-seeded teams again this year because of No. 15 Princeton’s and No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson’s wins in the 2023 tournament.

Perhaps we’re either seeing the start of a new trend, or, more likely, you can feel relatively confident picking all the No. 1 and 2 seeds. If you do want to take a flier (which you’ll need to do to win), maybe try a few seeds up. On average, a 13 seed knocks off a 4 seed about once per tournament.

Which seeds have the best records in the round of 32

Not unsurprisingly, 47% or more of the 4 seeds or higher make it through to the Sweet 16. What might be surprising: If a 10, 11 and 12 seed wins their first-round game, they have a 40% chance of moving on to the Sweet 16.

3. How many upsets you should pick in you NCAA Tournament bracket

The guessing game begins here in Step 3 where you’ll likely differentiate your bracket from everyone one else’s.

On average between 1985 and 2024, there’ve been 8.5 upsets per tournament, or just about 13% of the 63 games, according to the NCAA. That said, some years are bound to break brackets. Both 2021 and 2022 had 14 total upsets.

The NCAA’s upset numbers don’t include the 8 vs. 9 games. That’s probably the best time to consider flipping a coin to make your picks. That said, the 9 seeds currently have a six-game edge on the 8s, so that might argue for a majority of 8-seed winners this year.

Upset rates for the first four rounds of the NCAA Tournament

While the 39-year average is just over eight upsets per year, upsets have become a bit more commonplace. In nine of the past 13 years, lower seeds have won at least 10 games, according to the NCAA. There were 10 upsets in 2023 and nine in 2024.

4. Picking the Final Four gets more challenging

Since 2011, at least one No. 7 seed or lower has made in the Final Four – except for 2019. Even that tournament would have required some creative guessing. The eventual champion Virginia was a No. 1 seed, but the other three included No. 2 Michigan State, No. 3 Texas Tech and No. 5 Auburn. 

Also, just picking all the No. 1 seeds to make the Final Four is less likely now than a No. 16 seed toppling a No. 1 seed, which has happened twice. All four No. 1 seeds made the Final Four only once: 2008.

5. A No. 1 seed is still the best choice for the tournament champion

Maybe you shouldn’t have four No. 1s in your Final Four, but they’ve piled up more than two dozen championships in nearly four decades, including nine of the past 12 tournaments. Since 2005, a No. 1 seed has won at least every other year.

Perhaps Connecticut will bring home its third consecutive championship this year?

Last season the Huskies were a heavily favored No. 1 seed, unlike 2023 when they started at No. 4. They have an even tougher road this year as an 8 seed. Should they win, Connecticut would be only the second 8 seed to win the tournament since 1985. The other schools that have won men’s basketball NCAA Championships:

Schools that have won the NCAA men’s tournament

What’s the longest a bracket has ever stayed perfect?

According to the NCAA, an Ohio man correctly predicted the entire 2019 men’s NCAA tournament into the Sweet 16, which set the record for the longest verified March Madness bracket win streak at 49 games. (The NCAA began tracking brackets from major online platforms, including their Men and Women’s Bracket Challenge Game, ESPN, CBS and Yahoo, since 2016.) Read more about perfect March Madness brackets here.

The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments are just about ready to get underway with all teams eyeing a spot in their respective Final Fours.

The men will play for the national championship on April 5-7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The women are pointing toward their national championship, April 4-6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

As of Selection Sunday, we know who the top seeds are. But which teams are the oddsmakers favoring? If they’re not the same teams, which ones could be profitable if one were to place a wager? Let’s take a closer look:

Men’s March Madness national championship odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, March 19

With questions surrounding star forward Cooper Flagg’s health, the Duke Blue Devils are no longer the odds-on favorite to win the national title. Duke has fallen behind SEC rivals Auburn and Florida, according to BetMGM.com.

T1. Auburn -135
T1. Florida -135
3. Duke -130
4. Houston +120
5. Tennessee +225
6. St. John’s +400
7. Alabama +425
T8. Iowa State +500
T8. Michigan State +500
10. Texas Tech +600

Women’s March Madness national championship odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, March 19

Defending champion South Carolina is the present favorite on the women’s side with Connecticut close behind. Then there’s a bit of a drop-off in the betting to the next tier.

1. South Carolina +220
2. Connecticut +240
3. UCLA +525
T4. Texas +700
T4. USC +750
6. Notre Dame +900
7. NC State +3500
T8. LSU +5000
T8. Duke +5000
T8. TCU +5000

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You’ve filled out your March Madness NCAA Tournament brackets.

Now, it’s time to enjoy the games.

And pay attention to who might be playing in the NBA next season.

The NCAA Tournament is loaded with NBA prospects – the projected No. 1 pick, multiple lottery picks, first-rounders and second-rounders. From big conferences and mid-major conferences. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and post-grads are represented.

And there is international appeal. V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor), Egor Demin (BYU), Kasparas Jackucionis (Illinois) and Khaman Maluach (Duke) play for teams competing in the NCAA Tournament. They were born outside of the USA – and they are projected lottery picks in USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2025 NBA mock draft.

Here are some of the NBA prospects to watch in Thursday’s NCAA Tournament games:

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

Senior, center, 7-1, 270, 23
2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 1.5 apg, 65.5% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 68.2% FT
Projected pick:Late first round, early second round

Another player who can be a modern-day NBA big man: runs the court well, knows how to run the pick-and-roll as the screener, finishes at the rim, posts up when necessary and can step out and hit 3-pointers though his attempts are limited. Gets offensive rebounds and a solid shot-blocker.

First-round matchup:No. 8 Louisville vs. No. 9 Creighton, 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS

Johni Broome, Auburn

Senior, forward-center, 6-10, 240, 22
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.3 bpg, 51.3% FG, 28.9% 3PT, 60.7% FT
Projected pick:late first round, early second round

A powerful and physical forward, Broome is a double-double machine in points and rebounds but also has a penchant for assists – 31 points, 14 rebounds against Georgia; 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks against Alabama; 21 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, three blocks against Ohio State. He is in the running for college player of the year, and in two SEC tournament contests, Broome averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds and shot 63% from the field.

First-round matchup: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 16 Alabama State, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS

Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT
Projected pick: mid- to late lottery

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston.

First-round matchup:No. 6 Brigham Young vs. No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth, 4:05 p.m. ET, TNT

John Tonge, Wisconsin

Sixth-year, guard, 6-5, 218, 24
2024-25 stats: 19.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 46.9% FG, 39.1% 3PT, 90.8% FT
Projected pick: late second round

Tonge was a handful in the Big Ten with his size, ability to take contact and shooting. He scored 32 points against Michigan State and 26 against UCLA on 16-of-24 shooting in the conference tournament but had just nine points on 1-for-14 shooting against Michigan in the conference tournament championship game.

First-round matchup:No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 14 Montana, 1:30 p.m. ET, TNT

Asa Newell, Georgia

Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.1% FG, 29.9% 3PT, 74.4% FT
Projected pick: mid- to late lottery in first round

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season. However, he had 21 points and 17 rebounds in an SEC tournament loss to Oklahoma.

First-round matchup:No. 8 Gonzaga vs. No. 9 Georgia, 4:35 p.m. ET, TBS

Chaz Lanier, Tennessee

Fifth year, guard, 6-5, 207, 23
2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg, 43.5% FG, 40% 3PT, 73.5% FT
Projected pick: early, mid- second round

Lanier’s scoring dropped in the SEC tournament, but he had efficient offensive games down the stretch of the regular season, scoring 30 points on 18 shots against Texas A&M and 23 points on 15 shots against Texas. He shot 41.8% on 3s in Tennessee’s final six regular-season games.

First-round matchup:No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 15 Wofford, 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT

Boogie Fland, Arkansas

Freshman, guard, 6-2, 175, 18
2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 5.7 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.5 spg, 39.1% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 83.9% FT
Projected pick: Late first round, early second round

Fland is an aggressive defender, can hit mid-range shots, makes 3s off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots and attacks the rim. He is getting more comfortable reading defenses and finding advantages with the pass. Fland sustained a thumb injury Jan. 11 and hasn’t played since Jan. 18, undergoing surgery on Jan. 22. However, Razorbacks coach John Calipari said this week Fland has been cleared to play and has resumed full basketball-related activities.

First-round matchup: No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas, 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS

Adou Thiero, Arkansas

Junior, forward, 6-8, 220, 21
2024-25 stats: 15.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.7 spg, 54.8% FG, 26.2% 3PT, 68.8% FT
Projected pick: late first round, early second round

Thiero hasn’t played since Feb. 22 (hyperextended left knee) and will miss the first game of the NCAA Tournament. A quick and athletic leaper, Thiero likes to run the court for easy transition buckets. He is solid off the dribble and attacks his defender on the way to the rim. Thiero gets his hands into passing lanes for deflections and steals. He will need to improve his outside shot.

First-round matchup:No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas, 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS

Danny Wolf, Michigan

Junior, forward-center, 7-0, 250, 21
2024-25 stats: 12.9 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.4 bpg, 50% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 60% FT
Projected pick: mid- to late first round

The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf has played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he’s played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA.

First-round matchup:No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 12 UC San Diego, 10 p.m. ET, TBS

Darrion Williams, Texas Tech

Junior, guard, 6-6, 225, 22
2024-25 stats: 14.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.2 spg, 44.1% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 84.2% FT
Projected pick: early to mid-second round

Williams has a right leg injury, missed Texas Tech’s Big 12 semifinal game against Arizona and his status is unclear. In the quarterfinals against Baylor, Williams had 14 points (4-for-6 on 3s) and eight rebounds.

First-round matchup: No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 14 UNC Wilmington, 10:10 p.m. ET, truTV

Across the 2025 women’s March Madness bracket, there are potential Cinderella teams lurking, waiting, hoping they can pull off an NCAA Tournament run. But which teams have the best chance at doing so? Which underdogs should we watch closely?

To help you answer that, here are seven potential Cinderella teams our USA TODAY Sports Network experts are keeping their eyes on.

Stream women’s NCAA Tournament games on Fubo

Women’s March Madness Cinderella picks

No. 13 Grand Canyon

It’ll be tough sledding for the Lopes (32-2) but they are an experienced group, and Molly Miller is one of the top up-and-coming coaches. — Maxwell Donaldson, Gadsden Times

What coach Molly Miller has done with the program is remarkable. Trinity San Antonio and Alyssa Durazo-Frescas are some dangerous shooters. — Jenna Ortiz, Arizona Republic

No. 12 Green Bay

No. 10 Harvard

No. 7 Vanderbilt

No. 6 Florida State

No. 6 Michigan

No. 5 Tennessee

Women’s March Madness schedule

First Four: March 19-20
First round: March 21-22
Second round: March 23-24
Sweet 16: March 28-29
Elite Eight: March 30-31
Final Four: Friday, April 4 (both semifinals; first game begins at 7 p.m. ET)
NCAA championship: Sunday, April 6 (Game scheduled for 3 p.m. ET)

Where to watch Women’s March Madness

All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. Games can be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

The 2025 NCAA women’s Tournament features Dawn Staley and No. 1 seed South Carolina looking to repeat as March Madness champions.

Meanwhile, JuJu Watkins and USC are aiming for the Trojans’ first title since 1984; Lauren Betts and UCLA are going for the Bruins’ first national championship; Madison Booker and Texas are vying to end a 39-year championship drought; and Paige Bueckers and second-seeded UConn are trying to pull down Geno Auriemma’s 12th national title and first since 2016.

Here is who our USA TODAY Sports Network experts picked to win the national championship.

Women’s March Madness bracket predictions

Nancy Armour, USA TODAY: UConn over Duke
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: USC over South Carolina
Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY: South Carolina over UCLA
Cora Hall, Knoxville News Sentinel: South Carolina over UConn
Lulu Kesin, Greenville News: South Carolina over UConn
Meghan Hall, For The Win: South Carolina over USC
Mike Sykes, For The Win: UConn over South Carolina
Cory Diaz, The Daily Advertiser: UConn over Notre Dame
Maxwell Donaldson, Gadsden Times: UConn over South Carolina
Jenna Ortiz, Arizona Republic: UConn over South Carolina

Stream women’s NCAA Tournament games on Fubo

Women’s March Madness schedule

First Four: March 19-20
First round: March 21-22
Second round: March 23-24
Sweet 16: March 28-29
Elite Eight: March 30-31
Final Four: Friday, April 4 (both semifinals; first game begins at 7 p.m. ET)
NCAA championship: Sunday, April 6 (Game scheduled for 3 p.m. ET)

Where to watch Women’s March Madness

All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. Games can be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Who is your favorite player in the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament? There’s so much talent across the March Madness bracket to make any hoops head pumped about the action ahead.

So we asked our USA TODAY Sports Network experts to weigh in. Some players on this list – Hello, Paige Bueckers – are unsurprising. Others are also walking buckets, like Harvard’s Harmoni Turner and Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson. All are exhilarating hoopers on a mission this March.

So, here are our favorite players in the women’s bracket.

Women’s March Madness favorites: Best players in NCAA Tournament

Paige Bueckers, UConn

Stream women’s NCAA Tournament games on Fubo

Harmoni Turner, Harvard

Kennedy Smith, USC

Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State

Sonia Citron, Notre Dame

Hailey Van Lith, TCU

Women’s March Madness schedule

First Four: March 19-20
First round: March 21-22
Second round: March 23-24
Sweet 16: March 28-29
Elite Eight: March 30-31
Final Four: Friday, April 4 (both semifinals; first game begins at 7 p.m. ET)
NCAA championship: Sunday, April 6 (Game scheduled for 3 p.m. ET)

Where to watch Women’s March Madness

All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. Games can be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

LOS ANGELES — Luka Dončić led the way for the Los Angeles Lakers in their 120-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Dončić scored 25 of his 31 points in the first half against the Nuggets in a game in which Los Angeles led by as many as 30 and never allowed Denver to lead.

Los Angeles’ quick start led to 46 points in the first quarter, the most the team had scored in any single quarter this season. The Lakers also set a franchise mark with nine three-pointers made in a single quarter.

Austin Reaves nearly produced a double-double with 22 points and eight assists as part of the Lakers’ offensive attack.

The Lakers were without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura while the Nuggets were missing Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray in the starting lineup of a crucial game for both teams. Center Aaron Gordon scored a team-high 26 points for Denver.

The Lakers (43-25) move into third place in the Western Conference standings with the victory. 

The Lakers were one game behind the Nuggets (44-26) coming into the game on Wednesday. Both teams are 13.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (57-12), which sits atop the conference standings.

Lakers vs. Nuggets highlights:

Luka Dončić stats vs. Nuggets

Points: 31
FG: 10-for-21
3PT: 4-for-9
FT: 7-for-10
Rebounds: 9
Assists: 7
Steals: 2
Blocks: 1
Turnovers: 6
Fouls: 3
Minutes played: 32:16

Lakers’ next game

The Lakers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and the Chicago Bulls on Saturday before playing the next four games on the road.

The No. 11 Xavier Musketeers have a date with the No. 6 Illinois Fighting Illini.

Xavier overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat the No. 11 Texas Longhorns 86-80 in the First Four matchup on Wednesday to advance to the first round of the men’s NCAA Tournament. The win represented sweet revenge for Xavier, which lost to Texas in the 2023 Sweet 16.

‘This may be one of the best (wins) that I’ve ever been part in terms of the game. I thought we were dead in the water two different times,’ Xavier coach Sean Miller admitted. ‘The resiliency of the group has always won out for us.’

The Musketeers closed the game on a 16-6 run to win, overcoming their largest deficit of the season. Senior forward Zach Freemantle provided the knockout punch with a slam dunk in the final seconds of the contest. Freemantle finished with 15 points. 

Xavier erases 13-point deficit; leads Texas 78-74

Xavier went on an 8-2 run to take a 78-74 lead over Texas with 4:36 remaining in the game, marking the Musketeers’ first lead since 14:48 remaining in the first half. Xavier’s John Hugley IV hit a three to take the lead 75-74, followed by a layup by teammate Dailyn Swain. Swain was fouled on the layup and knocked down his free throw to go up 78-74.

Zach Freemantle back in foul trouble

Xavier forward Zach Freemantle picked up his fourth foul after pulling on the jersey of Texas’ Kadin Shedrick as he cut for the basket. Shedrick knocked down both free throws to give Texas a 69-67 advantage with 7:10 remaining in the game. Freemantle was immediately subbed out of the game due to foul trouble. 

Xavier ties it on Jerome Hunter’s three

We’re all tied up! Xavier’s Jerome Hunter knocked down a three to tie it up, 65-65, with 8:10 remaining in the game. The Musketeers’ run was fueled by six Texas turnovers in the second half. The Longhorns are up to 10 turnovers in the game, which Xavier has cashed in for 16 points. Hunter has nine points off the bench and is a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. 

Texas withstands Xavier’s surge; up 62-52

Xavier closed Texas’ lead to four points, but the Longhorns responded and built up a double-digit advantage again. Texas’ Tre Johnson knocked down a 3-pointer to go up 62-52 over Xavier with 12:00 remaining in the game. Johnson has a game-high 18 points and four rebounds. 

Can Xavier rally and make a come back? History is not on their side. The Musketeers are 7-11 when trailing at halftime. Three of Xaviers’ starters each have three fouls — Zach Freemantle, Ryan Conwell and Dailyn Swain.

Xavier opens second half on 7-3 run; trails 50-46

Xavier opened the second half on a 7-3 run to come within four points of Texas. Zach Freemantle was held to two points in the first half after picking up two early fouls, but his presence was immediately felt to start the second half. Freemantle hit a 3-pointer and, following a steal from teammate Dailyn Swain, slammed down a dunk in back-to-back possessions to send the crowd into a frenzy. He’s up to seven points. The Musketeers trail 50-46 with 17:00 remaining in the game. 

Halftime: Texas 47, Xavier 39

Xaviers’ Jerome Hunter knocked down a 3-pointer with 23 seconds remaining in the first half to cut Texas’ lead to six. Longhorns’ Tramon Mark answered right back, hitting a jumper as time expired to extend Texas’ lead to 47-39 at halftime.

Texas led by as many as 13 points in the first half and dominated the paint, outscoring Xavier 26-16. Texas’ Tramon Mark has a game-high 11 points, while Tre Johnson added 10 points and four rebounds.

Xavier’s Dante Maddox Jr. has a team-high 10 points off the bench. Ryan Conwell added seven points. 

Texas 41, Xavier 30 

Miscues are starting to pile up for Xavier, which trails Texas 41-30 with 3:24 remaining before halftime. The Musketeers have surrendered four turnovers so far, which Texas has converted into five points. Xavier is also only shooting 40% from the free throw line. To make matters worse, Xavier’s Zach Freemantle (2) and Ryan Cowell (3) are limited due to foul trouble. 

Texas 32, Xavier 21

Texas extended its lead over Xavier to double digits, leading 32-21 with 7:15 remaining in the first half. The Longhorns have superb shooting to thank for that. Texas is collectively shooting 57.1% from the field and 4-of-7 from three, led by eight points from Tre Johnson. Meanwhile, Xavier is shooting 40% from the field and 3-of-9 from three. Texas has held Xavier’s Zach Freemantle to two points so far (1-of-5 FG, 0-of-2 3PT).

Texas goes on 9-0 run; Zach Freemantle in foul trouble

Xavier’s Zach Freemantle went to the bench early after picking up his second foul with 14:11 remaining in the first half. Texas capitalized and went on a 9-0 run to take an eight-lead, 18-10, with 13:16 remaining in the half. Texas’ Tre Johnson has a team-high six points (2-of-5 FG, 1-of-3 3PT) for the Longhorns. Freemantle has zero points.

Xavier vs. Texas tips off

We are underway in Dayton, Ohio for the final First Four matchup between Texas and Xavier, marking a 2023 Sweet Sixteen rematch. (Texas won 83-71). Both teams have struggled offensively to open the game on Thursday, with the Musketeers shooting 2-of-6 from the field, while the Longhorns are 2-of-8 from the field. 

Xavier’s Ryan Cowell is responsible for all five of the Musketeers’ points so far. Things are all tied up 5-5 with 15:58 remaining in the first half. 

Final: Mount St. Mary’s 83, American 72

The Mountaineers will move into the Round of 64, where they will take on Duke, the East Region’s No. 1 seed. Dola Adebayo and Jedy Cordilia each finished with 22 points for Mount St. Mary’s, and Dallas Hobbs added 17.

American was led by Geoff Sprouse’s 18 points, all which came on 3-pointers.

Duane Simpkins receives technical

After American made it a nine-point game with a pair of Matt Mayock free throws, Eagles coach Duane Simpkins earned an untimely technical foul when he flopped to the court in disagreement to a foul call. Arlandus Keyes made both free throws to stretch the Mountaineers’ lead back to 11 at 83-72.

American cuts into deficit

The Eagles are not going away, staging a 7-0 run to cut their deficit to 81-70 with 3:27 remaining.

After Dolan Adebayo made two free throws to put Mount St. Mary’s ahead by 18 points, American got a dunk by Matt Mayock, a 3-pointer by Geoff Sprouse and a layup by Lincoln Ball in a span of 1:31.

Dalo Adebayo with massive dunk

Mount St. Mary’s has been dominant in the paint all game long, but that came to a front with seven minutes left in the game when the Mountaineers’ Dalo Adebayo got up for a loud dunk right in the face of American’s Greg Jones.

Adebayo reached 20 points on the night with that bucket.

Eagles 0 for their last 5 from three

As if on cue, the Eagles’ shooters have suddenly gone cold. Their inability to score has led to a 5-minute scoring drought for American.

Mount St. Mary’s is taking full advantage, winning in transition and finding consistent looks close to the basket. Dola Adebayo and Dallas Hobbs have taken control of this game. If they’re not the ones scoring for the Mountaineers, they’re the ones that are driving in and forcing American defenders into the middle before kicking it out to Lipscomb or any of Mount St. Mary’s shooters.

The Mountaineers lead by 19 with nine minutes to play.

Eagles reliant on three-pointers to stay close

American is staying close in this game thanks to lights out shooting from beyond the arc. However, this reliance on three-pointers could prove volatile down the stretch. Any cold streak could give Mount St. Mary’s an insurmountable lead.

As it stands though, American’s shooters − Sprouse, Stephens, Mayock − are the only thing keeping the Eagles in this game. Mount St. Mary’s leads 61-51 with 13 minutes to play.

Mount St. Mary’s still scoring despite American’s defensive changes

So far in the second half, it’s been much of the same, great offense on both sides. However, American has made an effort to limit the Mountaineers’ high-percentage looks down low. That hasn’t stopped the Mountaineers though. They’re making off-balance shots, finding lanes, and getting to the line regardless.

You can tell that the Eagles have improved defensively, but Mount St. Mary’s is getting a lot of lucky bounces and staying just out of reach of American, even if the Eagles are hitting three-pointers at a solid rate.

Five minutes into the second half, Mount St. Mary’s is up eight.

End of 1st Half: Mount St. Mary’s 48, American 38

It was a spectacular offensive half for Mount St. Mary’s, particularly Jedy Cordilia and Dallas Hobbs. Cordilia was incredibly efficient, shooting at an 8-of-9 clip in the first half to lead the Mountaineers with 16 points. Hobbs, meanwhile, was 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, including a buzzer beater at the end of the first half that likely decimated American’s spirits.

The loss of Matt Rogers hurts American’s chances moving forward, but there were some positives. Geoff Sprouse has been phenomenal from three-point land, leading the Eagles in scoring. Their defense will certainly need to make some changes going forward if they want any hope of earning a spot in the Round of 64.

Rogers declared out for game

American’s top scorer Matt Rogers was announced out for the rest of this game after re-aggravating a knee injury he suffered early in tonight’s tilt. Rogers had played spectacularly when he was on the court, but after hurting his knee for the second time, he was barely able to walk into the locker room on his own.

The Eagles will be forced to play the rest of this game without their best offensive weapon. Thankfully for them, Elijah Stephens and Geoff Sprouse have been shooting extremely well in the first half. If they maintain their hot hands into the second half, they could very well win this game.

American answers with back-to-back threes

Eagles Geoff Sprouse and Elijah Stephens avenged their fallen ally Rogers with back-to-back threes to bring the Eagles back within two points. Although the Mountaineers were able to answer back with a layup to make it a two-possession game, the Eagles have shown an ability to score points quickly. Any lapse in defense from Mount St. Mary’s could give the lead right back to American.

Matt Rogers aggravates knee

Rogers has been the best offensive player for American since he returned to the floor, but his knee took a bad turn while defending a spin move from Jedy Cordilia.

Rogers was able to return after suffering the injury early on, but he could barely put any weight on his leg as he left the court. Thankfully, he did start walking under his own power as he entered the locker room. Mount St. Mary’s leads 36-28.

Eagles turnovers costing them early

Despite the close score, American has not been very careful with the ball, committing five turnovers already. Most recently, Matt Rogers lost the ball while trying to back down his defender in the paint. That led to an uncontested three-point attempt for Mount St. Mary’s. They missed, but American proceeded to commit an illegal screen for another turnover which led to a pair of Mountaineers free throws at the other end. Mount St. Mary’s leads 26-22 with eight minutes to play.

Matt Rogers returns for American

After an early injury scared fans, Matt Rogers has returned to the floor. Given American’s ability to score with ease, Rogers’ presence could elevate American to a another level. Rogers led the Eagles in scoring leading into the tournament with 17 points per game.

American goes on 8-0 run

While they certainly hadn’t gotten off to a slow start, they picked up stream coming out of the first TV timeout. A combination of patience and offensive rebounding put American on top 18-15.

The Eagles bounced back nicely though, hitting a corner three to get to 20 points, but American has matched them blow for blow early on.

Mount St. Mary’s and American both shooting lights out to start game

While injuries have already started to take their toll in this contest, the offense from both teams has been spectacular to start this contest. Through just four minutes, both teams are on pace to score over 80 points in this game. In all fairness though, each team has been putting up their points in different ways.

Mount St. Mary’s has been able to find consistent space and hit three-pointers, but American has been incredible down low, scoring most of their points in the paint. It’s 15-10 Mount St. Mary’s.

What time is March Madness First Four games today?

March Madness continues with a second night of First Four action. No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s takes on No. 16 American University at 6:40 p.m. ET. That will be followed by the 11-seed game between Xavier and Texas, with an estimated tip off time of 9:10 p.m.

How to watch First Four Wednesday: TV, streaming coverage 

TV channels: TruTV
Live stream: Max and Sling

Watch March Madness and First Four with Sling

March Madness First Four odds

March Madness First Four odds, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Tuesday, March 18

Mount St. Mary’s vs. American University

Spread: American (-2.5)
Moneyline: American (-145); Mount St. Mary’s (+118)
Total: 129.5

Xavier vs. Texas

Spread: Xavier (-2.5)
Moneyline: Xavier (-155); Texas (+125)
Total: 149.5

American vs. Mount St. Mary’s predictions

ESPN: American has 53.4% chance to beat Mount St. Mary’s

ESPN’s matchup predictor gave American a 53.4% chance to win its First Four game against Mount St. Mary’s, as of Tuesday afternoon.

NBC Sports: Go with American

‘American University earned the right to play in the NCAA Tournament as champions of the Patriot League. Winners of their last four games, American is led by Matt Rogers who averages 17 points per game. Rogers scored 25 in the Patriot League title game against Navy. … These teams have met in years past with American winning the last four meetings and six of the last ten.’

Sports Illustrated: American wins

‘The key will be for American to dictate the pace. It ranks in the bottom 10 in adjusted tempo according to KenPom … It can do that against a conservative (Mount St. Mary’s) defense that won’t generate turnovers and allow the team to run its preferred offense throughout.’

Arizona Republic: Mount St. Mary’s 69, American 66

‘Both of these schools went 22-12 in the regular season. Both have four-game win streaks. Both won their conference tournaments. We’re taking the underdog in a very close game in Dayton.’

Texas vs. Xavier NCAA Tournament 2025 predictions

ESPN: Texas has 53.6% chance to beat Xavier

ESPN’s matchup predictor gave Texas a 53.6% chance to win their First Four game against Xavier, as of Tuesday afternoon.

Arizona Republic: Xavier 75, Texas 70

‘The SEC sent 14 of 16 teams to the tournament and Texas was No. 14. Did the Longhorns deserve the bid? We’re about to find out against an Xavier team that won seven straight games before losing in the first round of the Big East Tournament.’

NBC Sports: Take Xavier

‘Xavier lost to Marquette in the Big East Tournament, 89-87. The loss snapped a seven-game win streak for the Musketeers. Zach Freemantle is averaging 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game to lead Xavier.’

Action Network: Xavier

‘A rematch of the 2023 Sweet 16 game that helped Rodney Terry earn the full-time head coaching job at Texas, this game could end up being a full-circle moment for Terry’s tenure in Austin, as rumors about his job security have been rampant in recent weeks … Xavier has an element that Texas lacks: a go-to interior scorer in sixth-year senior Zach Freemantle.’

First Four scores: Results from March Madness games

Tuesday, March 18

First Four games

South region: No. 16 Alabama State def. No. 16 St. Francis, 70-68
South region: No. 11 North Carolina def. No. 11 San Diego State, 95-68

2025 Men’s March Madness Printable Bracket

Click for your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket

March Madness bracket predictions: Expert picks for NCAA Tournament

Jordan Mendoza

Full bracket

Final Four: Michigan State, Florida, Duke, Houston
Final: Florida vs. Houston
National champion: Houston

Paul Myerberg

Full bracket

Final Four: Auburn, St. John’s, Duke, Tennessee
Final: Auburn vs. Duke
National champion: Duke

Erick Smith

Full bracket

Final Four: Michigan State, Texas Tech, Duke, Tennessee
Final: Michigan State vs. Duke
National champion: Duke

Eddie Timanus

Full bracket

Final Four: Auburn, Florida, Duke, Houston
Final: Florida vs. Duke
National champion: Florida

Dan Wolken

Full bracket

Final Four: Michigan State, Florida, Duke, Houston
Final: Florida vs. Duke
National champion: Duke

March Madness bracket: First Four/Round of 64 dates, times, TV, results and scores

All times Eastern

Tuesday, March 18

First Four games

South region: No. 16 Alabama State def. No. 16 St. Francis, 70-68
South region: No. 11 North Carolina def. No. 11 San Diego State, 95-68

Wednesday, March 19

First Four games

East region: No. 16 American vs. No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s, 6:40 p.m. on truTV
Midwest region: No. 11 Texas vs. No. 11 Xavier, 9:10 p.m. on truTV

Thursday, March 20

Round of 64 games

South region: No. 8 Louisville vs. No. 9 Creighton, 12:15 p.m. on CBS
Midwest region: No. 4 Purdue vs. No. 13 High Point, 12:40 p.m. on truTV
East region: No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 14 Montana, 1:30 p.m. on TNT
Midwest region: No. 1 Houston vs. No. 16 SIU-Edwardsville, 2 p.m. on TBS
South region: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 16 Alabama State, 2:50 p.m. on CBS
Midwest region: No. 5 Clemson vs. No. 12 McNeese State, 3:15 p.m. on truTV
East region: No. 6 BYU vs. No. 11 VCU, 4:05 p.m. on TNT
Midwest region: No. 8 Gonzaga vs. No. 9 Georgia, 4:35 p.m. on TBS
Midwest region: No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 15 Wofford, 6:50 p.m. on TNT
West region: No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas, 7:10 p.m. on CBS
South region: No. 4 Texas A&M vs. No. 13 Yale, 7:25 p.m. on TBS
West region: No. 6 Missouri vs. No. 11 Drake, 7:35 p.m. on truTV
Midwest region: No. 7 UCLA vs. No. 10 Utah State, 9:25 p.m. on TNT
West region: No. 2 St. John’s vs. No. 15 Omaha, 9:45 p.m. on CBS
South region: No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 12 UC San Diego, 10 p.m. on TBS
West region: No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 14 UNC-Wilmington, 10:10 p.m. on truTV

Friday, March 21

Round of 64 games

East region: No. 8 Mississippi State vs. No. 9 Baylor, 12:15 p.m. on CBS
East region: No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 15 Robert Morris, 12:40 p.m. on truTV
South region: No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 14 Lipscomb, 1:30 p.m. on TNT
West region: No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State, 2 p.m. on TBS
East region: No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 American/Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. on CBS
East region: No. 7 Saint Mary’s vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt, 3:15 p.m. on truTV
South region: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina, 4:05 p.m. on TNT
West region: No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon, 4:35 p.m. on TBS
West region: No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Norfolk State, 6:50 p.m. on TNT
Midwest region: No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 14 Troy, 7:10 p.m. on CBS
South region: No. 7 Marquette vs. No. 10 New Mexico, 7:25 p.m. on TBS
East region: No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 13 Akron, 7:35 p.m. on truTV
West region: No. 8 UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma, 9:25 p.m. on TNT
Midwest region: No. 6 Illinois vs. No. 11 Texas/Xavier, 9:45 p.m. on CBS
South region: No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Bryant, 10 p.m. on TBS
East region: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 Liberty, 10:10 p.m. on truTV

When does the Final Four start?

On the men’s side, the Final Four is scheduled for Saturday, April 5. The NCAA Championship Game will take place three days later on Tuesday, April 7. Starting at the Final Four, all games will played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

For the women, the Final Four will be played on Friday, April 4 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The championship game will Sunday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.

Women’s March Madness schedule

Here is the women’s schedule: 

First Four: March 19-20
First round: March 21-22
Second round: March 23-24
Sweet 16: March 28-29
Elite Eight: March 30-March 31
Final Four: Friday, April 4, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, hosted at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Second game starts 30 minutes after first game ends.
NCAA championship game: Sunday, April 6 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, hosted at Amalie Arena in Tampa.

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The stage is set. March Madness has commenced.

For the next three weeks, the sporting world’s eyes will be firmly fixated on college basketball, as 128 college basketball teams — 64 men’s and 64 women’s — vie for a national championship.

For the men, all roads lead to San Antonio, a city with plenty of familiarity hosting the Final Four. The women, meanwhile, are trying to get to the Southeast. Tampa, Florida hosts the Final Four at Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Watch select March Madness games on Fubo (free trial)

While March Madness has always been a wildly popular tournament, the chaos implicit in it has made it an absolute hotbed for sports betting. Few tournaments boast as many upsets as the NCAA Tournament, and that makes every victory all the sweeter (and every loss more bitter).

While any team can make a run, fortune smiles upon some more than others. Here’s a look at the favorites on both the men’s and women’s sides as Nos. 1-64 try to make it to April 6 for the women and April 7 for the men.

(All odds courtesy of BetMGM)

Men’s March Madness favorites 2025

Naturally, the No. 1 seeds are the favorites. No. 2 overall seed Duke and consensus No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft Cooper Flagg lead the way at +325, tied with Florida, whereas No. 1 overall seed Auburn is third in odds at +400. Houston is the ‘longshot’ No. 1 seed at +600.

Here’s a full look at the favorites to win the men’s tournament, everyone who sits at better odds than +2500.

T1. Duke (+325)
T1. Florida (+325)
3. Auburn (+400)
4. Houston (+600)
5. Alabama (+1600)
6. Tennessee (+1800)
T7. Michigan State (+2500)
T7. St. John’s (+2500)

Women’s March Madness favorites 2025

It’s a similar story on the women’s side for the most part, although No. 2 seed UConn has eked its way into the favorites conversation behind superstar Paige Bueckers. Even so, South Carolina stands as a slight favorite at +220, with UConn trailing at +240. No. 1 overall seed UCLA is at +525, while JuJu Watkins and USC are tied with Texas at +700. Hannah Hidalgo and Notre Dame round out the favorites at +900 before a steep drop-off.

Here are the women’s squads who sit above +2500 to win the tournament.

1. South Carolina (+220)
2. UConn (+240)
3. UCLA (+525)
T4. Texas (+700)
T4. USC (+700)
6. Notre Dame (+900)

Men’s March Madness longshots 2025

If you’ve made it this far, you hate chalk.

So you don’t think it’s going to be the best player in the country in Flagg or possibly the most impressive coaches in the country in Tom Izzo (Michigan State) or Rick Pitino (St. John’s). Which team is going to obliterate brackets this year? Here’s a look at who oddsmakers are giving a shot. Could it be Bill Self and Kansas, in the midst of a down season? Or John Calipari in his first season with Arkansas? Maybe Dan Hurley and UConn right the ship in time to make a third consecutive run.

Here is who oddsmakers think are longshots to win the NCAA Tournament this season.

T9. Iowa State (+3500)
T9. Texas Tech (+3500)
T11. Kentucky (+5000)
T11. Arizona (+5000)
T11. Gonzaga (+5000)
T11. Wisconsin (+5000)
T11. Maryland (+5000)
16. Clemson (+6000)
T17. BYU (+6600)
T17. Texas A&M (+6600)
T19. Kansas (+8000)
T19. UConn (+8000)
T19. Purdue (+8000)
T19. Illinois (+8000)
T19. Michigan (+8000)
T19. Missouri (+8000)
T25. Marquette (+12500)
T25. Saint Mary’s (+12500)
T25. UCLA (+12500)
T25. Ole Miss (+12500)
T25. Louisville (+12500)
T30. Creighton (+15000)
T30. Oregon (+15000)
T32. North Carolina (+20000)
T32. Baylor (+20000)
T32. Mississippi State (+20000)
35. VCU (+25000)
T36. Arkansas (+30000)
T36. New Mexico (+30000)
T36. Vanderbilt (+30000)
T36. Memphis (+30000)
40. Georgia (+35000)
T41. Utah State (+50000)
T41. Oklahoma (+50000)
T41. Colorado State (+50000)
T41. Drake (+50000)
T41. UC San Diego (+50000)
T46. Grand Canyon (+100000)
T46. McNeese (+100000)
T46. Yale (+100000)
T46. Liberty (+100000)
T46. Troy (+100000)
T46. Wofford (+100000)
T46. Robert Morris (+100000)
T46. UNC Wilmington (+100000)
T46. High Point (+100000)
T46. Lipscomb (+100000)
T46. Omaha (+100000)
T46. Montana (+100000)
T46. Bryant (+100000)
T46. Akron (+100000)
T60. SIU Edwardsville (+200000)
T60. Mount St. Mary’s (+200000)
T60. Norfolk State (+200000)
T60. Alabama State (+200000)

Women’s March Madness longshots 2025

Taking women’s longshots is a bit of a different beast. Eleven of the past 12 national champions have been No. 1 seeds.

However, if betting the underdog does tickle anyone’s fancy, there are few intriguing options. Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers sit at +5000, while Ohio State — which was overshadowed by newcomers UCLA and USC in the Big Ten this season — sits at +15000. Here’s a full list of the longshot odds for the women’s side.

7. NC State (+3500)
T8. LSU (+5000)
T8. Duke (+5000)
T8. TCU (+5000)
T11. Kansas State (+15000)
T11. Tennessee (+15000)
T11. Kentucky (+15000)
T11. Ohio State (+15000)
T15. North Carolina (+20000)
T15. Baylor (+20000)
T15. Oklahoma (+20000)
T15. Ole Miss (+20000)
T15. Michigan State (+20000)
T15. Maryland (+20000)
T15. Iowa (+20000)
T22. Iowa State (+25000)
T22. West Virginia (+25000)
T22. Louisville (+25000)
T22. Florida State (+25000)
T22. Alabama (+25000)
T22. Michigan (+25000)
T22. Vanderbilt (+25000)
29. Utah (+30000)
T30. Nebraska (+50000)
T30. Creighton (+50000)
T30. Indiana (+50000)
T30. Georgia Tech (+50000)
T30. Cal (+50000)
T30. South Dakota State (+50000)
T30. Oregon (+50000)
T30. Washington U (+50000)
T30. Oklahoma State (+50000)
T30. Grand Canyon (+50000)
T40. Oregon State (+100000)
T40. Mississippi State (+100000)
T40. Arkansas State (+100000)
T40. Florida Gulf Coast (+100000)
T40. Wisconsin Green Bay (+100000)
T40. Ball State (+100000)
T40. Fairfield (+100000)
T40. Tennessee Tech (+100000)
T40. UNC Greensboro (+100000)
T40. High Point (+100000)
T40. Montana State (+100000)
T40. South Florida (+100000)
T40. San Diego State (+100000)
T40. Stephen F. Austin (+100000)
T40. Vermont (+100000)
T40. Southern (+100000)
T40. Lehigh (+100000)
T40. Murray State (+100000)

Two First Four games tipped off the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament on Wednesday, with Iowa State and Southern advancing to the first round as 11 and 16 seeds, respectively.

Iowa State rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to beat Princeton 68-65 behind dynamic duo Audi Crooks and Addy Brown’s stellar performances, as Crooks scored 27 points and Brown added 22 points with seven rebounds and eight assists. The Cyclones will face 6-seed Michigan on Friday.

Southern then took down UC San Diego with relative ease, besting the Tritons 68-56 behind Soniyah Reed’s game-leading 24 points. The path gets much harder for the Jaguars, who face top-seeded UCLA in the Los Angeles Regional in the first round.

Here’s a look at the highlights and updates from the first day of the women’s First Four, which concludes with two more matchups between Washington and Columbia and William & Mary and High Point on Thursday:

Women’s First Four score updates

This section will be updated when games tip off.

Women’s First Four live updates

Southern holds on for 68-56 win

Southern hangs on to win, earning a spot against 1-seed UCLA in the first round of the Los Angeles Regional.

Soniyah Reed led all scorers with 24 points off the bench, while Aniya Gourdine added 17.

UC San Diego cuts deficit to 49-40 after 3rd quarter

The Tritons outscore Southern 20-9 in the third quarter to move their deficit to single digits, putting themselves in position to attempt a comeback heading into the final period.

UCSD’s Sumayah Sugapong has 16 points and four assists on 6 of 16 shooting and was paramount in UC San Diego’s strong third quarter showing. Parker Montgomery also made two 3-pointers in the quarter.

UC San Diego trying to claw back

UC San Diego trying to claw its way back, as it has outscored Southern 13-7 in the third quarter so far.

Southern still maintains a 47-33 lead midway through the third quarter, however.

Southern leads 40-20 at halftime

Southern takes a 40-20 lead into the second half after a dominant showing through two quarters, led by Reed’s 19 points and a stellar 8-of-9 shooting. Aniya Gourdine also scored 10.

UC San Diego is shooting just 8 of 28 from the field and 2 of 10 from 3-point range.

Southern pulling away

Southern finding its groove in the second quarter, as it grabs a 27-13 lead. The Jaguars are holding UC San Diego to poor shooting so far, as the Tritons are 5 of 17 shooting to Southern’s 11 of 17 shooting.

Southern leads 17-11 after 1st quarter

Despite both teams struggling to score through the first half of the first quarter, both teams found their groove offensively. It’s Southern, though, that takes a 19-11 lead into the second quarter.

Southern’s Soniyah Reed leads all scorers with 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting with three 3-pointers off the bench.

Southern, UC San Diego tip off

The second First Four game of the women’s NCAA Tournament is underway, as Southern and UC San Diego tip off.

The winner gets a chance at UCLA in the Los Angeles Regional.

Iowa State holds strong, wins 68-63

Iowa State holds strong, earning a 68-63 win over Princeton in the First Four. The Cyclones will face 6-seed Michigan on Friday.

Audi Crooks leads the way with 27 points for the Cyclones, 18 of which came in the second half. Addy Brown was also stellar, with 22 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.

Iowa State, Princeton trading buckets in 4th quarter

Princeton not going away without a fight, as the Tigers have already outscored their output from the third quarter with 10 points in the fourth so far.

Iowa State has also scored 10, however, as the Cyclones hold a 62-57 lead midway through the final period.

Crooks leads all scorers with 23 points on 11 of 18 shooting.

Iowa State leads 52-47 after 3 quarters

What a response for Iowa State, which outscores Princeton 27-9 to take a 52-47 lead into the fourth quarter. Emily Ryan’s jumper as time expires makes it 27 points in the quarter, as the Cyclones outscore Princeton 27-7 in the third.

Brown and Crooks lead the way with 22 and 15 points, respectively.

Iowa State takes lead

They say basketball is a game of runs, and this one has been exactly that so far. Iowa State has outscored Princeton 20-4 so far in the third quarter to take a 46-42 lead with a few minutes left until the fourth quarter.

The run comes after Princeton outscored Iowa State 27-7 in the second quarter. Quite a change of events.

Iowa State starts 2nd half strong

The Cyclones shorten their deficit to 42-37 in the third quarter with a 12-4 run to start the second half.

Brown and Crooks are unstoppable right now, with 16 and 13 points each.

Princeton leads 38-25 at halftime

What a second quarter from Princeton, as the Tigers trailed 18-11 after the first quarter but outscore Iowa State 27-7 in the second period to take a 38-25 lead into halftime.

Chea and Fadima Tall have 15 and 10 points, respectively, whereas 20 of Iowa State’s 25 points have come from Brown and Crooks (11 and nine points, respectively).

Princeton ends the first half on a 14-0 run, completely shifting momentum heading into the second half.

Ashley Chea cooking for Princeton

What a quarter for Princeton’s Ashley Chea, has her two 3-pointers late in the first half have helped the Tigers to a 12-0 run in the second quarter.

Chea’s deep 3-pointer has her up to 15 points with three rebounds and two assists with three 3-pointers so far as Princeton leads 36-25.

Addy Brown, Audi Crooks leading way for Iowa State

Brown and Crooks are doing it all for Iowa State right now, as Brown enters double figures with 11 points so far after a driving layup. Crooks has also added nine points, as the duo has combined for 20 of the Cyclones’ 25 points.

Princeton leads 26-25, however, as it has outscored Iowa State 17-7 in the second quarter.

Princeton with 10-2 run to start 2nd quarter

Here comes Princeton. The Tigers start the second quarter with a 10-2 run to tie the game at 20.

Forward Fadima Tall is up to six points now for Princeton.

Cyclones take 18-11 lead into 2nd quarter

Iowa State has set the tone early, shooting 8 of 16 as a team behind Brown’s seven points and Crooks’ six points. Brown has also added two rebounds and three assists, as the Cyclones’ post presence has been too much for Princeton to handle through a quarter.

Iowa State leads early

The Cyclones lead 13-9 midway through the first quarter, with Iowa State’s Addy Brown already up to seven points.

Seven of Princeton’s nine points have come from Ashley Chea, who’s 3 of 5 shooting with seven points in the first quarter.

Women’s First Four 20 minutes from tip off

Iowa State and Princeton are getting set for the first women’s NCAA Tournament game this season, with star forward Audi Crooks leading the Cyclones against the Tigers’ Skye Belker and Co.

The winner faces Michigan in the first round of the Notre Dame Regional.

What is the First Four?

The First Four is essentially a play-in game for the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament, where eight teams compete for four spots in the first round of March Madness. The eight teams are selected based on the NCAA Committee’s last four ranked at-large teams at last four ranked automatic qualifiers.

The two winners of the at-large First Four games earn 11 seeds, whereas the winners of the last four ranked automatic qualifiers take 16 seeds.

Women’s First Four times today

Game 1: (11) Iowa State vs. (11) Princeton | 7 p.m. ET
Game 2: (16) UC San Diego vs. (16) Southern | 9 p.m. ET

The first of Wednesday’s women’s First Four games, Iowa State vs. Princeton, is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET from the Purcell Pavilion in Notre Dame, Indiana. The winner will advance to play 6 seed Michigan.

The second game, UC San Diego vs. Southern, is scheduled to tip off at 9 p.m. ET from Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, with the winner advancing to face No. 1 overall seed UCLA.

Watch women’s First Four with Fubo (free trial)

What channels are women’s First Four games today?

TV channel: ESPNU
Streaming: March Madness Live | ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

Both of Wednesday’s games will air on ESPNU. Streaming options include March Madness Live and the ESPN app, which require valid cable logins. Another option is Fubo, which offers a free trial

Iowa State vs Princeton history

Series record: N/A

This will be Iowa State and Princeton’s first time meeting, according to both teams’ histories.

UC San Diego vs Southern history

Series record: N/A

This will be UC San Diego and Southern’s first time meeting, according to both teams’ histories.

Women’s First Four predictions

Iowa State vs Princeton

USA TODAY Network: Iowa State 72, Princeton 64
South Bend Tribune: Iowa State
Des Moines Register: Iowa State 84, Princeton 65

UC San Diego vs Southern

USA TODAY Network: UC San Diego 59, Southern 56
South Bend Tribune: UC San Diego

Women’s First Four betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, March 19

Iowa State vs Princeton

Spread: Iowa State (-4.5)
Over/under: 136.5
Moneyline: Iowa State (-210) | Princeton (+170)

UC San Diego vs Southern

Spread: UC San Diego (-3.5)
Over/under: 111.5
Moneyline: UC San Diego (185) | Southern (+150)

Iowa State women’s basketball schedule 2024-25

Below are Iowa State’s five most recent games. For the Cyclones’ full schedule, click here.

Saturday, Feb. 22: at Baylor (L, 67-62)
Tuesday, Feb. 25: at UCF (W, 98-73)
Sunday, March 2: vs. Kansas State (W, 85-63)
Thursday, March 6: vs. Arizona State (W, 96-88) (Big 12 tournament)
Friday, March 7: vs. Baylor (L, 69-63) (Big 12 tournament)

Princeton women’s basketball schedule 2024-25

Below are Princeton’s five most recent games. For the Tigers’ full schedule, click here.

Saturday, Feb. 22: vs. Columbia (L, 64-60)
Friday, Feb. 28: at Harvard (W, 70-58)
Saturday, March 1: at Dartmouth (W, 67-55)
Saturday, March 8: vs. Penn (W, 67-53)
Friday, March 14: vs. Harvard (L, 70-67) (Ivy League tournament)

UC San Diego women’s basketball schedule 2024-25

Below are UC San Diego’s five most recent games. For the Tritons’ full schedule, click here.

Thursday, March 6: at Long Beach (W, 82-51)
Saturday, March 8: vs. UC Davis (L, 69-58)
Thursday, March 13: vs. Cal Poly (W, 59-54) (Big West tournament)
Friday, March 14: vs. Hawaii (W, 51-49) (Big West tournament)
Saturday, March 15: vs. UC Davis (W, 75-66) (Big West tournament)

Southern women’s basketball schedule 2024-25

Thursday, March 6: vs. Alabama State (W, 61-38)
Saturday, March 8: vs. Alabama A&M (L, 48-35)
Wednesday, March 12: vs. Mississippi Valley State (W, 63-43) (SWAC tournament)
Friday, March 14: vs. Jackson State (W, 51-47) (SWAC tournament)
Saturday, March 15: vs. Alcorn State (W, 64-44) (SWAC tournament)

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