March Madness is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as the 2025 men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments kick off.
With a full slate of games on Thursday, fans are gearing up for one of the most thrilling days in college basketball.
From top-seeded teams like Auburn and Houston to underdogs looking to make their mark, the action promises to be intense.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to Thursday’s matchups, how to watch them, and what to expect from this year’s tournament.
Men’s NCAA Tournament: Thursday’s Schedule and Viewing Options
The first round of the men’s NCAA Tournament begins on Thursday, featuring 16 games over approximately 12 hours.
This day is a basketball fan’s dream, with non-stop action from noon to midnight.
The games will be broadcast across multiple networks, including CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the excitement.
Top Matchups to Watch
Here are some of the key games to keep an eye on:
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- No. 8 Louisville vs. No. 9 Creighton: 12:15 p.m. ET on CBS, Paramount+, and March Madness Live
- No. 4 Purdue vs. No. 13 High Point: 12:40 p.m. ET on truTV, Max, and March Madness Live
- No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 14 Montana: 1:30 p.m. ET on TNT, Max, and March Madness Live
- No. 1 Houston vs. No. 16 SIU Edwardsville: 2 p.m. ET on TBS, Max, and March Madness Live
- No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 16 Alabama State: 2:50 p.m. ET on CBS, Paramount+, and March Madness Live
How to Watch
Men’s March Madness games will be available on CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV.
CBS broadcasts can be streamed on Paramount+, while TNT, TBS, and truTV broadcasts are available on Max.
Additionally, all games can be streamed on March Madness Live, ensuring you have multiple ways to catch the action.
Women’s NCAA Tournament: First Four and Beyond
While the men’s tournament kicks off in full swing, the women’s First Four games are concluding, setting the stage for the first round starting on Friday.
The women’s tournament features top teams like the UConn Huskies and the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks, who are both looking to add to their impressive championship histories.
Final Women’s First Four Games
Before the first round begins, the final two women’s First Four games will take place:
- No. 11 Columbia vs. No. 11 Washington: 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2
- No. 16 High Point vs. No. 16 William & Mary: 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU
How to Watch
Women’s NCAA Tournament action will be broadcast across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews.
Games can also be streamed on ESPN.com and the ESPN app, providing ample viewing options for fans.
Key Dates and Locations
The 2025 NCAA basketball tournaments are set to begin on Selection Sunday, March 16.
The men’s and women’s tournaments will feature intense matchups and exciting moments as teams vie for the national championship.
Men’s Tournament Highlights
The men’s tournament features some of the top teams in the country, including:
- Auburn: The No. 1 overall seed, looking to make a deep run in the tournament.
- Houston: Another No. 1 seed with high expectations.
- Tennessee and St. John’s: Both second-seeded teams aiming to make their mark.
With a packed schedule on Thursday, fans can expect a day full of thrilling basketball action.
The UConn men’s basketball team is also seeking its third consecutive national championship, adding another layer of excitement to the tournament.
Women’s Tournament Highlights
The women’s tournament will feature top teams like:
- South Carolina Lady Gamecocks: Aiming for their fourth title in program history after an undefeated 2024 season.
- UConn Huskies: Looking to continue their dominance in women’s college basketball.
With the final First Four games wrapping up, the stage is set for an exciting first round of action on Friday.
Conclusion
As March Madness gets underway, basketball fans have a lot to look forward to. Whether you’re tuning in for the men’s or women’s tournaments, the action promises to be non-stop and full of excitement.
Be sure to check out the full schedule and viewing options to catch all the games. For more details and updates, visit the NBCDFW sports page.
Get ready for a thrilling ride as the 2025 NCAA basketball tournaments unfold. From top-seeded teams to underdog stories, March Madness is sure to deliver unforgettable moments and intense competition. Don’t miss a second of the action!
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