March Madness Tips Off with Excitement as College Basketball’s Elite Face Off

The USA TODAY NETWORK announces the commencement of the NCAA Tournament, the pinnacle of college basketball competition that has seen 351 Division I teams vying for a spot in the coveted event over the past six months.

The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the 64 remaining teams brace themselves for the ultimate test of skill and strategy, all aiming to emerge as the last team standing and claim victory by cutting down the nets.

The legendary “Mr. March,” synonymous with clutch performances in the tournament, leads the charge as the Kansas Jayhawks take on Mississippi State in the opening game at 11:15 a.m. CT.

Among the other exciting matchups scheduled for the first day are South Carolina facing off against Oregon, Dayton against Nevada, Gonzaga taking on McNeese State, and Washington State battling Drake in the nightcap.

Thursday’s schedule also features the clash between Mississippi State and Michigan State in Charlotte, North Carolina, followed by Washington State meeting Drake in Omaha, Nebraska.

The NCAA Tournament action on Thursday will be broadcast across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, each airing four games to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

For those looking to catch the games online, streaming options include the March Madness Live App, which offers all tournament matchups, along with Paramount+, and Paramount+ offers select games from TBS, truTV, and TNT, while CBS All Access provides coverage of games airing on CBS and offers a free trial for interested viewers.

As the intensity ramps up and the competition heats up, fans can expect nothing short of thrilling matchups and high-stakes drama as the NCAA Tournament unfolds over the coming weeks.