Tar Heels and Aztecs Clash in March Madness First Four Showdown

DAYTON, Ohio — The North Carolina Tar Heels (22-13) face off against the San Diego State Aztecs (21-9) in a highly anticipated First Four matchup on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at UD Arena. The game is set to tip off at 9:10 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted live on truTV.

North Carolina enters the game as 4.5-point favorites, with an over/under set at 142.5 points. The Tar Heels aim to build momentum as they navigate the NCAA tournament, while the Aztecs look for a significant upset to kick off their postseason run.

“It’s tournament time, and anything can happen,” said Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis. “We’re focused on executing our game plan and giving our best performance.”

The matchup features two teams with contrasting styles. The Tar Heels have averaged 81.7 points per game this season, ranking them among the top offensive units, while allowing 76.1 points on defense. The Aztecs, on the other hand, have leaned on a more defensive approach, yielding only 63.6 points per game, complemented by their ability to score 71.4 points.

In recent outings, North Carolina showcased their firepower with notable performances leading up to the tournament. Their latest game saw them edge past a competitive opponent with a final score of 74-72. The Aztecs, meanwhile, have displayed resilience, securing critical wins, including a recent victory that has bolstered their confidence.

Both teams feature standout players to watch. Tar Heels forward Armando Bacot leads his team with 17.3 points per game and contributes significantly in rebounds with 10.1 average boards. San Diego State’s Nicholas Boyd has also been a key contributor, averaging 13.4 points and facilitating plays with 4 assists per game.

As teams turn their focus to the intensity of March Madness, the atmosphere in Dayton is expected to be electric. Fans from both schools are anticipated to fill the arena, bringing a vibrant energy to the tournament. “We are excited to be here and can’t wait for the crowd to rally behind us,” Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher stated.

The winner of this matchup will advance to face a higher seed in the next round, adding an extra layer of significance to tonight’s clash. With both teams looking to assert their presence in the tournament, the stakes could not be higher.