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March Madness 2025 is officially underway, and fans across the country are gearing up for the thrilling action that comes with the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The journey began with Selection Sunday, where the committee finalized the field of 68 teams. As always, the choices sparked some debate, but with the bracket set, it was time to hit the court.

The First Four matchups took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, trimming the number of teams down to 64. Alabama State, North Carolina, Mount St. Mary’s, and Xavier secured victories in their respective games and advanced to the first round. These early battles set the stage for the main tournament, where the intensity of March Madness would be in full force.

As the first round got underway, the tournament immediately delivered surprises. One of the biggest upsets came when No. 12 McNeese pulled off a nail-biting victory over No. 5 Clemson, proving once again why the 12-5 matchup is one of the most unpredictable in the tournament. Another shocker saw No. 11 Drake take down sixth-seeded Missouri, showing that lower-seeded teams were ready to challenge the favorites.

For fans eager to follow every game, knowing where to watch the action is crucial. In 2025, four major networks are broadcasting March Madness games: TruTV, CBS, TNT, and TBS. TruTV, a channel that often confuses viewers during tournament time, is available on DirecTV at channel 246 and on Dish at channel 242. Other providers vary, so fans should check their listings to ensure they don’t miss a moment of the action.

As the tournament progresses, details about game times and networks for later rounds such as the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight are still being finalized. However, fans can rest assured that both Final Four matchups and the national championship will be broadcast on CBS, ensuring widespread accessibility for the most anticipated games of the tournament.

The schedule for the first round has been packed with must-watch matchups. On Thursday, March 20, several high-profile games took place. No. 9 Creighton dominated No. 8 Louisville with an 89-75 win, while No. 1 Houston showed their dominance in a 78-40 victory over No. 16 SIU Edwardsville. Meanwhile, No. 1 Auburn dispatched Alabama State 83-63, and No. 12 McNeese made headlines by edging out Clemson 69-67. Other notable victories included No. 6 BYU’s 80-71 win over VCU and No. 11 Drake’s 67-57 upset over Missouri.

On Friday, March 21, the action continued with a full slate of games. No. 9 Baylor faced No. 8 Mississippi State in a tight contest, while No. 15 Robert Morris took on No. 2 Alabama on TruTV. No. 14 Lipscomb battled No. 3 Iowa State, and No. 12 Colorado State clashed with No. 5 Memphis. As the day progressed, matchups such as No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s versus No. 1 Duke and No. 10 Vanderbilt against No. 7 St. Mary’s added to the excitement.

For fans eager to follow their favorite teams, the NCAA Tournament’s later rounds promise even more drama. The second round begins on Saturday, March 22, with games like No. 12 McNeese facing No. 4 Purdue and No. 10 Arkansas taking on No. 2 St. John’s. No. 5 Michigan will battle No. 4 Texas A&M, and No. 11 Drake will attempt another upset against No. 3 Texas Tech. As the weekend unfolds, marquee matchups such as No. 9 Creighton versus No. 1 Auburn and No. 8 Gonzaga against No. 1 Houston will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Beyond the second round, March Madness continues with the Sweet 16 starting on Thursday, March 27. While game times and TV networks for these matchups are yet to be confirmed, fans know they can expect intense battles as teams inch closer to the Final Four. The Elite Eight follows on March 29 and 30, leading into the highly anticipated Final Four on April 5. The national championship game, the pinnacle of the tournament, is set for April 7 and will be broadcast on CBS.

As the tournament unfolds, each game brings new surprises, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories. The unpredictability of March Madness is what makes it one of the most exciting sporting events of the year. With powerhouse teams vying for the championship and underdogs looking to make history, every game is a must-watch.

For those looking to stay updated, keeping track of game times and networks is essential. Whether you’re following on CBS, TNT, TBS, or TruTV, the next few weeks promise non-stop basketball action. March Madness 2025 is here, and it’s already proving to be a tournament to remember.

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe road to the NCAA tournament continued with the First Four matchups, marking the final step before the madness truly begins. Tuesday and Wednesday night featured intense battles as teams fought to secure their place in the main tournament bracket.

On the men’s side, the action on Tuesday saw No. 16 Alabama State go head-to-head with No. 16 St. Francis in a thrilling matchup that remained close all the way through. Both teams displayed grit and determination, but Alabama State ultimately edged out St. Francis 70-68, earning their ticket to the first round. Meanwhile, No. 11 North Carolina made a dominant statement against No. 11 San Diego State, dismantling their opponents with a commanding 95-68 victory. North Carolina’s high-paced offense and strong defensive execution proved too much for San Diego State, sending them into the first round of the tournament with momentum on their side.


More excitement ensued on Wednesday night, beginning with No. 16 Mount St. Mary is looking at No. 16 from America. From the opening tip-off, Mount St. Mary’s played with a lot of energy and tried to take advantage of every chance to score. Their consistent offensive play and disciplined defense allowed them to control much of the game, securing an 83-72 victory over American. The win solidified their place in the tournament, proving that they were more than ready for the next challenge.

The men’s First Four’s final game featured No. 11 Xavier and No. 11 Texas in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Texas started strong, taking an early lead and maintaining control throughout much of the first half. Nevertheless, Xavier insisted on continuing. In the second half, they came back with vigor and precision. Their offensive execution and ability to capitalize on defensive stops allowed them to close the gap and eventually take the lead. Texas fought hard to reclaim control, but Xavier held their ground, securing a hard-fought 86-80 comeback victory. With the win, Xavier punched their ticket to the first round and proved their resilience on the national stage.

On the women’s side, the First Four games delivered just as much excitement and drama. No. 11 Iowa State was relieved to have star center Audi Crooks back in the lineup after an injury had sidelined her. Her presence was immediately felt as she put on a dominant performance, scoring 27 points and leading Iowa State to a 68-63 victory over No. 11 Princeton. Both teams traded leads and made important plays on both ends of the floor to keep the game competitive. However, Crooks’ impact down the stretch helped Iowa State secure the win and advance to the tournament’s first round.

Earlier in the evening, No. 16 Southern took on UC San Diego in another high-stakes matchup. Southern showcased their defensive strength and ability to convert key offensive opportunities, ultimately claiming a 12-point victory. Their solid team performance allowed them to control the game’s tempo and emerge victorious, earning them a well-deserved spot in the first round of the tournament.

As the First Four wrapped up, excitement and anticipation continued to build for the tournament’s first round. The path to the championship gets even tougher now that teams are officially in the main bracket. For those that fought their way through the First Four, the journey is just beginning. The stage is set for unforgettable moments, shocking upsets, and thrilling battles as the NCAA tournament gets into full swing. Fans can now look forward to an action-packed few weeks as the best teams in college basketball compete for the ultimate prize.

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Netflix’s latest series, Adolescence, has ignited conversations across the world, delving deep into issues that are both contemporary and timeless. The four-part limited series, shot in a single take, follows the harrowing case of a 13-year-old British schoolboy arrested for the murder of his female classmate. Beyond the tragedy, the show opens a critical discussion on childhood, masculinity, parenting, and the overwhelming influence of social media in shaping young minds.

For centuries, the transition from childhood to adolescence has been a complex, often turbulent phase. But today, with the omnipresence of social media, the challenges of growing up have taken on new dimensions. The pressures of fitting in, seeking validation, and navigating societal expectations weigh heavily on young people, and Adolescence captures this struggle with heartbreaking realism.

The protagonist, Jamie Miller, played with raw intensity by Owen Cooper, is not just a boy accused of a horrific crime; he is a symbol of the fragility of youth in the digital age. One of the most gut-wrenching moments in the series comes when Jamie, months into custody, looks at a visiting psychologist and asks, “Do you like me?” It’s a simple question but one that encapsulates a generation’s desperate need for acceptance.

Likeability has become a currency in the digital world, where every post, every picture, every interaction is scrutinized for approval. Jamie’s journey reveals how an impressionable young mind, struggling to define itself, can be influenced by external forces beyond its control. Social media, often hailed as a tool for connection, can also become a space of relentless judgment. Jamie is called an “incel” by a girl online, and with just a few jeering emojis, his self-worth is questioned. How does a teenager process that? How many other young people, facing similar ridicule, struggle in silence?

The show does not provide easy answers, nor does it allow viewers the comfort of detachment. It grips you from the start and does not let go, its tension unrelenting. The police procedural elements serve their purpose, but they are secondary to the emotional weight carried by Jamie’s parents, played brilliantly by Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco. Their performances bring to life the agony of parents caught in a nightmare, wondering if they did enough. They thought their son was safe in his room, but they had no idea of the dangerous narratives he was absorbing online.

This is where Adolescence shines—not just as a crime drama but as a social commentary on the modern world. The show raises urgent questions about how much influence social media and digital personalities have over vulnerable minds. How do parents recognize the warning signs? How much of their own upbringing—where a slap or two was considered normal—shapes their responses to their children? And most critically, how do we detach toxicity from masculinity?

Masculinity, in many ways, forms the backbone of Adolescence. It explores the confusion and conflict young boys face as they step into adolescence. Without proper guidance, where do they learn how to navigate rejection, emotions, and expectations? If asking a girl out is a risk, and rejection feels like humiliation, where does that leave a boy? If he is mocked for his lack of confidence, what choices remain? These are difficult questions, ones that need addressing in homes and classrooms alike.

The final episode is devastating in its simplicity. Jamie’s parents sit together, drained, asking themselves if they could have done something different. It is a moment of deep reflection, not just for them but for anyone watching. The show does not pass judgment but forces us to confront uncomfortable realities.

Ultimately, Adolescence is not just about a crime—it is about the structures that shape young minds. It is about the invisible pressures that push some towards tragic outcomes. It is a reminder that in today’s world, where social media can amplify insecurities and societal expectations weigh heavier than ever, young people need more guidance, understanding, and support.

This is why Adolescence should not just be watched; it should be discussed, dissected, and understood. It holds up a mirror to society, asking us to look beyond the headlines and truly examine what it means to grow up in this age. Few shows carry the weight and urgency of Adolescence, making it not just compelling television but essential viewing.