Whether you’re a diehard college basketball fan or just tune into the sport in March, the real competition starts now. The bracket is set, which means the First Four games can begin.
The First Four features four games ahead of the official 64-team NCAA Tournament. It’s one last hump some teams need to overcome in order to reach the Big Dance.
The first of four games is between St. Francis and Alabama State. The two No. 16 seeds will face off for the right to play No. 1 Auburn later this week.
St. Francis finished the season 16-17, but it’s on a hot streak. The Red Flash earned the No. 3 seed in the NEC Tournament, upsetting No. 1 CCSU and No. 2 LIU on their way to a championship. The team has won six straight heading into the First Four.
Alabama State is also hot at the right time. The Hornets are on a six-game win streak that included an upset of No. 2 Jackson State in the SWAC championship as the No. 5 seed.
Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday’s matchup between St. Francis and Alabama State, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is St. Francis vs. Alabama State on today?
- TV channel: truTV
- Live stream: Sling
St. Francis vs. Alabama State will be the first game of the First Four in Dayton, Ohio. Spero Dedes and Jim Spanarkel will be on the call on truTV with Jon Rothstein as the game’s reporter.
Fans looking to stream St. Francis vs. Alabama State can watch live on Sling.
Sling is your home for March Madness. Catch the men’s and women’s tournaments with a range of sports channels including TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, ABC and more.
St. Francis vs. Alabama State start time
- Date: Tuesday, March 18
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
The NCAA First Four game between St. Francis vs. Alabama State is set to tip off at 6:40 p.m. ET from UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
St. Francis makes just its second NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 1991. The Red Flash lost in the first round against Arizona in 1991.
Alabama State has more March experience, but it’s still been over a decade since it’s danced. The Hornets last made the NCAA Tournament in 2011, and this year will be the fifth appearance at the Division I level.
March Madness bracket 2025
Download Sporting News’ printable NCAA Tournament bracket (PDF) by clicking here.
When is the Final Four in 2025?
- Date: April 5 and 7
- Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
The 2025 Men’s Final Four is set for April 5 and 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The Alamodome previously hosted the event in 2018, 2008, 2004 and 1998, and has also hosted the Women’s Final Four three times.
March Madness tournament schedule 2025
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:
| Round | Date |
| First Four | March 18-19 |
| First round | March 20-21 |
| Second round | March 22-23 |
| Sweet 16 | March 27-28 |
| Elite Eight | March 29-30 |
| Final Four | April 5 |
| National championship | April 7 |