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March Madness: B1G viewer’s guide to Day 1 of the NCAA Tournament
Published:
March is here!
The First Four games have concluded, meaning the Round of 64 begins today, kicking off the most exciting four-day stretch in all of sports. There’s plenty of B1G action on the first day of the NCAA Tournament, too.
Five of the B1G’s eight teams will be in action on Thursday. Here’s all you need to know for today’s games involving those five B1G teams:
No. 7 Louisville vs. No. 10 Minnesota
Tipoff: 12:15 p.m.
Network: CBS
Broadcast crew: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Dan Bonner, Dana Johnson
Quick note: This is just the second time Minnesota has played in the NCAA Tournament in Richard Pitino’s six years. The Gophers are pitted against Louisville, where Pitino spent time as an assistant coach on his father’s staff. Pitino said he’s not looking for “revenge” but a win over the Cardinals would be particularly sweet.
No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Bradley
Tipoff: 2:45 p.m.
Network: CBS
Broadcast crew: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Dan Bonner, Dana Johnson
Quick note: Tom Izzo had earned the reputation as “Mr. March,” but Michigan State hasn’t reached the Sweet 16 since the 2015 tournament, when it made a Final Four run. The Spartans are hoping to end that drought and turn B1G regular season and tournament championships into a long NCAA run.
No. 6 Maryland vs. No. 11 Belmont
Tipoff: 3:10 p.m.
Network: TruTV
Broadcast crew: Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel, Jamie Erdahl
Quick note: It’s been awhile since Maryland has had a strong tournament run, and putting together one this season won’t be easy. Belmont is heralded as one of the teams capable of pulling a first-round upset and potentially making a Sweet 16 run. The Terrapins have their hands full in the opening round.
No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 15 Montana
Tipoff: 9:20 p.m.
Network: TNT
Broadcast crew: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Dan Bonner, Dana Johnson
Quick note: Michigan spent a good portion of the season ranked in the top 10 nationally, but fell short of winning a B1G regular season and tournament title. Now, the Wolverines are setting their sites on a national championship. Michigan hasn’t reached back-to-back Final Fours since 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons.
No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 14 Old Dominion
Tipoff: 9:50 p.m.
Network: TBS
Broadcast crew: Carter Blackburn, Debbie Antonelli, John Schriffen
Quick note: In 14 years as head coach, Matt Painter has taken Purdue to the NCAA Tournament 11 times. But his teams have never made it past the Sweet 16. After overachieving in B1G play this year, winning a regular season title, the Boilermakers are hoping to make a strong tournament run. Old Dominion might be a 14 seed, but this could be a more interesting game than expected.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB