Guide to Watch the March Madness 2025 Opening Game for Free: Alabama State vs Saint Francis
Prelude to the Alabama State vs. Saint Francis Match
The 2025 March Madness men’s basketball tournament is about to begin, and one of the most anticipated First Four matchups will pit the Alabama State Hornets against the St. Francis Red Flash. This opening encounter will kick off the exciting competition that captivates millions of fans across the United States each year. The first games of the First Four are particularly important as they set the tone for the entire tournament and represent the first step on the journey to the national championship.
The matchup between these two emerging programs promises to be spectacular, with both teams determined to make history for their respective universities. The electric atmosphere of Dayton’s UD Arena will add an extra dimension to this clash that already shapes up to be an intense duel between two teams with distinct playing styles.
Stakes of the Matchup
This First Four duel is crucial as it will determine which team secures the coveted No. 16 seed position in the South region. The importance of this game cannot be understated, as it represents more than just qualification – it’s an opportunity for these programs to extend their season and experience the unique March Madness atmosphere.
The winning team will face the immense challenge of playing against Auburn, the No. 1 seed in the same region, in their next game. If tournament history has taught us anything, it’s that surprises are always possible, even against favorites. Each team will step onto the court believing they can create an upset and potentially become the author of one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history.
Team Presentations
The Alabama State Hornets
The Alabama State Hornets are preparing for their fifth NCAA tournament appearance, their first since 2011. This qualification marks the return of a historic HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) program to college basketball’s biggest stage. Like their opponent, they are determined to secure their first-ever win in this prestigious tournament.
The team has had a remarkable season, demonstrating aggressive defense and dynamic transition play that allowed them to dominate the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference). Their path to the First Four testifies to their resilience and ability to perform in decisive moments. The Hornets rely on a balanced roster, combining the experience of their seniors with the energy of their promising young talents.
The St. Francis Red Flash
The St. Francis Red Flash earned their tournament qualification this year with an automatic bid after winning the NEC (Northeast Conference). This is their second tournament appearance, marking a return after a 31-year absence. They also hope to win their first-ever game at the national level.
St. Francis has built their success on an efficient offense and exemplary team philosophy. Their NEC journey was marked by several impressive victories that demonstrated their ability to compete with higher-rated teams. The Pennsylvania program has finally taken a step forward this season, and this March Madness participation represents the culmination of years of work and steady progression.
Key Match Information
The game between St. Francis and Alabama State will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, with tip-off scheduled for 6:40 PM Eastern Time (ET). The action will unfold at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, the traditional venue for First Four games since its inception.
This legendary college basketball venue, known for its exceptional atmosphere, provides an ideal setting for this opening game. Fans attending the match can expect an electrifying atmosphere typical of major March Madness events. For those unable to travel to Dayton, several options are available to follow the action live.
How to Watch the Game Live and Free
Television Channel
The game will be broadcast live on truTV, which traditionally airs First Four games. This channel is part of the official NCAA tournament broadcasters, alongside CBS, TNT, and TBS.
Cable-Free Streaming Options (with free trials)
For those without cable, several live streaming services offer free trials and include truTV in their packages:
- DIRECTV Stream offers a five-day free trial with its MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/month) or Choice ($89.99/month for three months) plans. This option allows you to watch not only this game but the entire tournament across different channels.
- Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, then a subscription at $82.99/month. This service also includes access to a vast catalog of on-demand content.
Other Streaming Options
Other platforms also allow you to follow the tournament:
- Sling TV with the Sling Blue plan (no free trial, but 50% off the first month at $25.50, then $50.99/month). This option represents one of the most affordable solutions for following the entire March Madness.
- Max (starting at $9.99/month) with the Bleacher Report Sports add-on, which broadcasts live games on TBS, TNT, and truTV for subscribers. This formula also provides access to the platform’s entire catalog of movies and series.
To take full advantage of these offers, be sure to verify free trial availability in your region and note deadline dates to avoid unwanted charges.
Complete First Four Schedule for March Madness 2025
Here’s the schedule for the First Four games:
Tuesday, March 18:
- Alabama State vs. St. Francis, 6:40 PM (truTV)
- North Carolina vs. San Diego State, 9:10 PM (truTV)
Wednesday, March 19:
- Mount St. Mary’s vs. American, 6:40 PM (truTV)
- Xavier vs. Texas, 9:10 PM (truTV)
These four games will determine the final teams qualifying for the main NCAA tournament bracket, which begins Thursday, March 20, with first-round matches.
Overview of Other March Madness 2025 News
Selection Sunday revealed the No. 1 seeds for the men’s tournament: Auburn (South region), Duke (East region), Houston (Midwest region), and Florida (West region). This distribution reflects the balance of power in college basketball this season, with four different conferences represented among the top seeds.
On the women’s side, the No. 1 seeds are UCLA (Spokane 1), South Carolina (Birmingham 2), Texas (Birmingham 3), and USC (Spokane 4). The women’s tournament looks particularly competitive this year, with several programs capable of contending for the national title.
The SEC dominated the men’s selections with a record 14 qualified teams, demonstrating the current power of this conference. Analyses have also been made regarding the selection committee’s good and bad decisions, with some teams feeling they were misranked or unfairly left out of the tournament.
The men’s tournament will begin with the First Four, and the first round will continue with exciting games in each region. Fans can expect high-intensity confrontations and the traditional surprises that create the charm and reputation of March Madness.
Don’t miss the kickoff of this great college basketball celebration with the Alabama State versus Saint Francis game this Tuesday at 6:40 PM (ET) on truTV!c le match Alabama State contre Saint Francis ce mardi à 18h40 (ET) sur truTV !
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