Conference tournaments for men’s and women’s college basketball are close, so it’s almost time for everyone’s favorite time of the year: March Madness.
While some teams have all but locked up a spot in the NCAA tournament, several others are fighting it out until the end to build up their resumes and potentially use the conference tournaments to get into the big dance. Selection Sunday will be the big day for these teams on the bubble to determine if they can make it.
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On the men’s side, UConn men’s basketball is fighting for its season with a three-peat looking like a longshot after recent struggles. But with the experience of the Huskies and leadership of Dan Hurley, just getting in gives them a fighting chance. Auburn and Florida lead the pack of a deep SEC, which could make much noise in the postseason.
On the women’s side, Hannah Hidalgo has led Notre Dame women’s basketball to a No. 1 ranking, while Dawn Staley and the defending national champion South Carolina have a lot of work to do following a blowout loss to UConn at home.
Here’s everything to know about March Madness, including when it starts and other key dates:
When does March Madness start?
- Men’s NCAA tournament: Tuesday, March 18
- Women’s NCAA tournament: Wednesday, March 19
As the tournament’s name suggests, the madness kicks off in March. First, we get the conference tournaments, which could uproot bubble teams due to unexpected teams earning an at-large bid. Then comes Selection Sunday, which is the same day for both the men’s and women’s bracket reveal and scheduled for Sunday, March 16.
Finally, the men’s First Four starts on March 18 in Dayton, Ohio, with four teams squaring off across two games for a spot in the 64-team field. A day later, the women begin their First Four games to set their final 64-team field.
When is Selection Sunday?
- Date: Sunday, March 16
Sunday, March 16 is the day both the men’s and women’s brackets will be officially revealed. The men’s bracket will be announced first, followed by the women’s.
Two days after Selection Sunday, the First Four for the men’s NCAA tournament is scheduled to begin. Four teams will compete to be among the 64-team bracket. But the 68 teams in the tournament will learn their fate days before and prepare for a potential long run. The women’s side begins its First Four one day after the men.
Selection Sunday time
Here’s what time the men’s and women’s NCAA tournament brackets will start being revealed:
- Men’s tournament: 6 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Women’s tournament: 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Full men’s March Madness schedule
- Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 16
- 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: Saturday, April 5
- Championship: Monday, April 7
Full women’s March Madness schedule
- Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 16
- First Four: March 19-20
- First round: March 21-22
- Second round: March 23-24
- Sweet 16: March 28-29
- Elite Eight: March 30-31
- Final Four: Friday, April 4
- Championship: Sunday, April 6
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