Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling world of the NCAA Tournament 2021, a rollercoaster of buzzer-beaters, upsets, and unforgettable moments. For college basketball fans, March Madness is the peak of the season. Knowing the game times and schedule is super important to make sure you don't miss any of the action. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about the 2021 tournament, from the First Four to the championship game. Let's get started!

Understanding the NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is a single-elimination tournament featuring 68 college basketball teams from across the nation. The tournament is held annually in March and April. It brings together conference champions and at-large teams selected by the NCAA Selection Committee. The stakes are high, with teams battling it out for the national championship.

The Selection Process: The Selection Committee announces the 68-team bracket on Selection Sunday. This bracket includes 32 teams that automatically qualify by winning their conference tournaments and 36 teams that receive at-large bids based on their regular-season performance, strength of schedule, and other factors. The committee seeds the teams from 1 to 16 in each of the four regions (East, South, Midwest, and West), creating a balanced and competitive bracket.

Tournament Structure: The tournament begins with the First Four, a set of play-in games that determine the final four teams to advance to the main bracket. From there, the tournament progresses through seven rounds: the First Round (Round of 64), the Second Round (Round of 32), the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight, the Final Four, and the National Championship Game. Each game is a single-elimination contest, meaning the winner advances to the next round, and the loser is eliminated.

Why It’s Called March Madness: The term "March Madness" perfectly captures the excitement, unpredictability, and intensity of the tournament. Upsets are common, Cinderella stories emerge, and every game is filled with drama. The single-elimination format means that any team can win on any given day, making it one of the most thrilling sporting events in the world. The NCAA Tournament is not just about basketball; it’s about passion, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.

Key Dates for the 2021 Tournament

To make sure you don't miss any of the important games, here's a breakdown of the key dates for the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Knowing these dates will help you plan your viewing schedule and stay on top of all the action. Remember, the 2021 tournament was unique due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to all games being held in Indiana.

• Selection Sunday: March 14, 2021
• First Four: March 18-19, 2021
• First Round: March 19-20, 2021
• Second Round: March 21-22, 2021
• Sweet Sixteen: March 27-28, 2021
• Elite Eight: March 29-30, 2021
• Final Four: April 3, 2021
• National Championship Game: April 5, 2021

Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar so you don't miss any of the key matchups. The NCAA Tournament is full of surprises, and you never know when you'll witness a historic moment. Stay tuned to these dates and prepare for an exciting ride!

Game Times and Schedule Breakdown

Let's get into the nitty-gritty details of the game times and schedule for the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Understanding the schedule will help you plan your viewing and make sure you catch all the crucial games. Game times can vary depending on the round and the television broadcast schedule, so pay close attention to the details.

First Four

The First Four games are the first contests of the tournament, featuring eight teams vying for the final four spots in the main bracket. These games are typically spread across two days and are broadcast on truTV. In 2021, the First Four games were held on March 18 and 19.

• Typical Game Times: Evening slots, usually starting around 6:00 PM ET and 9:00 PM ET.
• Teams Involved: Lower-seeded teams and those on the bubble, looking to prove their worth.
• Significance: These games set the tone for the tournament and provide early excitement for fans.

First and Second Rounds

The First Round involves 64 teams playing across two days, followed by the Second Round, which pares the field down to 32 teams. These rounds are typically broadcast across multiple networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. In 2021, the First Round was held on March 19 and 20, and the Second Round on March 21 and 22.

• Typical Game Times: Games start as early as 12:00 PM ET and run throughout the day, with the last games tipping off around 9:30 PM ET. Each day is packed with non-stop action.
• Teams Involved: All 64 teams, ranging from the top seeds to the lower-ranked teams looking to pull off upsets.
• Viewing Strategy: With so many games happening simultaneously, it’s a good idea to have multiple screens or use online streaming services to keep up with the action. Don't forget to set your DVR to record any games you can't watch live!

Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight

The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds feature the remaining 16 and 8 teams, respectively. These games are highly competitive and often feature nail-biting finishes. Broadcast on CBS and TBS, these rounds narrow the field down to the Final Four. In 2021, the Sweet Sixteen was held on March 27 and 28, and the Elite Eight on March 29 and 30.

• Typical Game Times: Evening slots, with games starting around 7:00 PM ET and 9:30 PM ET. These are primetime matchups that you won't want to miss.
• Teams Involved: The top teams from each region, battling for a spot in the Final Four.
• What to Expect: Expect intense matchups and high-stakes basketball as teams fight for a chance to advance.

Final Four and National Championship

The Final Four is where the four remaining teams compete for a spot in the National Championship Game. The National Championship Game determines the national champion. Broadcast on CBS, these games are the culmination of weeks of intense competition. In 2021, the Final Four was held on April 3, and the National Championship Game on April 5.

• Typical Game Times: The Final Four games are usually held in the evening, with tip-off times around 6:00 PM ET and 8:30 PM ET. The National Championship Game typically tips off around 9:00 PM ET.
• Teams Involved: The four regional champions, representing the best of the best in college basketball.
• Significance: These games are the pinnacle of the college basketball season, and the atmosphere is electric. Don't miss the chance to witness history in the making!

How to Stay Updated

Keeping up-to-date with the NCAA Tournament schedule and game times is essential, especially since they can sometimes change. Here are some reliable sources to stay informed:

• Official NCAA Website: The official NCAA website is your go-to source for the most accurate and up-to-date information. You can find the full schedule, scores, and news updates.
• Sports Networks: ESPN, CBS Sports, and other sports networks provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament, including live game broadcasts, analysis, and schedule updates.
• Mobile Apps: Download sports apps like ESPN or CBS Sports to get real-time updates, scores, and notifications on your phone.
• Social Media: Follow the official NCAA and sports network accounts on social media platforms like Twitter for quick updates and breaking news.

Reliving the 2021 NCAA Tournament Highlights

The 2021 NCAA Tournament was full of memorable moments and thrilling games. Here are a few highlights:

• Baylor's Dominance: Baylor dominated the tournament, showcasing their incredible offense and defense. They defeated Gonzaga in the National Championship Game to win their first national title.
• Gonzaga's Run: Gonzaga had an incredible undefeated season leading up to the championship game. Although they fell short in the final, their journey was one for the ages.
• Oral Roberts' Cinderella Story: As a 15-seed, Oral Roberts pulled off stunning upsets against Ohio State and Florida, capturing the hearts of fans nationwide.
• UCLA's Unexpected Journey: After starting in the First Four, UCLA made an improbable run to the Final Four, showcasing resilience and determination.

These moments reminded us why March Madness is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world. The 2021 tournament was a testament to the passion, skill, and unpredictability of college basketball.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to the NCAA Tournament 2021 game times and schedule. We hope this article helps you stay on top of all the action and enjoy every thrilling moment of March Madness. Remember to mark your calendars, set your viewing schedules, and get ready for some unforgettable basketball. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the NCAA Tournament is a must-watch event that delivers excitement, drama, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy the games!