March Madness First Four Preview: San Diego State vs. North Carolina
Updated on: March 18, 2025 / 05:45 PM

March Madness First Four Preview: San Diego State vs. North Carolina

The 2025 NCAA Tournament heats up with another thrilling First Four matchup tonight, Tuesday, March 18, as the San Diego State Aztecs take on the North Carolina Tar Heels at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Both No. 11 seeds have earned their places in the tournament with compelling late-season performances, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle. The winner advances to face the No. 6 seed Ole Miss Rebels in the Round of 64. With tensions high and talent on display, this game promises to be a captivating start to the madness!

How to Watch the Game Live

Catch the action with these options:

  • TV Broadcast: Airing on truTV at 9:10 p.m. ET.
  • Streaming Options: Use the March Madness Live app or website (requires cable/streaming login), or services like Paramount+, Max (with B/R Sports add-on), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV (Blue/Orange + Sports Extra packages). Confirm truTV availability with your provider’s channel locator.
  • Tips: For the latest updates on where to watch tonight’s March Madness games live on TV, be sure to check Livesportsontv.com, your go-to source for real-time viewing info.

San Diego State Aztecs

The Aztecs enter with a 21-9 record, showcasing their resilience with a strong Mountain West Conference run. Led by head coach Brian Dutcher, who brings extensive tournament experience, the team features standout guard Nick Boyd, a transfer from FAU who has been a scoring threat, averaging double digits in recent games. San Diego State’s defense is a cornerstone, known for its suffocating half-court pressure, which ranks them well in national defensive metrics. Offensively, they average around 70 points per game, relying on balanced scoring to keep opponents on their toes. This marks their 17th NCAA appearance, and they’re poised to make an impact.

North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina arrives with a 22-13 record, fueled by a late-season surge that included eight wins in their final ten games. Under the guidance of veteran leadership, the Tar Heels are anchored by fifth-year guard RJ Davis, a key figure from their 2022 national championship run. Davis’s scoring ability and clutch playmaking have been vital, supported by a roster that boasts a potent offense averaging 80.8 points per game. Despite a challenging 1-12 record in Quad 1 games, their NET ranking of 36th and KenPom ranking of 33rd reflect their potential. This team is hungry to prove their controversial selection was justified.

Game Breakdown

This matchup pits San Diego State’s gritty defense against North Carolina’s explosive offense in a clash of contrasting styles. The Aztecs’ ability to slow the game with their traps could frustrate the Tar Heels, who are favored by 4.5 points with an over/under of 142.5 points. North Carolina’s recent offensive uptick, averaging 82.9 points over their last ten games, might test San Diego State’s backcourt if Davis and company find their rhythm. Key to watch will be how Boyd handles the Tar Heels’ pressure and whether North Carolina can exploit the Aztecs’ 263rd-ranked scoring offense. Expect a tight, tactical battle with momentum shifts aplenty.

Prediction and Stakes

Both teams bring rich tournament histories—San Diego State with 16 prior appearances and North Carolina as six-time champions—making this a clash of pedigree and potential. The Tar Heels’ offensive firepower gives them a slight edge, but the Aztecs’ defensive tenacity and neutral-court experience (3-2 ATS) could level the playing field. The winner faces a tough Ole Miss squad next, making this First Four game a pivotal moment. Look for Davis to lead North Carolina’s charge, while Boyd’s scoring could spark San Diego State. Whether you back the Aztecs’ defensive grit or the Tar Heels’ storied tradition, this game will set the tone for March Madness.

Final Viewing Notes

Tune in via truTV or your preferred streaming service to catch this 2025 tournament opener at 9:10 p.m. ET. Whether you’re a college hoops enthusiast or a casual fan diving into the madness, this matchup delivers excitement. Grab your snacks, pick your side, and enjoy the ride!