The Madness Begins: A Viewer’s Guide to Watching the First 12 Hours
Posted by Shane McNichol on March 17th, 2016The first day of March Madness can be a hectic whirlwind of excitement, disappointment and drama. For many of us, it will involve multiple TVs, another screen to stream additional games, trips to a bar or party, and far less sleep than we’re used to. Like most things, this big day of days can move a little smoother with some planning. I’ve channelled my inner boy scout and prepped ahead for the excitement to come, laying out an opening day strategy for surviving and thriving in the Madness. (Note: all times eastern)
Everyone is Ready: Let’s Tip the Madness Off (USA Today Images)
- 12:15 PM: Start, as everyone will, with Duke-UNC Wilmington (on CBS). If you’re stuck at work, take your lunch break right after noon and head somewhere with a TV. Enjoy as much as you can before you need head back to the office and “work” for the rest of the day. The rest of these plans will be more directed to those, like me, willing to sacrifice a vacation day or two to watch NCAA Tournament basketball. To my cubicle-bound friends, godspeed. Only answer e-mails that you absolutely need to. Utilize a second screen. When the clock his 5:01, sprint home.
- 12:40 PM: If the Duke lead is in double figures at this point, switch over to TruTV- well, wait a second.
- 12:41 PM: Take two minutes trying to figure out what channel TruTV is on.
- 12:43 PM: Perfect. Now if the Duke lead is in double figures, switch over to TruTV for the start of Texas Tech and Butler. If UNCW is keeping it close or even leading, stick with that game until halftime. The Seahawks are feisty, but much more so if they stay within striking distance.
- 1:30 PM: Make sure you’re on TNT at the bottom of the next hour. It’s Bill Raftery’s first game of the Tournament and you can’t miss him spouting “Jim Nantz, Grant Hill, Colorado goes…MANTOMAN” to start the game. This moment is appointment TV.
- 2:10 PM: The first game of the day will be drawing to a conclusion. Either a Duke rout or a possible upset. If the latter, no worries. The other two games are #8 vs. #9 match-ups. Both should be competitive.
- 2:45 PM: Iowa State and Iona tipped off at 2:00 PM, and it could be the day’s most exciting game. The Cyclones scored the fewest percentage of points at the foul line in the nation and allowed the second fewest percentage of points on free throws. Iona’s free throw rates are below average as well, so expect up and down, non-stop action.
