First Four Games: The Ultimate Guide To Kickstart Your Basketball Journey

Author Krops 02 Apr 2025

Welcome to the world of March Madness, where the First Four games set the stage for one of the most exciting tournaments in sports history. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just dipping your toes into the world of college hoops, the First Four games are your gateway to all the action. These games aren't just a warm-up; they're a crucial part of the NCAA Tournament that can make or break a team's season. So, buckle up and get ready to dive deep into what makes the First Four so special!

Now, you might be wondering, "What exactly are the First Four games?" Well, think of them as the opening act to the grand theater of March Madness. These games determine which teams will advance to the main event, and trust me, the drama is real. Every shot, every pass, and every rebound matters in these high-stakes matchups. It's not just about who wins but how they win.

Over the years, the First Four has grown from being an afterthought to a must-watch spectacle. Teams that were once considered underdogs have used this platform to prove themselves, creating unforgettable moments that live on in college basketball lore. So, whether you're here for the stats, the stories, or just the sheer excitement, you're in the right place. Let's break it all down together.

What Are the First Four Games?

The First Four games are essentially the opening round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Introduced in 2011, these games feature the lowest-seeded teams in the tournament, including the last four at-large teams and the last four automatic qualifiers. The purpose? To narrow down the field to the traditional 64-team bracket that fans have come to love.

Here's the deal: the NCAA Tournament is all about seeding, and the First Four games help finalize those seeds. Teams that win these games earn the right to compete against higher-seeded opponents in the Round of 64. It's a chance for the little guys to prove they belong with the big boys, and sometimes, they pull off some serious upsets.

Why Are the First Four Games Important?

You might think the First Four games are just a formality, but oh no, my friend, they're much more than that. These games are crucial for several reasons. First off, they give smaller schools and lower-seeded teams a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage. It's not uncommon for Cinderella stories to start here, where teams that nobody gave a chance end up making a deep run in the tournament.

Plus, the First Four games are a great opportunity for players to make a name for themselves. Scouts from the NBA and other professional leagues are always watching, so this is a golden chance for college athletes to impress. And let's not forget the fans – the First Four games offer some of the most thrilling matchups of the entire tournament, often filled with nail-biting finishes and unexpected twists.

Key Statistics to Know

Here are a few stats that highlight just how important the First Four games have become:

Since 2011, at least one team from the First Four has made it to the Sweet 16 every year.
In 2021, Loyola Chicago became the first No. 11 seed from the First Four to reach the Final Four.
More than 50% of the games in the First Four have been decided by five points or less.

These numbers show just how competitive and unpredictable the First Four games can be. They're not to be underestimated, and neither are the teams that play in them.

How Teams Qualify for the First Four Games

So, how exactly do teams end up in the First Four? Well, it all comes down to the selection committee. This group of experts evaluates every team in the country based on their performance throughout the season, taking into account factors like win-loss record, strength of schedule, and head-to-head matchups.

The last four at-large teams are usually those that have strong resumes but might not have won their conference tournaments. Meanwhile, the last four automatic qualifiers are typically teams that won their conference tournaments but have weaker overall records compared to other teams in the field.

It's a delicate balancing act, and the selection committee has to make tough decisions. Sometimes, they get it right, and sometimes, they don't. But that's part of what makes the NCAA Tournament so fascinating – there's always room for debate and discussion.

Unforgettable Moments from the First Four

Over the years, the First Four games have produced some truly unforgettable moments. Let me share a few with you:

2018: UMBC vs. Virginia

Okay, this one wasn't technically a First Four game, but it started with a First Four team. UMBC, a No. 16 seed that had to win a First Four game just to make the tournament, went on to shock the world by beating top-seeded Virginia. It was the first time in NCAA Tournament history that a No. 16 seed had defeated a No. 1 seed, and it all began with their First Four victory.

2021: Loyola Chicago's Run

Loyola Chicago's journey to the Final Four is one of the greatest Cinderella stories in recent memory. They started in the First Four and didn't stop until they were one game away from the championship. Their inspiring run captured the hearts of fans across the country and proved that anything is possible in March Madness.

How to Watch the First Four Games

Now that you know why the First Four games are so important, you're probably wondering how you can watch them. Luckily, it's pretty easy. The games are typically broadcast on TBS, truTV, TNT, or CBS, depending on the year. You can also stream them online through the NCAA's official website or various sports streaming services.

Just make sure to set your DVR or schedule some time in your calendar, because once the First Four games start, you won't want to miss a second. Trust me, the action is non-stop, and the excitement is through the roof.

Top Teams to Watch in the First Four

Every year, there are a few teams that stand out in the First Four. These are the squads that have the potential to make noise in the tournament and maybe even pull off an upset or two. Here are some teams to keep an eye on this year:

Team A: Known for their strong defense and clutch performances, they could be a dark horse in the tournament.
Team B: With a star player leading the way, they have the talent to compete with anyone.
Team C: Coming off a conference championship, they're hungry to prove they belong with the big boys.

Of course, anything can happen in the First Four, so don't be surprised if a team you've never heard of suddenly becomes a household name.

Predictions for the First Four

While we can't predict the future, we can make some educated guesses based on past performances and current trends. Here are a few predictions for this year's First Four:

At least one team from the First Four will make it to the Sweet 16.
There will be at least one game decided in overtime, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
A player from the First Four will be named to the All-Tournament team.

Remember, these are just predictions, and the beauty of March Madness is that anything can happen. That's what makes it so exciting!

How the First Four Games Impact the Bracket

When it comes to filling out your bracket, the First Four games can have a significant impact. Winning or losing in the First Four can drastically change a team's path through the tournament. For example, a team that wins in the First Four might face a higher-seeded opponent in the Round of 64, making their road to the Final Four much tougher.

On the flip side, a team that loses in the First Four is out of the tournament entirely, leaving fans to speculate on what could have been. That's why it's so important to pay attention to these games when filling out your bracket. They can be the difference between a perfect bracket and a complete disaster.

Expert Tips for Watching the First Four

Want to make the most out of your First Four experience? Here are a few tips from the experts:

Do your research. Knowing the teams' histories and players' stats can give you an edge when predicting winners.
Watch for momentum. Teams that win convincingly in the First Four often carry that momentum into the Round of 64.
Stay flexible. Bracket predictions can change in an instant, so be prepared to adjust your picks as the tournament progresses.

And most importantly, enjoy the ride. The First Four games are just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks – everything you need to know about the First Four games. From their importance in the NCAA Tournament to the unforgettable moments they've produced, the First Four is a crucial part of March Madness that deserves your attention. So, grab your snacks, gather your friends, and get ready to witness some of the most exciting basketball games of the year.

Before you go, why not leave a comment and share your thoughts on the First Four? Who do you think will make the biggest impact this year? And don't forget to check out our other articles for more insights into the world of sports. Until next time, keep it locked here for all your basketball needs!

Gwyneth Paltrow Told Intimacy Coordinator To 'Step A Little Bit Back' During Sex Scenes With Timothée Chalamet
STL Blues: The Ultimate Guide To Understanding And Loving This Iconic Hockey Team
Louisiana Uses Nitrogen Gas For First Time In Death Row Execution: A Groundbreaking Shift

NCAA Tournament 2019 Winners and Losers of Wednesday's First Four

First Four Games 2021 sayapika27