Oklahoma Sooners: First-Round Matchup in March Madness 2025 – Game Time, Date, and What to Expect
March Madness, the annual NCAA Tournament, is one of the most exhilarating and unpredictable times in college basketball. Fans eagerly await the selection of teams, the unveiling of brackets, and the start of the first-round games. For the Oklahoma Sooners, a team known for its basketball legacy, March Madness represents an opportunity to showcase their strength, grit, and potential on a national stage. As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, the Sooners are preparing for their first-round matchup. In this article, we’ll explore the tip time, date, and expectations surrounding Oklahoma’s first game in March Madness 2025.
The Road to the Tournament
The journey to March Madness is never easy. Teams in the Big 12 Conference, like the Oklahoma Sooners, face some of the toughest competition in college basketball. From intense conference matchups to the unpredictable nature of the NCAA selection committee, the Sooners’ march to the tournament has been a testament to their resilience and talent.
Throughout the season, Oklahoma has faced a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but ultimately, they earned their spot in the field of 68. Their performance in the Big 12, one of the nation’s most competitive conferences, was key in securing their place in the tournament. The Sooners have had some impressive wins, solid team chemistry, and standout individual performances that helped them solidify their spot in the March Madness field.
Oklahoma’s 2025 Tournament Bracket
As the NCAA Selection Committee unveils the brackets, excitement builds for the Sooners’ fans. While the team’s exact seeding can fluctuate in the days leading up to the official bracket reveal, it is clear that Oklahoma will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament. In recent years, the Sooners have shown the ability to be a dangerous team in March, making them a dark horse for those who follow college basketball closely.
In the 2025 edition of the NCAA Tournament, Oklahoma is positioned in one of the more competitive regions of the bracket. This region is packed with powerhouse teams that will provide formidable opposition, but also opportunities for upsets. The Sooners’ first-round matchup could determine how far they can go in the tournament.
First-Round Game: Opponent, Date, and Tip Time
The first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament is scheduled to take place during the traditional “First Four” weekend. March Madness kicks off on Thursday, March 20, 2025, with the first set of games. Oklahoma, who secured an at-large bid to the tournament, will play in a late afternoon/early evening game. The Sooners’ first-round matchup will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4:30 PM (Central Time).
The Sooners are scheduled to face off against the Xavier Musketeers, a team with a storied history in NCAA basketball. The Musketeers come into the tournament as a No. 8 seed and are known for their disciplined play and defensive prowess. They will pose a strong challenge for the Sooners, but Oklahoma is more than capable of handling such competition.
This game will be broadcast nationally on CBS, ensuring that the Sooners’ loyal fanbase will be able to tune in and cheer them on, no matter where they are located. For fans attending the game in person, it will be held at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This neutral-site venue will provide an exciting atmosphere, and the fans in attendance will be treated to high-level basketball action.
A Look at the Opponent: Xavier Musketeers
Xavier’s 2025 basketball team has been one of the most consistent squads in the Big East, and they are poised to make a significant impact in the tournament. Head coach Sean Miller has the Musketeers playing a disciplined, defensive-minded style that has seen them remain competitive throughout the regular season and into the postseason. Their balanced roster features multiple players who can create scoring opportunities, both inside and beyond the arc.
Xavier’s standout player this season has been Zach Freemantle, a versatile forward who has played an integral role in both offense and defense. His ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently makes him a major matchup problem for the Sooners. Additionally, the Musketeers’ backcourt, led by senior guard Adam Kunkel, brings experience and playmaking ability to the table. Kunkel’s ability to facilitate and score in clutch moments will be something to watch as the game unfolds.
For Oklahoma to succeed in their first-round game, they will need to match Xavier’s physicality and avoid falling into a defensive battle. The Sooners’ up-tempo offense, led by point guard Grant Sherfield, will be crucial in pushing the pace and creating scoring opportunities. Sherfield has been the leader for Oklahoma all season long, and his playmaking ability will be key to helping the Sooners advance to the second round.
Oklahoma’s Path to Victory
Oklahoma’s first-round matchup will not be an easy one, but the team has the tools necessary to pull off an upset. Here are some keys to victory for the Sooners:
1. Controlling the Tempo
One of the Sooners’ biggest strengths this season has been their ability to dictate the pace of the game. They excel in transition, and their ability to get out in the open court and score in fast breaks could be the difference-maker in this game. By pushing the tempo, they can force Xavier into a less comfortable style of play, potentially neutralizing their defensive strength.
2. Defensive Discipline
While the Sooners are known for their offensive firepower, they must also bring their defensive intensity to the table in March Madness. Against a team like Xavier, which relies heavily on physical play and ball control, Oklahoma needs to disrupt their offense. By closing down passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and limiting second-chance opportunities, the Sooners can keep the Musketeers from finding a rhythm.
3. Grant Sherfield’s Leadership
As the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, Sherfield’s performance will be crucial in the first-round matchup. He has proven to be an elite guard capable of creating his own shot, distributing the ball, and making key plays down the stretch. If Sherfield can find his rhythm early and keep the defense honest, Oklahoma will be in a strong position to advance.
4. Rebounding Battle
Xavier is a team that excels in controlling the boards, and they have the size and physicality to challenge Oklahoma inside. To stay competitive, the Sooners must focus on winning the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive glass. Second-chance points could be the deciding factor in what promises to be a tight game, so Oklahoma’s forwards, such as Jalen Hill and Tanner Groves, will need to play a key role on the boards.
Fan Experience and Game-Day Atmosphere
For Oklahoma basketball fans, March Madness is a time to rally around the team and show support. With the first-round game taking place in Denver, some fans will have the