Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling world of the NCAA Tournament 2021! If you're anything like me, you were probably glued to your screens, cheering on your favorite teams, and experiencing the highs and lows of March Madness. The 2021 tournament was particularly special, given the unique circumstances surrounding it. So, let’s take a walk down memory lane and break down the game times and schedule of this unforgettable event.

A Quick Recap of NCAA Tournament 2021

The NCAA Tournament 2021 was a rollercoaster of emotions, upsets, and unforgettable moments. Held entirely in Indiana to mitigate COVID-19 risks, the tournament provided a unique backdrop for some incredible basketball. From the First Four to the Final Four, every game was packed with drama and excitement. Key storylines included Oral Roberts' Cinderella run, Baylor's dominant performance, and Gonzaga's quest for an undefeated season.

The buzz around the tournament was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating each game. Whether you were filling out brackets, participating in office pools, or simply enjoying the games from the comfort of your home, the 2021 NCAA Tournament was a major cultural event. The use of a single geographic location added an extra layer of intensity, as teams battled it out in a concentrated basketball bubble. This setup meant fewer travel hassles but also amplified the pressure, as every game felt like a high-stakes showdown.

Moreover, the absence of fans in some games created an interesting dynamic, with the raw sounds of the game – squeaking sneakers, coaches’ shouts, and the swish of the net – becoming more prominent. Despite the challenges, the tournament organizers did an excellent job of creating a safe and competitive environment. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty details of the game times and schedule, so you can relive every moment of the action.

First Four: Tip-Off to Madness

The First Four games mark the official start of the NCAA Tournament. These games feature eight teams vying for the final four spots in the main bracket. In 2021, the First Four took place on March 18 at various times throughout the day. The matchups and their respective times were:

• Texas Southern vs. Mount St. Mary’s: This game tipped off at 5:10 PM ET. Texas Southern emerged victorious, setting the stage for their tournament journey.
• Drake vs. Wichita State: Following the first game, Drake and Wichita State battled it out at 6:27 PM ET. Drake secured a hard-fought win, advancing to the next round.
• Appalachian State vs. Norfolk State: The third game of the First Four saw Appalachian State face off against Norfolk State at 8:40 PM ET. Norfolk State clinched the win, adding to the excitement of the opening day.
• UCLA vs. Michigan State: The final game of the night featured a high-profile matchup between UCLA and Michigan State at 9:57 PM ET. UCLA pulled off a thrilling overtime victory, signaling their potential as a dark horse in the tournament.

These First Four games were crucial, as they set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Each game was a nail-biter, with teams leaving everything on the court. The energy and intensity of these matchups were a perfect prelude to the madness that was about to unfold. For fans, the First Four is an opportunity to get a sneak peek at some of the up-and-coming teams and witness the start of their March Madness dreams.

Remember, the First Four is more than just a preliminary round; it's a chance for teams to prove themselves and gain momentum heading into the main bracket. The winners of these games often carry that confidence forward, leading to some unexpected upsets and memorable performances.

Round 1 & 2: Upsets and Dominance

The first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament are where the real madness begins. Over the course of four days, 64 teams are whittled down to 16, with games happening from morning until late at night. In 2021, these rounds took place from March 19-22, offering a non-stop barrage of basketball action.

During these rounds, games typically started as early as 12:15 PM ET and continued until around midnight. Multiple games were played simultaneously across different channels, making it a challenge to keep up with all the action. Some notable games and times included:

• Oral Roberts vs. Ohio State: Oral Roberts pulled off a stunning upset against Ohio State, with a game time of 3:00 PM ET on March 19. This game became an instant classic and marked the beginning of Oral Roberts' Cinderella run.
• Baylor vs. Hartford: Baylor showcased their dominance with a convincing win over Hartford at 3:30 PM ET on March 19. This game highlighted Baylor's potential as a top contender for the championship.
• Loyola Chicago vs. Illinois: Loyola Chicago delivered a decisive victory against Illinois at 1:00 PM ET on March 21. This game underscored Loyola's experience and ability to perform under pressure.
• Gonzaga vs. Oklahoma: Gonzaga continued their undefeated streak with a win over Oklahoma at 2:40 PM ET on March 22. This game reaffirmed Gonzaga's status as a tournament favorite.

The first two rounds are notorious for upsets, and 2021 was no exception. Lower-seeded teams often rise to the occasion, capitalizing on the pressure and excitement of the tournament. These rounds are a true test of a team's depth, resilience, and ability to perform in high-stakes situations. For fans, it’s a time to witness the unexpected and cheer for the underdogs.

Additionally, the quick turnaround between games adds another layer of complexity. Teams must quickly recover and prepare for their next opponent, making coaching and player conditioning crucial factors. The first and second rounds truly embody the spirit of March Madness, with their non-stop action and unpredictable outcomes. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Sweet Sixteen & Elite Eight: The Field Narrows

As the tournament progresses, the stakes get higher, and the competition becomes even fiercer. The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds determine which teams will advance to the coveted Final Four. In 2021, these rounds took place from March 27-30, featuring some of the most intense and memorable games of the tournament.

Game times during the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight typically ranged from the late afternoon to the late evening, with matchups scheduled to maximize viewership. Some standout games and their respective times included:

• Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago: Oregon State continued their surprising run with a win over Loyola Chicago at 2:40 PM ET on March 27. This game showcased Oregon State's resilience and ability to overcome challenges.
• Baylor vs. Villanova: Baylor demonstrated their strength with a dominant performance against Villanova at 5:15 PM ET on March 27. This victory solidified Baylor's position as a top contender.
• Gonzaga vs. Creighton: Gonzaga maintained their undefeated record with a win over Creighton at 2:10 PM ET on March 28. This game highlighted Gonzaga's offensive prowess and ability to close out games.
• USC vs. Oregon: USC put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell to Oregon at 9:45 PM ET on March 28. This game was a hard-fought battle between two talented teams.

The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds are where the pretenders are separated from the contenders. Teams must execute their game plans flawlessly and demonstrate poise under pressure. These rounds are a true test of a team's mental toughness and ability to perform at the highest level. For fans, it’s a chance to witness some of the most exciting and closely contested games of the tournament.

Moreover, the strategic element of the game becomes even more pronounced in these rounds. Coaches must make crucial decisions about player rotations, defensive schemes, and offensive adjustments. The ability to adapt and react to changing circumstances is essential for success. The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds are a thrilling culmination of skill, strategy, and determination, setting the stage for the Final Four.

Final Four & Championship: The Grand Finale

The Final Four and Championship games represent the pinnacle of the NCAA Tournament. These games determine the national champion and are watched by millions of fans around the world. In 2021, the Final Four took place on April 3, with the Championship game on April 5.

The game times for the Final Four were as follows:

• Baylor vs. Houston: Baylor dominated Houston with a convincing win at 5:14 PM ET on April 3. This game showcased Baylor's exceptional defense and balanced offense.
• Gonzaga vs. UCLA: Gonzaga and UCLA played an instant classic, with Gonzaga winning in overtime at 8:34 PM ET on April 3. Jalen Suggs' buzzer-beater is still talked about today.

The Championship game between Baylor and Gonzaga took place on April 5 at 9:20 PM ET. Baylor defeated Gonzaga, ending their undefeated season and claiming the national championship. This game was a showcase of Baylor's superior athleticism and tactical execution.

The Final Four and Championship games are the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Teams must overcome numerous challenges and obstacles to reach this stage, making the experience all the more rewarding. These games are a celebration of college basketball and a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness history in the making and cheer on their favorite teams as they compete for the ultimate prize.

In conclusion, the NCAA Tournament 2021 was an unforgettable event filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. From the First Four to the Championship game, every game was a testament to the passion and dedication of the players and coaches. Reliving the game times and schedule allows us to appreciate the incredible journey of each team and the lasting legacy of this iconic tournament.