As the NCAA basketball season draws near, the excitement for March Madness 2023 is already building up. Fans across the country are eager to see their favorite college basketball teams compete against each other in a highly-anticipated bracket-style tournament. With 32 first-round games scheduled, this year’s tournament is expected to be filled with nail-biting moments and edge-of-the-seat action.
In this article, we’ll be ranking every NCAA Tournament first-round game from No. 1 to 32, based on team performance, player strength, and overall excitement factor.
1. Duke Vs. Kentucky: This game is one of the most highly anticipated matches of the tournament, which will see two powerhouse teams, Duke and Kentucky, go head to head. Both teams have an impressive track record in the NCAA Tournament, and the game is sure to be filled with adrenaline-pumping moments.
2. Kansas Vs. Michigan State: The matchup between Kansas and Michigan State has always been a thrilling one for fans across the country. While Kansas has proven to be a dominant team, the Michigan State Spartans have had their fair share of upsets, making this match an exciting one to watch.
3. Gonzaga Vs. Villanova: With Gonzaga making their sixth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, the Bulldogs will be looking to prove their worth against the Wildcats. Both Gonzaga and Villanova have had an impressive run over the past few seasons, making this game a must-watch event.
4. North Carolina Vs. UCLA: This game between North Carolina and UCLA is set to be a head-to-head battle between two legendary coaches, Roy Williams and Mick Cronin. Both teams have a talented lineup, and fans can expect an exciting game with plenty of drama.
5. Arizona State Vs. Indiana: Arizona State and Indiana have both had a fair share of ups and downs over recent years, making this matchup an unpredictable one. Both teams have some talented players, and this game is expected to be a close one.
6. Virginia Vs. Baylor: Virginia and Baylor are two teams with contrasting styles of play, which makes this matchup intriguing. The Cavaliers’ defensive-minded approach will come up against the Bears’ high-powered offense, making for a fascinating clash.
7. Tennessee Vs. Ohio State: This game between Tennessee and Ohio State is set to be an interesting battle, with both teams having a fair share of young talent. Fans can expect plenty of excitement as the two teams go head to head.
8. Syracuse Vs. Purdue: The Syracuse Orange and Purdue Boilermakers will play a battle of contrasting styles, with the Orange’s zone defense coming up against the Boilermakers’ high-speed offense. This game is expected to be a close one.
9. Houston Vs. Villanova: Both Houston and Villanova come into this game with an impressive resume, making this match an exciting one to watch. Fans can expect fast-paced action and plenty of drama.
10. West Virginia Vs. Michigan: The matchup between West Virginia and Michigan is a battle between two teams with a tough-as-nails mentality. Both teams play aggressive basketball, so expect plenty of collisions and high-intensity gameplay.
11. Alabama Vs. Wisconsin: This game between Alabama and Wisconsin is set to be an intense battle, with both teams having a strong roster of players. Fans can expect plenty of action as the two teams go head-to-head.
12. Oregon Vs. Oklahoma: Both Oregon and Oklahoma have had strong seasons leading up to the tournament, making this game a must-watch. Fans can expect fast-paced action and exciting plays from both teams.
13. Texas Vs. Xavier: This game between Texas and Xavier is set to be a close one, with both teams having a talented roster. Fans can expect plenty of drama and excitement as the two teams battle it out.
14. USC Vs. Florida State: USC and Florida State are two teams with contrasting styles of play, making this matchup intriguing. This game is expected to be a closely fought encounter.
15. Florida Vs. Maryland: Florida and Maryland are two teams with a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, making this game a must-watch event. Fans can expect plenty of tension and drama as the two teams go head to head.
16. Wichita State Vs. Saint Mary’s: This game between Wichita State and Saint Mary’s is set to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams having a strong roster of players. Fans can expect fast-paced action and plenty of excitement.
17. Kentucky Vs. Louisville: The battle between Kentucky and Louisville is one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament, with both teams having a rich history in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can expect plenty of excitement as the two teams go head-to-head.
18. Creighton Vs. Arkansas: This game between Creighton and Arkansas is set to be a closely fought encounter, with both teams having some talented players. Fans can expect plenty of tension and drama as the two teams battle it out.
19. San Diego State Vs. Colorado State: This game between San Diego State and Colorado State is set to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams having a strong roster of players. Fans can expect fast-paced action and plenty of excitement.
20. Louisville Vs. Saint Louis: This game between Louisville and Saint Louis is set to be an interesting battle, with both teams having a fair share of young talent. Fans can expect plenty of excitement as the two teams go head-to-head.
21. Purdue Vs. UNC Greensboro: This game between Purdue and UNC Greensboro is set to be a closely fought encounter, with both teams having a talented roster. Fans can expect plenty of tension and drama as the two teams battle it out.
22. Ohio State Vs. VCU: This game between Ohio State and VCU is set to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams having a strong roster of players. Fans can expect fast-paced action and plenty of excitement.
23. Maryland Vs. LSU: This game between Maryland and LSU is set to be a close one, with both teams having a talented roster. Fans can expect plenty of drama and excitement as the two teams battle it out.
24. Michigan Vs. UCLA: This game between Michigan and UCLA is set to be an interesting battle, with both teams having a fair share of young talent. Fans can expect plenty of excitement as the two teams go head-to-head.
25. Oregon State Vs. Georgetown: This game between Oregon State and Georgetown is set to be a tightly contested matchup, with both teams having a strong roster of players. Fans can expect plenty of excitement and drama.
26. Colorado Vs. BYU: This game between Colorado and BYU is set to be an intriguing matchup, with both teams having a rich history in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can expect plenty of excitement as the two teams go head-to-head.
27. St. Bonaventure Vs. Utah State: This game between St. Bonaventure and Utah State is set to be a closely fought encounter, with both teams having a talented roster. Fans can expect plenty of tension and drama as the two teams battle it out.
28. Syracuse Vs. Belmont: This game between Syracuse and Belmont is set to be an interesting battle, with both teams having a fair share of young talent. Fans can expect plenty of excitement as the two teams go head-to-head.
29. Iowa State Vs. Drake: This game between Iowa State and Drake is set to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams having a strong roster of players. Fans can expect fast-paced action and plenty of excitement.
30. Virginia Tech Vs. Colgate: This game between Virginia Tech and Colgate is set to be a closely contested matchup, with both teams having a talented roster. Fans can expect plenty of tension and drama as the two teams battle it out.
31. Coastal Carolina Vs. Norfolk State: This game between Coastal Carolina and Norfolk State is set to be an intriguing matchup, with both teams looking to make a name for themselves in the competition. Fans can expect plenty of excitement and drama.
32. North Carolina A&T Vs. Texas Southern: This game between North Carolina A&T and Texas Southern is set to be a closely contested matchup, with both teams looking to make a statement in the tournament. Fans can expect plenty of tension and drama as the two teams battle it out.
In conclusion, the NCAA Tournament first-round games are set to be filled with excitement, tension, and plenty of drama. Fans across the country can look forward to an intense battle between some of the best college basketball teams in the country. With the games ranked from No. 1 to 32 based on performance, strength, and overall excitement factor, fans will have plenty of fantastic matchups to look forward to during March Madness 2023.
