Start flexing those foam fingers, college b-ball fans. The NCAA Men’s and Women’s basketball tournaments are underway. And you just know Indy will be all in — especially since we’re playing host.
That’s right, second round men’s games tip off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse tomorrow, Sat., March 19. While Indiana’s teams are traveling out of town, you can catch two other matchups downtown — so those who want to score some seats should get them now .
Local favorites are well represented in the tourneys, thanks to Purdue + Notre Dame in the men’s bracket, and Indiana, Notre Dame + IUPUI on the women’s side. Truly any team has a shot to win it all, so may the odds be ever in their favor.
We’ll help you sort through all the madness to cheer on those home squads whether it’s on the couch or the bar stool. Oh, and don’t forget to vote on the INDYtoday brewery backet , which promises to be a real buzzer beater, too.
Michigan advanced during Session 1 at Gainbridge Thursday afternoon. | Photo via @djbandcamp
Game on 🏀
Men’s basketball
- Purdue (3) vs. Yale (14) | Fri., March 18 | 2 p.m. | TBS | Like the Boilermakers’ chances? No. 3 seeds have made the second round — aka the Thankful 32 — 84.7% of the time .
- Notre Dame (11) vs. Alabama (6) | Fri., March 18 | 4:15 p.m. | TNT | Though not the favorites, the Fighting Irish had an exciting First Four victory and No. 11 seeds make the next round 37.5% of the time .
Indiana University (12) men’s basketball season came to an end last night as Saint Mary’s (5) outscored the Hoosiers 82-53. It was a sad end to a season that offered a bit of hope for the team in its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2015.
Women’s basketball
- Indiana (3) vs. Charlotte (14) | Sat., March 19 | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN2
- Notre Dame (5) vs. UMass (12) | Sat., March 19 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2
- IUPUI (13) vs. Oklahoma (4) | Sat., March 19 | 10 p.m. | ESPNU
Party till the brackets bust 🎉
Bottleworks BBall Bash | Fri., March 18-Sun., March 20 | 12-9 p.m. | Carrollton Ave. | Free | Celebrate the NCAA basketball tournament with a watch party that’s taking over the Bottleworks District — with 20-foot LED screens to watch the games, beer trailers, food + fun.
Charity Basketball Tournament
| Sat., March 19 | 8-11 p.m. | Greenwood Community Center, 100 Surina Way | $10 | If you have hoops fever, this five vs. five basketball tournament is open to all high school + college students — 100% of entry fees will be donated to Riley Children’s Hospital.