Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Your Guide to Michigan State–UCLA and the Rest of Thursday's First Four

Editor's Note: Welcome to Morning Madness, SI's daily newsletter during the NCAA tournament. We'll provide you with insight, analysis, picks and more from our college hoops experts. Sign up here.

Ready for the madness to begin? The 2021 men's NCAA tournament kicks off Thursday night with the First Four, which brings two No. 11 seed matchups (including two bluebloods facing off) and two No. 16 matchups for the right to advance to the first round. Normally held in Dayton, this year's First Four will be held at the homes of Indiana (Assembly Hall) and Purdue (Mackey Arena).