The first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament have concluded, which means the action won’t resume until Thursday and Friday, when the eight Sweet 16 games will be played.
Tip times and broadcast details have now been released, and while the matchups are among the best we’ve seen in recent years, the scheduling and the networks airing the games are facing heavy scrutiny.
On both days, the games overlap significantly. The first matchup tips off at 7:10 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by another at 7:30 p.m. ET, creating only a slight stagger and resulting in both games running at nearly the same time.
Later in the night, games are scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. ET and 10:10 p.m. ET. The only difference on Friday is a slight five-minute shift, with the second game set to tip at 7:35 p.m. ET.
Fans, especially those on the East Coast, have taken issue with the timing, as the final two games will likely not end until well after midnight.
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“These tip times are insane. Overlapping games is great if you start them earlier,” a fan said.
Someone else added, “And the greatness of March Madness is over with these ridiculously late tip times. Oh well it was fun while it lasted.”
Another fan posted, “Nearly half the U.S. population live in the Eastern Time Zone (and only 16% in Pacific), yet we set games at 9:45PM & 10:05PM on a work night. And you know tip-off always get delayed.”
“Why are the games so late? I know it gives players more rest and being in Ca it’s not bad but for East Coast it’s terrible,” a fan shared.
One more commented, “These tip times are horrible.”
Tip times have not been significantly altered over the past decade when it comes to scheduling the Sweet 16, but they have consistently been one of the more unpopular decisions.
Regardless, fans will still be tuned in for all the action, with the Elite Eight set to be played across Saturday and Sunday, featuring two games each day, which will then the set stage the following Saturday for the Final Four in Indianapolis.
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