It’s the most exhausting day in sports, not for the athletes but for the fans.
It’s the first Thursday of the NCAA tournament. Half the teams aren’t even playing yet and the other half have only 1 game.
But you the viewer, you have 16 first-round games to follow, and you’re doing it from your favorite establishment. And you the Chicago bartender, you are pouring beers far too early for a Thursday morning.
Hunker down. Strap it on. And no phone calls.
We’re about to show you how to make it out alive.
11:25 a.m.
In Buffalo, it’s Texas Tech (22-10) against Charlotte (21-8). When asked if he reminisced about his tourney days with Indiana, Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight said, “I don’t have any interest in being here previously.” Game face, folks. Meanwhile, in Raleigh it’s Florida (20-10) against Manhattan (24-5). Win out this weekend and you go to do time in Jersey.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: Go easy on the bar pretzels. Long day ahead.
11:40 a.m.
Maryland (19-11) and Texas-El Paso (24-7) toss it up in Denver. The Terps have reached the round of 16 or better in each of the last three seasons. Not saying, just saying.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: One glass of water every hour. Thank me later.
1:40 p.m.
Alabama (17-12) gets Southern Illinois (25-4) in Seattle, and it’s nice to see Saluki fans get a shot to look down their noses at a school south of them.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: Trade up for a bar table by the wall. It’s easier on the back.
About 2 p.m.
Back in Buffalo, it’s St. Joseph’s (27-1) and Liberty (18-14), and in Raleigh, it’s Wake Forest (19-9) and Virginia Commonwealth (23-7), and if you’re an alum of any of them, why are you still in Chicago?
Viewer’s Survival Tip: More water. Cannot stress enough.
About 2:10
Let’s go back to Denver as Syracuse (21-7) gets Brigham Young (21-8) and you’re getting friendly with the cutie by the window. Snap out of it and focus on the TV.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: Squeeze in a quick walk. Toes need blood too.
About 4 p.m.
Seattle sees Stanford (29-1) get Texas-San Antonio (19-13). “We’re going to have to be a part of a miracle,” UTSA coach Tim Carter told reporters. Leave that out of the pep speech.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: Time for a late lunch, perhaps a burger.
6:10 p.m.
Duke wakes up and walks to the Raleigh arena where Duke (27-5) gets Alabama State (16-14). Connecticut (27-6) didn’t walk to Buffalo for the game with Vermont (22-8).
Viewer’s Survival Tip: If you passed on the burger, have some chicken fingers, fries, doughnuts, something. You need your strength.
6:20 p.m.
More from Denver. It’s Texas (23-7) and Princeton (20-7). One school is a college football power, the other is Princeton.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: If those around you show concern, it’s because you’re lying on the bar, and your face is in the peanuts.
6:35 p.m.
Michigan State (18-11) targets Nevada (23-8), and the rest of the Big Ten has the Spartans’ backs. Three teams. Ridiculous.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: At this point, you think, “You know, I could live in Seattle.” Resist this feeling.
8:40 p.m.
Raleigh’s floors are wearing thin as Seton Hall (20-9) and Arizona (20-9) play the late one. Buffalo fans get Chicago’s DePaul (21-9) and upset-minded Dayton (24-8). Oh, let little Dayton dream.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: If you’ve been on the same barstool all day, tip the wait staff now. They’ll install a plaque with your name on it.
9 p.m.
North Carolina (18-10) goes against Air Force (22-6), and you have to slap yourself for thinking this is the NIT.
Viewer’s Survival Tip: Think of another reason to call in sick tomorrow.
9:30 p.m.
We finish as they begin in Seattle with Gonzaga (27-2) and Valparaiso (18-12), one former Cinderella with a chance against a former Cinderella with an early flight home Friday.
Final Tip: Sleep. Rinse. Repeat.
Tune in
If you don’t have access to all of Thursday’s games, here’s what Chicago’s gets on WBBM-Ch. 2.
11:25 a.m.: No. 9 Charlotte vs. No. 8 Texas Tech
1:40 p.m.: No. 9 Southern Illinois vs. No. 8 Alabama
6:35 p.m.: No. 10 Nevada vs. No. 7 Michigan State
8:40 p.m.: No. 10 Dayton vs. No. 7 DePaul
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Edited by Chris Malcolm (ccmalcolm@tribune.com)
and Chris Courtney (cdcourtney@tribune.com)
