The First Four starts now

Dayton, Ohio, will be the center of college basketball for the next two days as the First Four of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship unfolds at UD Arena.

The eight teams playing arrived at UD Arena yesterday and today, getting to practice on the court they will compete on. Each team had 40 minutes to make final preparations before their upcoming games. These practices were free and open to the public, allowing local fans to get an early taste of what's to come. 

Tonight will kick off with Southeast Missouri State vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, followed by Pittsburgh vs. Mississippi State. Among the media professionals covering First Four games will be UD students with media credentials, like myself. UD Magazine makes the opportunity available to its student photographers and writers. Some other UD students are helping out around the Arena as part of their classes at UD or as student employees. The First Four feels almost as important for students like us as it does for the teams that are competing.

Tune in to see the action for yourself later tonight and tomorrow. And look for me under the basket taking photos.