**NCAA Tournament 2024 First Round Start With **Kansas**: Big Upset on the Horizon as March Madness Gets Underway**

Charlotte, North Carolina – The anticipation for the NCAA Tournament is at its peak as the games kick off with the first round action on Thursday. Viewers can catch all the excitement on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV, as teams battle it out to secure a spot in the next round. The field of 64 will be whittled down to 48 teams across 16 games in the bracket.

With blue-blood programs like North Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas starting their campaigns, the stage is set for thrilling matchups. Teams are gearing up to either continue their spoiling streak from conference tournaments or pull off surprises against their opponents. The NCAA Tournament is known for unexpected results, making every game a must-watch as top seeds have fallen in the past.

As fans gear up for a day filled with college basketball action, key storylines emerge. For Kansas, injuries have plagued their star players, raising concerns about their performance. Facing a deep rotation team like Samford, the Jayhawks will need to navigate challenges both on the court and in altitude conditions in Salt Lake City.

Legendary coach Tom Izzo of Michigan State embarks on his 26th consecutive tournament appearance, looking to add to his impressive record. The Spartans face a tough matchup against Mississippi State, with the potential for another showdown against North Carolina looming in the next round.

Bid thieves have added an element of surprise to this year’s tournament, with teams like Duquesne entering the fray with newfound confidence. The joy of securing bids after conference tournament victories will be put to the test as these underdogs face top-tier competition.

With a lineup of exciting games on the schedule, basketball fans are in for a treat as the NCAA Tournament kicks off in full swing. Stay tuned for updates on the latest results and standout performances on the road to the Final Four.