March Madness First Four Sets Record with 7.4M Total Viewers amid UNC, Xavier Wins

This year's First Four delivered a record-setting viewership of 7.4 million on truTV, marking a 20 percent increase from last year.

Xavier's thrilling 86-80 comeback win over Texas to close Wednesday evening averaged 2.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched First Four game ever under the traditional format.

The First Four began with North Carolina's dominant 95-68 win over San Diego State before Alabama State won a fantastic game over St. Francis (PA), 70-68. That marked the most-watched Tuesday ever (3.6 million).

Mount St. Mary's beat American 83-72 to kick off Wednesday before Xavier became the final team to earn a Round of 64 spot. That day was the most-watched Wednesday ever (3.9 million).

This year's First Four notably featured a quartet of programs that have enjoyed various levels of NCAA tournament success over the years.

UNC and Texas are obviously two of the biggest collegiate programs in the country, while Xavier used to be a perennial NCAA tournament team and San Diego State is just two years removed from a national championship game appearance.

North Carolina entered the First Four with much criticism being levied at the Tar Heels for making the field despite going 1-12 in Quad 1 games. UNC responded with a 32-point victory led by RJ Davis' 26 points.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, Alabama State authored a play that will assuredly make the "One Shining Moment" video at tournament's end, when Micah Simpson's full court pass found its way to Amarr Knox just before the buzzer for the 70-68 win.

On Wednesday, American unfortunately suffered a huge loss after Patriot League tournament MVP Matt Rogers sustained a knee injury in the first half. Mount St. Mary's took control and won behind 22 points apiece from Jedy Cordilia and Dola Adebayo.

In the nightcap, Texas led by 13 points in the first half and 10 points in the second but could not hold on. Marcus Foster's 22 points and Zach Freemantle's 15 led the way.

The First Four set the table for the first round, which is well underway and has already featured a big upset with No. 12 McNeese taking down No. 5 Clemson 69-67.