The madness has officially arrived. As the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament tips off, all eyes turn to the “First Four” matchups that determine which teams will fill out the final spots in the field of 64. Among the most intriguing storylines is the battle in the Portland 3 Region, where the No. 11 seed Arizona Wildcats face off against the No. 16 seed LIU Sharks.

For Arizona, this is a chance to prove they belong after a grueling season in the powerhouse Pac-12. For Long Island University (LIU), it is a historic milestone, marking the program’s first-ever appearance in the Big Dance. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the game and what to expect on the court.

Game Information: Time and Broadcast Schedule

The First Four showdown is set to take place at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut—the home court of the UConn Huskies, who are hosting the early rounds of this region.

• Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. MST
• Location: Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, CT
• TV Channel: ESPN2
• Live Stream: ESPN+, Fubo, and Sling TV

Arizona’s Quest for Redemption

The Wildcats (17-15) enter the tournament as one of the last at-large teams selected. Led by head coach Adia Barnes, Arizona navigated one of the toughest schedules in the country, playing in a Pac-12 conference that featured some of the nation’s elite programs. Despite a roster shortened by injuries and mid-season departures, the Wildcats showed resilience, particularly in the conference tournament where they secured key victories to bolster their resume.

Arizona relies on a gritty, defensive-minded approach. Senior guard Helena Pueyo is the heartbeat of the defense, often tasked with neutralizing the opponent’s best perimeter threat. Offensively, the Wildcats look to freshman standout Jada Williams and veteran Esmery Martinez to provide the scoring punch needed to advance.

LIU’s Historic Cinderella Run

The LIU Sharks (15-16) are the ultimate underdog story of the 2024 tournament. After a middling regular season, the Sharks caught fire during the Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament, upsetting top seeds to capture the conference title and earn an automatic bid. This is the first time in school history that the women’s program has reached the NCAA Tournament.

The Sharks are led by guard Ashley Austin, who averaged nearly 15 points per game this season. Her ability to create shots and get to the free-throw line will be critical if LIU hopes to pull off a massive upset against a high-major opponent like Arizona. Inside, Amaya Dowdy provides a shot-blocking presence that will challenge the Wildcats’ interior scorers.

Key Matchups to Watch

The game will likely be decided in the backcourt. The matchup between Arizona’s Jada Williams and LIU’s Ashley Austin features two dynamic playmakers who can change the momentum of a game in an instant. Furthermore, Arizona’s “Greyhound” press defense will test the Sharks’ poise; if LIU can limit turnovers and handle the Wildcats’ length, they could keep the game competitive deep into the second half.

What’s at Stake?

The winner of this First Four matchup won’t have much time to celebrate. They will immediately advance to the Round of 64 to face the No. 6 seed Syracuse Orange on Saturday. For Arizona, a win would validate their inclusion in the field and set up a potential deep run. For LIU, a victory would be one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, adding another chapter to their already legendary season.

Be sure to tune in to ESPN2 to witness the beginning of the journey for these two programs as they fight for survival in the most exciting tournament in sports.