VCU comeback helps deliver record NCAA first-round viewership
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Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams puts up a shot. Photo: Jamie Sabau/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
VCU's epic win over UNC last week helped deliver the NCAA Tournament's most-watched first round ever.
Why it matters: Everybody loves the Rams, especially when they crush UNC in overtime.
By the numbers: An average 12.5 million viewers tuned into Thursday's primetime games, which included VCU-UNC and Michigan-Howard, [the NCAA Tournament first round during primetime on Thursday,] per March Madness Men's Basketball TV.
- Overall, the day averaged 9.8 million viewers, up 6% from last year and the tournament's "best opening day on record," per Nielsen ratings.
Yes, but: For our money, Thursday was all about the Rams executing, as ESPN noted, one of the biggest comebacks in NCAA Tournament history.
- That comeback is likely why VCU extended coach Phil Martelli Jr.'s contract through 2032 this week, per the Times-Dispatch.
- His contract was set to end in 2030.
The bottom line: The Rams might be out of the tournament after falling to Illinois, but March Madness is clearly better when VCU is in it.