March Madness isn’t about snow finally melting—though that’s what some Kiwis living in Canada might think when they first hear the term. It’s about college basketball, brackets, upsets, and a uniquely American sports obsession that has fans across the United States—and Canada—glued to their screens every March.
Kia Ora Canada was on the ground at the Iconic Madison Square Garden on March 14th for the Big East Men’s Basketball Final as the madness began heating up in the lead-up to the NCAA tournament.
College Basketball at Madison Square Garden
For any sports fan visiting New York, Madison Square Garden is often on the bucket list. While tickets for New York Knicks games can be expensive, college basketball offers an accessible way to experience the legendary arena.
For Kiwis living in North America, it can take a little time to understand just how big college sports are here—but quickly, the answer becomes clear: it’s a must-watch spectacle.
The Big East Final featured St. John’s Red Storm, the defending champions, against 2024 and 2023 National Champions UConn Huskies. These teams are fierce rivals, and the intensity showed.
The Scene Inside MSG
The crowd wasn’t just students—fans of all ages packed the stands. The energy was unlike anything we had experienced at a basketball game. Bands played from the stands, mascots roamed the court, huge flags waved, and chants echoed around the arena.
Even celebrity sightings added to the excitement. Ray Romano, best known to Kiwis from the 90s hit Everybody Loves Raymond, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm when he learned he would be watching the game from a suite as he walked past the media room.
On the court, St. John’s controlled the game despite UConn’s passionate fans. The final score read 72–52 in favor of St. John’s, guided by legendary Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino.
What Is March Madness?
March Madness is the annual NCAA Division I men’s college basketball tournament featuring 68 teams in a single-elimination format. Its unpredictable nature makes it a cultural phenomenon—not just in the U.S., but also in Canada. Sports bars show the games, fans track every upset, and close finishes keep everyone on edge.
Looking Ahead to Current March Madness
Both St. John’s (ranked 5th) and UConn (ranked 2nd) remain in the NCAA tournament as it moves toward the Sweet 16 stage. St. John’s will face #1 ranked Duke, while UConn takes on #3 ranked Michigan State. Should both teams win, a rematch in the next round is on the cards.
The Bracket Challenge
The “bracket” is essentially a prediction of who will win each matchup. Picking the perfect bracket is famously difficult—no one has ever done it successfully. Companies have even offered big prizes for perfect brackets, including a $1 billion promotion in 2014. Statistically, even informed guesses give only a 1 in 120 billion chance of correctly predicting every game. This doesn’t stop anyone trying including former President Barack Obama, who famously shares his picks each year on social media.
Whether you’re a Kiwi newcomer or a longtime North American sports fan, March Madness is a whirlwind of excitement, rivalry, and unforgettable sporting moments. For Kia Ora Canada, witnessing the Big East Final live at Madison Square Garden was the perfect introduction to the madness.