The Alcohol Professor has some huge college basketball fans among its ranks, so we’re really, really excited to launch the inaugural Booze Bracket™! Here’s how it works:

We’ve looked at every team playing in the 2021 Men’s NCAA March Madness Tournament, and coupled each one with an hometown brewery, winery, and distillery. As the teams move up the bracket, so will the booze-makers! All of the producers featured in the Booze Bracket have won awards at one of the International Beverage Competition Series events, held annually in New York, Berlin, Melbourne and Hong Kong. (Note: for the few teams that don’t have an award winner based in their hometown or state, we went with the brewery/winery/distillery connected to the hometown of a top player or coach.) At the end of the tournament, producers who are paired up with the Final Four teams, as well as the eventual National Champion, will get a special award, courtesy of the International Beverage Competition Series.

This page will be live-updated with matchups, results, and commentary, so check back often to see how your favorite beverage producers are faring alongside their teams! We’ll also be posting all tournament rounds and matchups on Alcohol Professor’s social media channels as well, so be sure to follow all the action on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Live updates start below:

4.05.2021

The national championship

It all comes down to this! Coverage for the final game of the NCAA Tournament starts tonight at 9:20 pm ET! Here’s what to watch and what to drink:

THE FINAL

#1 Baylor vs #1 gonzaga

9:20 pm ET on CBS

Wow — what a Final Four game! Give credit to UCLA, who surpassed the odds time and time again, only to see their dreams crushed by that buzzer-beating shot by Gonzaga. The Bruins played a perfect game, and Baylor will need to do the same against this still-unbeaten Gonzaga team. Baylor fans should lift their whiskey-tinged glasses (filled with Balcones, the 2019 NYISC Texas Distillery of the Year,) and be proud their team made it to the championship — they’ll surely make it a fight for the ages. 

In the end, Gonzaga simply has too many shooting weapons  — and a chip on their shoulder when they play defense. The Bulldogs will win, and finish 32-0; the last time a team had that record was the 1976 Indiana team. This Gonzaga team should — and will — be a team that all other college basketball teams will be judged against. Bulldogs fans should mix up a craft cocktail using spirits from Heritage Distilling Co. (the 2020 Washington State Distillery of the Year) and enjoy watching history when they win tonight.

4.03.2021

The final 4

Coverage for Final 4 games starts Saturday at 5:14 pm ET! Here’s what to watch and what to drink:

FINAL FOUR - GAME 1

#2 Houston vs #1 Baylor

5:14pm ET on CBS

This gritty Houston team advanced past Oregon State by playing strong defense and owning the boards at the end of the game. After playing four double-seeded teams, though, they’re in for the match of the tournament against a strong #1 Baylor team. Baylor will look to simply outshoot the three against Houston and keep a manageable lead throughout the game; Houston fans will need to pour a big glass of whiskey from Balcones Distillery (the 2019 Texas Distillery of the Year) and be happy they reached the Final Four this year.

FINAL FOUR - GAME 2

#11 UCLA vs #1 Gonzaga

8:34pm ET on CBS

#11 UCLA dispatched perennial Big Ten powerhouse #1 Michigan by playing strong defense to make it to the Final Four — now they face the undefeated (and expected tournament champion) #1 Gonzaga. Minus some alumni in the Hollywood Hills, who else had UCLA in the Final Four against this untouchable Gonzaga group? Bruins fans should open a nice bottle of red from Frey Vineyards (the 2020 NYIWC California Organic Winery of the Year) and be thrilled they made it to the Final Four this year while playing lockdown defense all tournament long.

3.29.2021

The elite 8

Coverage for Elite 8 games starts tonight at 7:15 pm ET! Here’s what to watch and what to drink:

SOUTH REGION

#1 Baylor vs #3 Arkansas

tonight at 9:57pm on CBS

Arkansas survived the scare from Cinderella team Oral Roberts to get to the next round. This #1 vs #3 matchup feels more like a Final Four game, and there will be many lead changes throughout — but Baylor and their deeper bench will pull ahead in the final minutes. Baylor fans should put a big rock in their glass and sip a nice whiskey from Balcones Distillery (the 2019 NYISC Texas Whiskey Distillery of the Year).

MIDWEST REGION

#2 Houston vs #12 Oregon State

tonight at 7:15pm On CBS

Houston must have been really happy to get past Rutgers, as they then easily dispatched with Syracuse using their strong defense. Oregon State will make their foul shots, but will be held to under 60 points and watch as Houston advances to the Final Four. Houston fans should enjoy a nice flavored whiskey cocktail from Devil’s River Distillery (the 2020 NYISC Texas Flavored Bourbon Distillery of the Year) as their team puts on a defensive masterclass.

EAST REGION

#1 MICHIGAN vs #11 UCLA

tuesday at 9:57pm On CBS

UCLA didn’t fold when #2 Alabama hit the three to force OT in their last game — but now they’re facing the best of the Big Ten, where every game in the conference is a battle. Michigan will need to improve on their foul line shooting and bring some seriously stingy defense to keep the Bruins from controlling the boards. In the end, UCLA fans should pour a stiff couple of fingers from 10th Street Distillery (the 2020 NYISC California Whiskey Distillery of the Year) to celebrate how far their 11th-seeded team traveled in this crazy tournament.

WEST REGION

#1 gonzaga vs #6 Usc

tuesday at 7:15pm On CBS

This game may be the toughest game for Gonzaga if they’re going to win the championship. USC is one of the tallest teams in the tourney, with incredible shot-blocking abilities; Gonzaga will need to move the ball around and get into an early rhythm to be able to advance. USC should decant a bottle from McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards (the 2020 NYIWC Napa Valley Winery of the Year) at the start of the game, and hope their team can last longer than the finish of the wine in their glass.

3.27.2021

The sweet 16

Coverage for Sweet 16 games starts this Saturday at 2:40 pm ET! Here’s what to watch and what to drink:

SOUTH REGION

#1 Baylor vs #5 Villanova

Saturday at 5:15pm on CBS

Villanova had a tough season playing good teams in the Big East, and were fortunate to have drawn who they have in the tournament so far — but at this point, even their team chaplain Father Rob may have to admit this is their time of reckoning with #1 Baylor facing them. Baylor fans can afford to pour a nice sipping whiskey from Balcones Distillery (the 2019 Texas Distillery of the Year) as their team starts to go on a run in the last 10 minutes of the game. 

#3 Arkansas vs #15 Oral Roberts

Saturday at 7:25pm on TBS

Oral Roberts must be seeking divine intervention, for they have heart and just don’t quit against higher-ranked teams. Though, this is Arkansas — who will own the real estate under the boards all night, and by halftime everyone will be able to read the tea leaves. Arkansas fans should enjoy a nice cold one from Black Apple Hard Cider, the 2021 NYICC Arkansas Cider Producer of the Year as they advance to the next round.

MIDWEST REGION

#8 Loyola chicago vs #12 Oregon State

Saturday at 2:40pm on CBS

Oregon State will be able to make a stand at the free throw line, but at the same time they foul too much and that will give the edge to Loyola. Oregon State fans should take a sip from Full Sail Brewing (the 2021 NYIBC Oregon IPA Brewery of the Year) every minute their team does not make a foul; if they don’t finish their six-pack, then they should see their team advance.  

#2 Houston vs #11 Syracuse

Saturday at 9:55pm on TBS

Syracuse is going to wish it was Rutgers who showed up for this game… The Scarlet Knights would still beat them of course, but the Orange wouldn’t be dragged into a brawl like they will with this gritty #2 Houston team. Syracuse will rely on its threes to win this game, as that’s how they got to where they are in the tournament — we suggest their fans make a nice rum cocktail by way of Cooperstown Distillery (the 2020 NYISC New York Rum Distillery of the Year).

EAST REGION

#1 Michigan vs #4 Florida State

Sunday at 5:00pm on CBS

Michigan had a good scare put into them by LSU, and had to fire on all cylinders to make it to the Sweet 16. Florida State will need to control the turnovers, which plagued them their whole season in the ACC. FSU players should pour some Sugar Works Distillery rum on their hands (the 2020 NYISC Florida Rum Distillery of the Year) — maybe then they’ll hold onto the ball and win the game.

#2 Alabama vs #11 UCLA

Sunday at 7:15pm on TBS

As much as defense is key for both teams in this matchup, Alabama is the front-runner due to their also-phenomenal offense. UCLA should hope Coach Nick Saban doesn’t call into the locker room at halftime and break another headset with a fiery speech. Bruins fans should pour themselves a good whiskey from 10th Street Distillery (the 2020 NYISC California Whiskey Distillery of the Year) and hope Alabama doesn’t own the boards all night.

WEST REGION

#1 Gonzaga vs #5 Creighton

Sunday at 2:10pm on CBS

Creighton should go back and watch Gonzaga’s last game against Oklahoma. The strategy is simple: Have better ball control, and make their threes count to stay in the game… though Bluejay fans are probably better off just sipping on a cider from Papa Moon Vineyard (the 2021 NYICC Nebraska Cider Producer of the Year) and enjoying their time in the Sweet 16 before Gonzaga starts to separate from them in the last ten minutes.  

#6 USC vs #7 Oregon

Sunday at 9:45pm on TBS

Oregon showed up and shut down Iowa’s Luka Garza and the rest of his team in their last game. Both these teams are more battle-ready since they last played each other in late February, and the team shooting the three will win this game. USC fans of course may seek a more mellow experience, and pour themselves a nice tumbler from Benham Graton Spirits (the 2020 NYISC California Barrel Aged Gin Distillery of the Year).

3.21.2021

The second round

Coverage for the Second Round of March Madness games starts this afternoon at 12:10 ET! Here’s what to watch and what to drink:

SOUTH REGION

#1 Baylor vs #9 Wisconsin

Sunday at 2:40pm on CBS

Wisconsin fans must be wondering where this team has been the last 8 games of the season, as they played one of their best performances yesterday against North Carolina. They are going to need to repeat that level of play against #1 Baylor, since Baylor has the depth on the bench to go the full 40 minutes. We predict that Badger fans will need something strong from Door County Distillery, the NYISC 2020 Wisconsin Distillery of the Year, to cool their nerves during the last five minutes of this game.  

#5 Villanova vs #13 North Texas

Sunday at 8:45pm on TNT

North Texas needed an overtime win to win their Conference USA Championship, and they needed it again to get past #4 Purdue from the Big Ten in the first round. Next up for them is #5 Villanova from the Big East. North Texas fans should slowly sip a beer from Maple Branch Craft Brewery (2021 NYIBC Texas Brewery of the Year) since this will not be a high scoring game and they will probably need to stretch it into overtime to advance again.  

#3 Arkansas vs #6 Texas Tech

Sunday at 6:10pm on TNT

Yes, Arkansas actually had to “Play” in their last game before Colgate petered out after 30 minutes. Texas Tech will bring a different game tonight with their strong defense. Arkansas fans should take it slow and sip on Black Apple Hard Cider (2021 Arkansas Cider Producer of the Year) everytime the team hits a 3-pointer - we predict that’s the only way Arkansas beats Texas Tech in this tight matchup..  

#7 Florida vs #15 Oral Roberts

Sunday at 7:45pm on truTV

Oral Roberts fans must be celebrating their big win over #2 Ohio State! We suggest watching tonight’s game while drinking one of these refreshing vodka cocktails, using the Gluten Free Vodka from Prairie Spirits Distillery, the 2019 NYISC Oklahoma Distillery of the Year. Florida is going to need to own the boards and do a better job at the foul line than Ohio State did to advance to the next round.

MIDWEST REGION

#1 Illinois vs #8 Loyola Chicago

Sunday at 12:10pm on CBS

Illinois will not be able to swat away Loyola; this spirited team will come at them with everything they’ve got. We think the talent gap between the teams will be found under the net. Loyola fans should play the long game and keep a case of beer from Hop Butcher For The World on hand, and appreciate how far they have come. Hop Butcher for the World was the 2021 NYIBC Illinois Brewery of the Year. 

#4 Oklahoma State vs #12 Oregon State

Sunday at 9:40pm on TBS

We predict that this will be a tight game with both teams good under the net, but Oregon State brings a tough overall defense that will be hard for Oklahoma State to match. We suggest that Oklahoma State Cowboy fans should enjoy a nice vodka cocktail (maybe a reverse martini?) using Prairie Wolf Distillery Vodka, the 2019 NYISC Oklahoma Distillery of the Year. Oklahoma State will need to break 70 points to have a shot at winning this game - good luck Cowboys!    

#3 West Virginia vs #11 Syracuse

Sunday at 5:15pm on CBS

Syracuse put on a big 3-point show against San Diego State, and they’ll need the same type of shooting against a well-balanced West Virginia team tonight. The right West Virginia team will have to show up to play if they hope to advance to the next round. We suggest Mountaineer fans sip on their home state’s wildly popular bourbon, Smooth Ambler, which was the 2020 West Virginia Distillery of the Year.

#2 Houston vs #10 Rutgers

Sunday at 7:10pm on TBS

Rutgers won its first NCAA game in 38 years and expectations have risen again from their rabid fan base. Scarlet Knight fans are going to hope that Houston’s top scorer Torrey Patton does not suit up for tonight’s game. We encourage all of Rutgers Nation to keep it classy tonight by opening a bottle from Old York Cellars (2020 NYIWC New Jersey Winery of the Year) and raising their glass to their beloved team’s newfound momentum.

EAST REGION

#1 Michigan vs #8 LSU

Monday at 7:10pm on CBS

LSU did not have a quick start in their last game and will need to change their tempo when playing a charged #1 Michigan who is used to battling every night playing in the Big Ten. LSU fans should turn to local favorite and 2018 NYISC Louisiana Distillery of the Year Seven Three Distilling for cocktail inspiration (their rum would make a great pina colada). Maybe Ed Orgeron should Zoom in for a pre-game speech…

#4 Florida State vs #5 Colorado

Monday at 7:45pm on TBS

Colorado dispatched Georgetown, who had a good run after winning the Big East Championship. If Jabari Walker has another hot night, well then he will deserve a cold one from Beyond The Mountain Brewing, the 2021 NYIBC Colorado Brewery of the Year. MJ Walker will need to show up with his A-game for Florida State to make it to the next round.

#11 UCLA vs #14 Abilene Christian

Monday at 5:15pm on TBS

One of our favorite things about this tournament is when you see double-digit-ranked teams make it to the 2nd Round and continue to advance. UCLA will be tough for ACU to manage under the net, and can shoot the 3 very effectively. But ACU has shown they can play with the big boys, and if they have continued success in creating turnovers, then fans in Abilene should toast their success by pouring a healthy glass of Lone Elm Small Batch Whiskey, the 2019 NYISC Texas Wheat Distillery of the Year. 

#2 Alabama vs #10 Maryland

Monday at 8:45pm on TNT

Big Ten Maryland sent UCONN home in the first round, so no more Coach Hurley in this tournament. While not the best team in the Big Ten, Maryland will encounter a strong opponent in #2 Alabama, the SEC Championship Winner. Maryland fans should pop open a bottle from Fig Tree Winery (2020 NYIWC Maryland Winery of the Year) and be happy they are not playing NIck Saban and his football team.

WEST REGION

#1 Gonzaga vs #8 Oklahoma

Monday at 2:40pm on CBS

If Oklahoma beats #1 Gonzaga, it would be the biggest upset in the tournament. Gonzaga is at least expected to make it to the Final Four at this point, so Oklahoma would really need to pull out all the stops to defeat them. Oklahoma fans should who gather in small, socially distanced gatherings for moral support should keep things simple with a big bowl of punch using vodka or gin from Prairie Wolf Distillery, the 2019 NYISC Oklahoma Distillery of the Year.

#5 Creighton vs #13 Ohio

Monday at 6:10pm on TNT

Ohio was a major upset win over #4 Virginia in the first round with key players scoring in double digits. Creighton had a tougher than expected game against #12 Seed UC-Santa Barbara in their first round. Blue Jay fans should grab a case of cider from Papa Moon Vineyard, the 2021 NYICC Nebraska Cider Producer of the Year.  

#3 Kansas vs #6 USC

Monday at 9:40pm on CBS

McCormack was definitely welcomed back in Kansas with a team that looked a bit rusty after COVID issues from the Big 12 Tournament. USC fans have lots of choices when it comes to wine from their home state - we suggest they should savor a special bottle from McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards (2020 NYIWC Napa Valley Winery of the Year) and enjoy watching their stingy defense make this a tight game.

#2 Iowa vs #7 Oregon

Monday at 12:10pm on CBS

With Oregon’s opponent VCU bounced out of the tournament due to COVID, they became the first team to advance this way in tournament history. Oregon fans should raise a glass of Catman Cellars Malbec (2020 NYIWC Oregon Winery of the Year) to wish their team luck in this second round of play. Oregon will need to contain 2-time Big Ten Player of the Year Luka Garza if they hope to win, and we’re sure that today Oregon fans are aligned with every team in the Big Ten who are happy he is graduating.

3.19.2021

The First round

Coverage for the First Round of March Madness games starts this afternoon at 12:15 ET! Here’s what to watch and what to drink:

SOUTH REGION

#7 Florida vs #10 Virginia Tech

Friday at 12:15pm on CBS

Interesting matchup here with a SEC team vs an ACC team with a similar record. We think that Florida is overall a better shooting team, and we would suggest that Florida fans sip High Wheat Rye from Florida distillery Kozuba & Sons to keep calm when the score is tight in the second half. This tasty rye was a Gold Medal winner at the 2020 NY International Spirits Competition.

#2 Ohio State vs #15 Oral Roberts

Friday at 3pm on CBS 

15th seed Oral Roberts may be giving the #2 seed Ohio State fans a bigger scare than they want in first round play. OSU fans should be ready to pour a nice glass of whiskey from Ohio distillers Cleveland Whiskey when Oral Roberts guards go on a hot streak. 

#3 Arkansas vs #14 Colgate

Friday at 12:45pm on truTV

It’s the Patriot League vs the big bad Power 5 SEC. Colgate Alumni should enjoy their 40 minutes of fame and raise a glass full of Hudson Maple Cask Rye to match the lightly sweet spicy experience for the players and the fans watching. This easy drinking rye was a Gold Medal winner at the 2020 NY International Spirits Competition.

#6 Texas Tech vs #11 Utah State

Friday at 1:45pm on TNT

Do not think the #6 Texas Tech will roll right over the 11th seed Utah State Aggies. Time for Texas Tech fans to steel themselves for a game that will be a close one to the buzzer with some Silver Medal-winning Devil’s River Coffee Bourbon over ice. 

#1 Baylor vs #16 Hartford

Friday at 3:30pm on TNT

#1 Baylor will not be taking anyone for granted after getting knocked out of the Big 12 Tournament, but they are definitely still the favorite to win. Hartford fans should pour a big glass of award-winning Litchfield Distillery Cask Strength Whiskey and be glad they made it to the first round - it would be a major upset if Baylor doesn’t blow them out. 

#8 UNC vs #9 Wisconsin

Friday at 7:10pm on CBS

We always enjoy a good Big Ten vs ACC matchup with Wisconsin bringing their stingy defense.  North Carolina fans will need to sit down and sip on the whiskey from Lone Rider Spirits 2020 North Carolina Whiskey Producer of the Year and hope their offensive spurts will win the game for them.

#4 Purdue vs #13 North Texas

friday at 7:25pm on TNT

North Texas had a good run in the Conference USA Tournament to qualify for March Madness, but Purdue is big and tough and we predict they will own the boards all night. North Texas fans should enjoy what they achieved this year and by opening a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from 2020 Texas Cabernet Sauvignon Producer of the Year Longhorn Cellars.  

#5 Villanova vs #12 Winthrop

Friday at 9:57pm on TNT

Winthrop may have only one loss this season but they have yet to play against the talent that Villanova brings to the court. If the 3’s fall in favor for Villanova, then Winthrop Eagles fans can stay refreshed with tall glasses of Striped Pig Watermelon Vodka all night, from South Carolina distillery Local Choice Spirits (2020 South Carolina Spirits Producer of the Year). Fever Tree Tonic makes a perfect pair with this flavorful spirit.

MIDWEST REGION

#1 Illinois vs #16 drexel

Friday at 1:15pm on TBS 

Drexel is a great school to go to for engineering and business, but they will need to “Engineer” a huge upset over #1 seed and Big Ten Tournament winner Illinois. We would be pouring a large glass of Silver Medal winning 6 Rum from PA-based CJ Spirits if we were Drexel fans. 

#8 Loyola IL vs #9 Georgia Tech

Friday at 4pm on TBS

Georgia Tech is dealing with a game-changing challenge with ACC Player of the Year Moses Wright out in their first return to the Tournament since 2010. Loyola fans will likey be pouring celebratory spirits from their local CH Distillery in Chicago before they meet #1 Illinois in the next round.

#5 Tennessee vs #12 Oregon State

Friday at 4:30pm on TNT

We predict that this will be an evenly matched game, with Oregon State playing great defense if the right Tennessee team shows up. Oregon State fans may be making Vodka Martinis with Tides Vodka from 2020 NYISC Oregon Distillery of Year distillery Gatsby Spirits - a drink that works great whether you’re celebrating or trying to ease the tension.

#4 Oklahoma vs #13 Liberty

Friday at 6:25pm on TBS

Liberty students may not be able to drink, but watching this game against a solid Big 12 team may give them reason to start (assuming they’re over 21, of course. Rules are rules). We suggest large pitchers of gin martinis made with 2020 Virginia Gin Distillery of the Year Murlarkey Spirits Gin.

#2 Houston vs #15 Cleveland State

Friday 7:15pm on TruTV

Fortunately for #12 Cleveland State it’s not a long road trip to come to Indianapolis to play and then return quickly return home after getting thumped by #2 Houston. Houston fans should put their feet up and enjoy the game while sipping on Balcones Baby Corn Whiskey from 2019 Texas Distillery of the Year, Balcones Distilling.  

#7 Clemson vs #10 Rutgers

Friday at 9:20pm on TBS

The 30 Year Drought has ended for Rutgers Basketball and they are back in the tournament.  Be happy Rutgers fans, because you’re not playing against Trevor Lawrence and the Clemson Football team for this game. We think the Big Ten should rule the ACC in this game, so Rutgers fans should celebrate by making a big pitcher of Pina Coladas with rum from NYISC 2020 New Jersey Distillery of the Year, Milk Street Distillery.

#6 San Diego State vs #11 Syracuse

Friday at 9:40pm on CBS

Though there is a gap in the seeding, we think this game will come down to the last few possessions. If you are a San Diego State fan, open up a bottle from 2020 NYIWC California Organic Winery of the Year, Frey Vineyards, when the game starts and let it arate. Enjoy in the second quarter when the game gets tight - we predict that shooting from the 3 will be the difference for the winner of this game.   

#3 West Virginia vs #14 Morehead State

Friday at 9:50pm on truTV

Morehead may play tight defense, but we still think that West Virginia will own the boards most of the night. West Virginia fans will be able to calmly enjoy the game while sipping their whiskey from Smooth Ambler, the 2020 NYISC West Virginia Distillery of the Year.

EAST REGION

#5 Colorado vs #12 Georgetown

Saturday at 12:15pm on CBS

We’re hoping that NBA teams will see what they missed by not having Georgetown Coach Patrick Ewing coaching their teams. Georgetown has been on a roll since it started playing in the Big East Tournament so this should be fun to watch. But Colorado fans know their balanced team will prevail, so we would suggest they kick back and enjoy a good Rye from Laws Whiskey House, the 2020 NYISC Colorado Rye Distillery of the Year

#4 Florida State vs #13 UNC greensboro

Saturday at 12:45pm on truTV

UNC Greensboro fans should not play a drinking game where they drink every time a foul is called - even drinking one of North Carolina Brewery of the Year Bhramari Beer’s lighter selections would result in a solid buzz by the end of the first half. Florida State, on the other hand, will take advantage of their multiple trips to the foul line and maintain a healthy lead the whole game.  

#8 LSU vs #9 St Bonaventure

Saturday at 1:45pm on TNT

We think this game will come down to defense - it’s why St. Bonaventure won the Atlantic 10 Championship this year. LSU will try to find sparks but the 3’s will not save them. This may be another disappointment for LSU fans after having no Mardi Gras parade experience - we suggest a smaller gathering where they can enjoy offerings from 2021 NYIBC Louisiana Brewery of the Year Gnarley Barley Brewing.  

#1 Michigan vs #16 TX Southern

Saturday at 3pm on CBS

Texas Southern fans should take care of their lawns on Saturday morning and spend the rest of the afternoon with a beer from Maple Branch Craft Brewery (2021 NYIBC Texas Brewery of the Year) in their hand while watching the game. #1 Michigan is going to put on a show at their expense, but it should still be an exciting game.

#2 Alabama vs #15 Iona

Saturday at 4pm on TBS

Iona is a well-balanced team, but we think they lack the offensive talent to counter Alabama’s ability to hit the 3’s. The Gaels fans should pop open a beer from EBBS Brewing Company (NYIBC 2021 NYC Brewery of the Year) and simply enjoy seeing their team participating in March Madness. Hopefully COVD restrictions prevent Nick Saban from showing up and giving Alabama the pre-game speech!

#7 UConn vs #10 Maryland

Saturday at 7:10pm on CBS

We think this game will be a slugfest between two regional powers that will also have future recruitment ramifications for the top players on these teams. Coach Hurley knows these battles from his time playing in the famed St Anthony's Gym in Jersey City for his father, a Hall of Fame coach. With James Bouknight back, the Big East should be the winner over this Big Ten Team, and Huskies fans can soothe their throats with a cold beer from Clocktown Brewing (2021 NYIBC Connecticut Brewery of the Year)

WEST REGION

#3 Kansas vs #14 Eastern WAshington

Saturday at 1:15pm on TBS

Eastern WA will find a huge challenge beyond their regular rivals in the Big Sky Conference when they step on the court to play Kansas. Eagle fans should keep themselves busy by making a complicated cocktail with Lavender Vodka from 2020 NYISC Washington State Distillery of the Year Heritage Distilling, and be proud they made it to the Big Dance.

#5 Creighton vs #12 UCSB

Saturday at 3:30pm on truTV

Creighton fans may still be numb after the debacle against Georgetown last week as they grasp their whiskey glasses filled with Nebraska-based Brickway American Single Malt Whiskey (2020 NYISC Nebraska Distillery of the Year). If it’s a close game, we predict that UC Santa Barbara will pull out the win at the foul line.  

#8 Oklahoma vs #9 Missouri

Saturday at 7:25pm on TNT

Oklahoma fans should enjoy refreshing cocktails made with vodka and gin from Oklahoma distillery Prairie Wolf Distillery (2019 NYISC Oklahoma Distillery of the Year) to keep up with all their team’s trips to the foul line. We believe that Missouri’s inconsistent play and their tendency to foul often will be the key to Oklahoma winning this game. 

Virginia vs #13 Ohio

Saturday at 7:15pm on truTV

We think that Ohio fans will learn that winning the MAC Tournament will get you a well-rested Virginia team that may be a bit rusty, but is bigger and will own the boards. Ohio fans will not have their expectations high, so should instead relax and enjoy a cold beer from Wild Ohio Brewing Company, the 2021 NYIBC Ohio Gluten-Free Brewery of the Year.

3.18.2021

The First Four

Coverage for the First Four games starts tonight at 5:10pm ET! Here’s what to watch and what to drink: