2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament#West Region

{{further|NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament#Current tournament format}}

A total of 68 teams entered the 2021 tournament, with 31 of them (down from 32, due to the Ivy League having canceled all winter semester sports due to COVID-19){{Cite web|title=Ivy League cancels basketball season for 2020-21 as part of ban on winter sports due to COVID-19|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ivy-league-cancels-basketball-season-for-2020-21-as-part-of-ban-on-winter-sports-due-to-covid-19/|access-date=November 15, 2020|website=CBSSports.com|date=November 12, 2020 }} having received an automatic bid by winning their conference's tournament. The remaining 37 bids were "at-large", with selections extended by the NCAA Selection Committee. Teams met sport sponsorship requirements and were considered for NCAA championship selection if they played 13 games, which represented a 50 percent reduction of the current minimum. For NCAA championship consideration, all 13 games had to be against other Division I opponents. Teams could also play 12 regular-season games against Division I opponents and one conference tournament game to be eligible for tournament consideration.{{cite web|title=DI Council approves Nov. 25 start date for men's and women's basketball|url=https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/di-council-approves-nov-25-start-date-men-s-and-women-s-basketball|date=September 16, 2020|publisher=NCAA}}

The Selection Committee seeded the entire field from 1 to 68. The four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and the four lowest-seeded at-large teams played in the First Four round: for the 2021 tournament, the games were played between the overall 65th and 66th seeds, the 67th and 68th seed, and the last four at-large seeds.{{Cite web|title=New bracketing principles adopted for 2021 NCAA tournament|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2021-01-15/new-bracketing-principles-adopted-2021ncaa-tournament|access-date=2021-03-08|website=NCAA.com|language=en}}

The top four teams outside of the ranking (commonly known as the "first four out" in pre-tourney analyses) acted as standbys in the event a school was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to COVID-19 protocols.{{cite news|last=Gleeson|first=Scott|date=March 14, 2021|title=March Madness: Here's how Duke could play in the 2021 NCAA Tournament after all|publisher=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2021/03/14/march-madness-heres-how-duke-could-play-ncaa-tournament/4687883001/|access-date=March 14, 2021}}{{cite news|last1=Gleeson|first1=Scott|last2=Mast|first2=Shelby|date=March 14, 2021|title=NCAA Tournament bracketology: Final March Madness projection on Selection Sunday|publisher=USA Today|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/ncaab/2021/03/14/march-madness-bracketology-final-ncaa-tournament-field/4686838001/|access-date=March 14, 2021}} However, if a team withdrew within 48 hours of the tournament's commencement, they would not be replaced; the bracket was not reseeded, and the affected team's opponent would automatically advance to the next round. The replacement teams are as follows, in order:

{{cite news|last=Wells|first=Adam|date=February 21, 2021|title=NCAA Tournament teams won't be replaced if forced to withdraw due to COVID-19|publisher=Bleacher Report|url=https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2933487-ncaa-tournament-teams-wont-be-replaced-if-forced-to-withdraw-due-to-covid-19.amp.html|access-date=March 8, 2021}}

{{Maplink|frame=yes|text=2021 NCAA tournament venues|zoom=7|frame-height=400

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File:2021 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament 03.jpg]]

On January 4, 2021, the NCAA announced that due to logistical considerations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic (which prompted the cancellation of the 2020 tournament), the entirety of the tournament would be conducted at sites within the Indianapolis metro area and central Indiana, rather than across the country.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-04|title=NCAA men's basketball tournament to be played entirely in Indiana|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30650595/ncaa-men-basketball-tournament-played-entirely-indiana|access-date=2021-04-07|website=ESPN.com}} Players stayed at hotels near the Indiana Convention Center, which served as the main practice facility.{{Cite web|last1=Benbow|first1=Dana Hunsinger|last2=Doyel|first2=Gregg|last3=Osterman|first3=Zach|title=It's official: 2021 NCAA tournament to be played entirely in Central Indiana, Indianapolis|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/2021/01/04/2021-march-madness-played-entirely-indianapolis-central-indiana/4124594001/|access-date=February 22, 2021|work=The Indianapolis Star}} Lucas Oil Stadium had two courts named "Unity Court" and "Equality Court" during the First Round, Second Round, and Elite Eight.

On February 19, it was announced that all venues would operate at a maximum of 25% capacity. As this capacity includes staff and players, the exact number of spectators varied by venue.{{Cite web|title=A limited number of fans will be allowed to attend 2021 NCAA Tournament games|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/a-limited-number-of-fans-will-be-allowed-to-attend-2021-ncaa-tournament-games/|access-date=February 22, 2021|website=CBSSports.com|date=February 19, 2021 }}{{Cite web|date=February 19, 2021|title=NCAA to allow limited number of fans for Division I men's basketball tournament|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30929531/ncaa-allow-limited-fans-division-men-basketball-tournament|access-date=February 22, 2021|website=ESPN.com}} Artificial crowd noise was used at all venues to augment the limited in-person attendance.{{Cite web|last=Daley|first=Dan|title=March Madness 2021: Broadcast Audio Mixes in Crowd Sound — Real and Augmented|url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2021/03/26/march-madness-2021-broadcast-audio-mixes-in-crowd-sound-real-and-augmented/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Sports Video Group|date=March 26, 2021 }}

This tournament marked the first time ever that Indiana Farmers Coliseum was a tournament venue, the first time since 2017 that Bankers Life Fieldhouse was a tournament venue, the first time since 1940 that Hinkle Fieldhouse was a tournament venue, the first time since 1980 that Mackey Arena was a tournament venue, and the first time since 1981 that Assembly Hall was a tournament venue.

First Four:

• Thursday, March 18
• Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana (Host: Purdue University)
• Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Indiana (Host: Indiana University Bloomington)

First and Second Rounds:

• Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20
• Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana (Host: Purdue University)
• Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Indiana (Host: Indiana University Bloomington)
• Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana (Host: Ball State University)
• Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana (Host: Butler University)
• Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Indianapolis, Indiana (Host: IUPUI)
• Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana (Unity Court and Equality Court) (Hosts: IUPUI, Horizon League)
• Sunday, March 21 and Monday, March 22
• Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana (Host: Ball State University)
• Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana (Host: Butler University)
• Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Indianapolis, Indiana (Host: IUPUI)
• Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana (Unity Court and Equality Court) (Hosts: IUPUI, Horizon League)

Regional Semifinals and Finals (Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight):

• Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28
• Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana (Host: Ball State University)
• Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana (Host: Butler University)
• Monday, March 29 and Tuesday, March 30
• Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana (Unity Court and Equality Court) (Hosts: IUPUI, Horizon League)

National Semifinals and Championship (Final Four and Championship):

• Saturday, April 3 and Monday, April 5
• Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana (Hosts: IUPUI, Horizon League)

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{{Maplink|frame=yes|text=2021 Regionals (blue) and Final Four (red) as originally selected.|zoom=3|frame-width=350|frame-height=250|frame-coord={{coord|38.828175|-96.5795}}

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The following sites were originally selected to host each round of the 2021 tournament;{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.org/championships/future-division-i-mens-basketball-championship-sites|date=March 22, 2019|publisher=NCAA|title=Future Division I Men's Basketball Championship sites}} with the exceptions of Boise and Minneapolis, all cities and venues listed are scheduled to host tournament games after 2021:

First Four

• March 16 and 17
• University of Dayton Arena, Dayton, Ohio (Host: University of Dayton)

First and Second Rounds

• March 18 and 20
• Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence, Rhode Island (Host: Providence College)
• ExtraMile Arena, Boise, Idaho (Host: Boise State University)
• Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan (Hosts: University of Detroit Mercy, Oakland University)
• American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas (Host: Big 12 Conference)
• March 19 and 21
• Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kansas (Host: Wichita State University)
• Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky (Host: University of Kentucky)
• PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina (Host: North Carolina State University)
• SAP Center, San Jose, California (Host: West Coast Conference)

Regional Semifinals and Finals (Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight)

• March 25 and 27
• Midwest Regional, Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Host: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities)
• West Regional, Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado (Host: Mountain West Conference)
• March 26 and 28
• South Regional, FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee (Host: University of Memphis)
• East Regional, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York (Host: Atlantic 10 Conference)

National Semifinals and Championship (Final Four and Championship)

• April 3 and 5
• Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana (Hosts: IUPUI, Horizon League)

{{further|2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament qualifying teams}}

Note: Unlike past tournaments, teams are not grouped as pods. Second round games will match teams that played at different venues in the first round.

The First Four games involved eight teams: the four overall lowest-ranked teams, and the four lowest-ranked at-large teams.

{{align|left|{{2TeamBracket | RD1=March 18 – West Regional
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Bloomington

| team-width =

| RD1-seed1=16

| RD1-team1=Norfolk State

| RD1-score1=54

| RD1-seed2=16

| RD1-team2=Appalachian State

| RD1-score2=53

}}}}

{{align|left|{{2TeamBracket | RD1=March 18 – West Regional
Mackey Arena
West Lafayette

| team-width =

| RD1-seed1=11

| RD1-team1=Wichita State

| RD1-score1=52

| RD1-seed2=11

| RD1-team2=Drake

| RD1-score2=53

}}}}

{{align|left|{{2TeamBracket | RD1=March 18 – East Regional
Mackey Arena
West Lafayette

| team-width =

| RD1-seed1=11

| RD1-team1=Michigan State

| RD1-score1=80

| RD1-seed2=11

| RD1-team2=UCLA

| RD1-score2=86^OT

}}}}

{{align|left|{{2TeamBracket | RD1=March 18 – East Regional
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Bloomington

| team-width =

| RD1-seed1=16

| RD1-team1=Mount St. Mary's

| RD1-score1=52

| RD1-seed2=16

| RD1-team2=Texas Southern

| RD1-score2=60

}}}}{{clear left}}

{{16TeamBracket-Info

| RD1=First Round
Round of 64
Saturday, March 20

| RD2=Second Round
Round of 32
Monday, March 22

| RD3=Regional Semifinals
Sweet 16
Sunday, March 28

| RD4=Regional Final
Elite 8
Tuesday, March 30

| RD1-seed01=1

| RD1-team01=Gonzaga

| RD1-score01=98

| RD1-seed02=16

| RD1-team02=Norfolk State

| RD1-score02=55

| RD1-seed03=8

| RD1-team03=Oklahoma

| RD1-score03=72

| RD1-seed04=9

| RD1-team04=Missouri

| RD1-score04=68

| RD1-seed05=5

| RD1-team05=Creighton

| RD1-score05=63

| RD1-seed06=12

| RD1-team06=UC Santa Barbara

| RD1-score06=62

| RD1-seed07=4

| RD1-team07=Virginia

| RD1-score07=58

| RD1-seed08=13

| RD1-team08=Ohio

| RD1-score08=62

| RD1-seed09=6

| RD1-team09=USC

| RD1-score09=72

| RD1-seed10=11

| RD1-team10=Drake

| RD1-score10=56

| RD1-seed11=3

| RD1-team11=Kansas

| RD1-score11=93

| RD1-seed12=14

| RD1-team12=Eastern Washington

| RD1-score12=84

| RD1-seed13=7

| RD1-team13=Oregon

| RD1-score13=WO

| RD1-seed14=10

| RD1-team14=VCU{{efn-ua|name=VCU|Game declared no contest due to COVID-19 protocols with VCU. Oregon advances in the tournament.{{cite news|author=NCAA staff|title=VCU-Oregon game ruled a no-contest due to COVID-19 protocols|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2021-03-20/vcu-oregon-game-ruled-no-contest-due-covid-19-protocols|website=NCAA.com|date=March 20, 2021|access-date=March 24, 2021|language=en-US}}}}

| RD1-score14=

| RD1-seed15=2

| RD1-team15=Iowa

| RD1-score15=86

| RD1-seed16=15

| RD1-team16=Grand Canyon

| RD1-score16=74

| RD2-seed01=1

| RD2-team01=Gonzaga

| RD2-score01=87

| RD2-seed02=8

| RD2-team02=Oklahoma

| RD2-score02=71

| RD2-seed03=5

| RD2-team03=Creighton

| RD2-score03=72

| RD2-seed04=13

| RD2-team04=Ohio

| RD2-score04=58

| RD2-seed05=6

| RD2-team05=USC

| RD2-score05=85

| RD2-seed06=3

| RD2-team06=Kansas

| RD2-score06=51

| RD2-seed07=7

| RD2-team07=Oregon

| RD2-score07=95

| RD2-seed08=2

| RD2-team08=Iowa

| RD2-score08=80

| RD3-seed01=1

| RD3-team01=Gonzaga

| RD3-score01=83

| RD3-seed02=5

| RD3-team02=Creighton

| RD3-score02=65

| RD3-seed03=6

| RD3-team03=USC

| RD3-score03=82

| RD3-seed04=7

| RD3-team04=Oregon

| RD3-score04=68

| RD4-seed01=1

| RD4-team01=Gonzaga

| RD4-score01=85

| RD4-seed02=6

| RD4-team02=USC

| RD4-score02=66

|RD1T1-loc=
Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD1T2-loc=
Lucas Oil Stadium – Equality|RD1T3-loc=
Lucas Oil Stadium – Unity|RD1T4-loc=
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall|RD1T5-loc=
Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD1T6-loc=
Indiana Farmers Coliseum|RD1T7-loc=
Indiana Farmers Coliseum|RD1T8-loc=
Indiana Farmers Coliseum|RD2T1-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD2T2-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD2T3-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD2T4-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD3T1-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD3T2-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD4T1-loc=Lucas Oil Stadium – Equality}}

{{basketballbox

| bg = #e3e3e3

| date = March 30

| time = 7:15 pm EDT

| report = [https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/game/501?cid=mml2021_editorial_gamecenter Box score]

| team1 = #6 USC Trojans

| score1 = 66

| team2 = #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs

| score2 = 85

| points1 = I. Mobley, 19

| rebounds1 = I. Mobley, 7

| assist1 = I. Mobley, E. Mobley, 3

| otherstat1 =

| points2 = D. Timme, 23

| rebounds2 = J. Suggs, 10

| assist2 = J. Suggs, 8

| H1 = 30–49

| H2 = 36–36

| place = Equality Court – Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

| attendance = 6,166

| referee = Randy McCall, Doug Shows, Bert Smith, Tony Henderson {{Cite web|url=https://www.wric.com/sports/sports-headlines/official-collapses-wheeled-off-court-on-stretcher-from-ncaa-tournament-game/|title = Official collapses, wheeled off court on stretcher from NCAA tournament game|date = March 30, 2021}}

| TV = TBS

}}

• Drew Timme, Gonzaga (MOP)
• Corey Kispert, Gonzaga
• Evan Mobley, USC
• Isaiah Mobley, USC
• Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga

{{16TeamBracket-Info

| RD1=First round
Round of 64
Saturday, March 20

| RD2=Second Round
Round of 32
Monday, March 22

| RD3=Regional Semifinals
Sweet 16
Sunday, March 28

| RD4=Regional Final
Elite 8
Tuesday, March 30

| RD1-seed01=1

| RD1-team01=Michigan

| RD1-score01=82

| RD1-seed02=16

| RD1-team02=Texas Southern

| RD1-score02=66

| RD1-seed03=8

| RD1-team03=LSU

| RD1-score03=76

| RD1-seed04=9

| RD1-team04=St. Bonaventure

| RD1-score04=61

| RD1-seed05=5

| RD1-team05=Colorado

| RD1-score05=96

| RD1-seed06=12

| RD1-team06=Georgetown

| RD1-score06=73

| RD1-seed07=4

| RD1-team07=Florida State

| RD1-score07=64

| RD1-seed08=13

| RD1-team08=UNC Greensboro

| RD1-score08=54

| RD1-seed09=6

| RD1-team09=BYU

| RD1-score09=62

| RD1-seed10=11

| RD1-team10=UCLA

| RD1-score10=73

| RD1-seed11=3

| RD1-team11=Texas

| RD1-score11=52

| RD1-seed12=14

| RD1-team12=Abilene Christian

| RD1-score12=53

| RD1-seed13=7

| RD1-team13=UConn

| RD1-score13=54

| RD1-seed14=10

| RD1-team14=Maryland

| RD1-score14=63

| RD1-seed15=2

| RD1-team15=Alabama

| RD1-score15=68

| RD1-seed16=15

| RD1-team16=Iona

| RD1-score16=55

| RD2-seed01=1

| RD2-team01=Michigan

| RD2-score01=86

| RD2-seed02=8

| RD2-team02=LSU

| RD2-score02=78

| RD2-seed03=5

| RD2-team03=Colorado

| RD2-score03=53

| RD2-seed04=4

| RD2-team04=Florida State

| RD2-score04=71

| RD2-seed05=11

| RD2-team05=UCLA

| RD2-score05=67

| RD2-seed06=14

| RD2-team06=Abilene Christian

| RD2-score06=47

| RD2-seed07=10

| RD2-team07=Maryland

| RD2-score07=77

| RD2-seed08=2

| RD2-team08=Alabama

| RD2-score08=96

| RD3-seed01=1

| RD3-team01=Michigan

| RD3-score01=76

| RD3-seed02=4

| RD3-team02=Florida State

| RD3-score02=58

| RD3-seed03=11

| RD3-team03=UCLA

| RD3-score03=88^OT

| RD3-seed04=2

| RD3-team04=Alabama

| RD3-score04=78

| RD4-seed01=1

| RD4-team01=Michigan

| RD4-score01=49

| RD4-seed02=11

| RD4-team02=UCLA

| RD4-score02=51

|RD1T1-loc=
Mackey Arena|RD1T2-loc=
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall|RD1T3-loc=
Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD1T4-loc=
Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD1T5-loc=
Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD1T6-loc=
Lucas Oil Stadium – Unity|RD1T7-loc=
Mackey Arena|RD1T8-loc=
Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD2T1-loc=Lucas Oil Stadium – Unity|RD2T2-loc=Indiana Farmers Coliseum|RD2T3-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD2T4-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD3T1-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD3T2-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD4T1-loc=Lucas Oil Stadium – Unity}}

{{basketballbox

| bg = #e3e3e3

| date = March 30

| time = 9:57 pm EDT

| report = [https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/game/502 Box score]

| team1 = #11 UCLA Bruins

| score1 = 51

| team2 = #1 Michigan Wolverines

| score2 = 49

| points1 = J. Juzang, 28

| rebounds1 = J. Bernard, 9

| assist1 = J. Jaquez Jr., 4

| otherstat1 =

| points2 = H. Dickinson, 11

| rebounds2 = C. Brown Jr., 9

| assist2 = E. Brooks, M. Smith, 4

| H1 = 27–23

| H2 = 24–26

| place = Unity Court – Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

| attendance = 7,515

| referee = Bo Boroski, Verne Harris, Lee Cassell

| TV = TBS

}}

• Johnny Juzang, UCLA (MOP)
• Chaundee Brown Jr., Michigan
• Tyger Campbell, UCLA
• Hunter Dickinson, Michigan
• Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA

{{16TeamBracket-Info

| RD1=First round
Round of 64
Friday, March 19

| RD2=Second Round
Round of 32
Sunday, March 21

| RD3=Regional semifinals
Sweet 16
Saturday, March 27

| RD4=Regional Final
Elite 8
Monday, March 29

| RD1-seed01=1

| RD1-team01=Baylor

| RD1-score01=79

| RD1-seed02=16

| RD1-team02=Hartford

| RD1-score02=55

| RD1-seed03=8

| RD1-team03=North Carolina

| RD1-score03=62

| RD1-seed04=9

| RD1-team04=Wisconsin

| RD1-score04=85

| RD1-seed05=5

| RD1-team05=Villanova

| RD1-score05=73

| RD1-seed06=12

| RD1-team06=Winthrop

| RD1-score06=63

| RD1-seed07=4

| RD1-team07=Purdue

| RD1-score07=69

| RD1-seed08=13

| RD1-team08=North Texas

| RD1-score08=78^OT

| RD1-seed09=6

| RD1-team09=Texas Tech

| RD1-score09=65

| RD1-seed10=11

| RD1-team10=Utah State

| RD1-score10=53

| RD1-seed11=3

| RD1-team11=Arkansas

| RD1-score11=85

| RD1-seed12=14

| RD1-team12=Colgate

| RD1-score12=68

| RD1-seed13=7

| RD1-team13=Florida

| RD1-score13=75^OT

| RD1-seed14=10

| RD1-team14=Virginia Tech

| RD1-score14=70

| RD1-seed15=2

| RD1-team15=Ohio State

| RD1-score15=72

| RD1-seed16=15

| RD1-team16=Oral Roberts

| RD1-score16=75^OT

| RD2-seed01=1

| RD2-team01=Baylor

| RD2-score01=76

| RD2-seed02=9

| RD2-team02=Wisconsin

| RD2-score02=63

| RD2-seed03=5

| RD2-team03=Villanova

| RD2-score03=84

| RD2-seed04= 13

| RD2-team04= North Texas

| RD2-score04=61

| RD2-seed05=6

| RD2-team05=Texas Tech

| RD2-score05=66

| RD2-seed06=3

| RD2-team06=Arkansas

| RD2-score06=68

| RD2-seed07=7

| RD2-team07=Florida

| RD2-score07=78

| RD2-seed08=15

| RD2-team08=Oral Roberts

| RD2-score08=81

| RD3-seed01=1

| RD3-team01=Baylor

| RD3-score01=62

| RD3-seed02=5

| RD3-team02=Villanova

| RD3-score02=51

| RD3-seed03=3

| RD3-team03=Arkansas

| RD3-score03=72

| RD3-seed04=15

| RD3-team04=Oral Roberts

| RD3-score04=70

| RD4-seed01=1

| RD4-team01=Baylor

| RD4-score01=81

| RD4-seed02=3

| RD4-team02=Arkansas

| RD4-score02=72

|RD1T1-loc=
Lucas Oil Stadium – Unity|RD1T2-loc=
Mackey Arena|RD1T3-loc=
Indiana Farmers Coliseum|RD1T4-loc=
Lucas Oil Stadium – Equality|RD1T5-loc=
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall|RD1T6-loc=
Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD1T7-loc=
Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD1T8-loc=
Mackey Arena|RD2T1-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD2T2-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD2T3-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD2T4-loc=Indiana Farmers Coliseum|RD3T1-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD3T2-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD4T1-loc=Lucas Oil Stadium – Unity}}

{{basketballbox

| bg = #e3e3e3

| date = March 29

| time = 9:57 pm EDT

| report = [https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/game/503 Box score]

| team1 = #3 Arkansas Razorbacks

| score1 = 72

| team2 =#1 Baylor Bears

| score2 =81

| points1 = D. Davis, J. Notae, 14

| rebounds1 = J. Smith, D. Davis, D. Sills, 6

| assist1 = D. Sills, 4

| otherstat1 =

| points2 = M. Teague, 22

| rebounds2 = J. Tchamwa Tchatchoua, 6

| assist2 = D. Mitchell, 6

| H1 = 38–46

| H2 = 34–35

| place = Unity Court – Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

| attendance = 7,519

| referee = Terry Oglesby, Jeff Clark, Paul Szelc

| TV = CBS

}}

• Davion Mitchell, Baylor (MOP)
• Max Abmas, Oral Roberts
• Jared Butler, Baylor
• Jalen Tate, Arkansas
• MaCio Teague, Baylor

{{16TeamBracket-Info

| RD1=First round
Round of 64
Friday, March 19

| RD2=Second Round
Round of 32
Sunday, March 21

| RD3=Regional Semifinals
Sweet 16
Saturday, March 27

| RD4=Regional Final
Elite 8
Monday, March 29

| RD1-seed01=1

| RD1-team01=Illinois

| RD1-score01=78

| RD1-seed02=16

| RD1-team02=Drexel

| RD1-score02=49

| RD1-seed03=8

| RD1-team03=Loyola Chicago

| RD1-score03=71

| RD1-seed04=9

| RD1-team04=Georgia Tech

| RD1-score04=60

| RD1-seed05=5

| RD1-team05=Tennessee

| RD1-score05=56

| RD1-seed06=12

| RD1-team06=Oregon State

| RD1-score06=70

| RD1-seed07=4

| RD1-team07=Oklahoma State

| RD1-score07=69

| RD1-seed08=13

| RD1-team08=Liberty

| RD1-score08=60

| RD1-seed09=6

| RD1-team09=San Diego State

| RD1-score09=62

| RD1-seed10=11

| RD1-team10=Syracuse

| RD1-score10=78

| RD1-seed11=3

| RD1-team11=West Virginia

| RD1-score11=84

| RD1-seed12=14

| RD1-team12=Morehead State

| RD1-score12=67

| RD1-seed13=7

| RD1-team13=Clemson

| RD1-score13=56

| RD1-seed14=10

| RD1-team14=Rutgers

| RD1-score14=60

| RD1-seed15=2

| RD1-team15=Houston

| RD1-score15=87

| RD1-seed16=15

| RD1-team16=Cleveland State

| RD1-score16=56

| RD2-seed01=1

| RD2-team01=Illinois

| RD2-score01=58

| RD2-seed02=8

| RD2-team02=Loyola Chicago

| RD2-score02=71

| RD2-seed03=12

| RD2-team03=Oregon State

| RD2-score03=80

| RD2-seed04=4

| RD2-team04=Oklahoma State

| RD2-score04=70

| RD2-seed05=11

| RD2-team05=Syracuse

| RD2-score05=75

| RD2-seed06=3

| RD2-team06=West Virginia

| RD2-score06=72

| RD2-seed07=10

| RD2-team07=Rutgers

| RD2-score07=60

| RD2-seed08=2

| RD2-team08=Houston

| RD2-score08=63

| RD3-seed01=8

| RD3-team01=Loyola Chicago

| RD3-score01=58

| RD3-seed02=12

| RD3-team02=Oregon State

| RD3-score02=65

| RD3-seed03=11

| RD3-team03=Syracuse

| RD3-score03=46

| RD3-seed04=2

| RD3-team04=Houston

| RD3-score04=62

| RD4-seed01=12

| RD4-team01=Oregon State

| RD4-score01=61

| RD4-seed02=2

| RD4-team02=Houston

| RD4-score02=67

|RD1T1-loc=
Indiana Farmers Coliseum|RD1T2-loc=
Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD1T3-loc=
Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD1T5-loc=
Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD1T4-loc=
Indiana Farmers Coliseum|RD1T7-loc=
Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD1T6-loc=
Lucas Oil Stadium – Unity|RD1T8-loc=
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall|RD2T1-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD2T2-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD2T3-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD2T4-loc=Lucas Oil Stadium – Unity|RD3T1-loc=Bankers Life Fieldhouse|RD3T2-loc=Hinkle Fieldhouse|RD4T1-loc=Lucas Oil Stadium – Equality}}

{{basketballbox

| bg = #e3e3e3

| date = March 29

| time = 7:15 pm EDT

| report = [https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/game/504 Box score]

| team1 = #12 Oregon State Beavers

| score1 = 61

| team2 = #2 Houston Cougars

| score2 = 67

| points1 = M. Calloo, 13

| rebounds1 = E. Thompson, 7

| assist1 = E. Thompson, 6

| otherstat1 =

| points2 = M. Sasser, 20

| rebounds2 = J. Gorham, 10

| assist2 = D. Jarreau, 8

| H1 = 17–34

| H2 = 44–33

| place = Equality Court – Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

| attendance = 7,519

| referee = Ron Groover, Jeff Anderson, Mike Reed

| TV = CBS

}}

• DeJon Jarreau, Houston (MOP)
• Quentin Grimes, Houston
• Cameron Krutwig, Loyola Chicago
• Marcus Sasser, Houston
• Ethan Thompson, Oregon State

{{4TeamBracket

| RD1=National Semifinals
Saturday, April 3

| RD2=National Championship Game
Monday, April 5

| score-width=25

| team-width=130

| RD1-seed1=W1

| RD1-team1=Gonzaga

| RD1-score1=93^OT

| RD1-seed2=E11

| RD1-team2=UCLA

| RD1-score2=90

| RD1-seed3=S1

| RD1-team3=Baylor

| RD1-score3=78

| RD1-seed4=MW2

| RD1-team4=Houston

| RD1-score4=59

| RD2-seed1=W1

| RD2-team1=Gonzaga

| RD2-score1=70

| RD2-seed2=S1

| RD2-team2=Baylor

| RD2-score2=86

}}

{{basketballbox

| bg = #e3e3e3

| date = April 3

| time = 5:14 pm EDT

| report = [https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/game/602?cid=mml2021_editorial_gamecenter Box score]

| team1 = S1 Baylor Bears

| score1 = 78

| team2 = MW2 Houston Cougars

| score2 = 59

| points1 = J. Butler, 17

| rebounds1 = J. Tchamwa Tchatchoua, 6

| assist1 = D. Mitchell, 11

| otherstat1 =

| points2 = M. Sasser, 20

| rebounds2 = J. Gorham, 6

| assist2 = J. Gorham, 3

| H1 = 45–20

| H2 = 33–39

| place = Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana

| attendance = 8,131

| referee = Doug Sirmons, Pat Adams, Chris Rastatter

| TV = CBS

}}

{{basketballbox

| bg = fff

| date = April 3

| time = 8:34 pm EDT

| report = [https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/game/601?cid=mml2021_editorial_gamecenter Box score]

| team1 = W1 Gonzaga Bulldogs

| score1 = 93

| team2 = E11 UCLA Bruins

| score2 = 90

| points1 = D. Timme, 25

| rebounds1 = J. Ayayi, 6

| assist1 = A. Nembhard, 8

| otherstat1 =

| points2 = J. Juzang, 29

| rebounds2 = C. Riley, 10

| assist2 = T. Campbell, 7

| H1 = 45–44

| H2 = 36–37

| OT = 12–9

| place = Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana

| attendance = 8,131

| referee = Ron Groover, Jeff Anderson, James Breeding

| TV = CBS

}}

{{Main article|2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game}}

{{basketballbox

| bg = #e3e3e3

| date = April 5

| time = 9:20 pm EDT

| report = [https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/game/701 Box score]

| team1 = S1 Baylor Bears

| score1 = 86

| team2 = W1 Gonzaga Bulldogs

| score2 = 70

| points1 = J. Butler, 22

| rebounds1 = M. Vital, 11

| assist1 = J. Butler, 7

| otherstat1 =

| points2 = J. Suggs, 22

| rebounds2 = D. Timme, 5

| assist2 = A. Nembhard, 4

| H1 = 47–37

| H2 = 39–33

| place = Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana

| attendance =

| referee = Randy McCall, Bo Boroski, Keith Kimble

| TV = CBS

}}

• Jared Butler, Baylor (MOP)
• Johnny Juzang, UCLA
• Davion Mitchell, Baylor
• Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
• Drew Timme, Gonzaga

Source:{{cite news|title=NCAA All-Tournament Teams|date=April 6, 2021|agency=Associated Press|url=https://wtop.com/ncaa-basketball/2021/04/ncaa-all-tournament-teams/|access-date=April 7, 2021}}

Per the NCAA, "Upsets are defined as when the winner of the game was seeded five or more places lower than the team it defeated." The 2021 tournament saw a record total of 14 upsets; 7 of them were in the first round, 5 of them were in the second round, and one of them in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight, respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.ncaa.com/live-updates/basketball-men/d1/2021-march-madness-upset-tracker |title=We're tracking upsets in the 2021 NCAA tournament |website=NCAA.com |date=March 19, 2021 |accessdate=March 27, 2022}}

{{sup|†}} Includes a game declared no-contest due to COVID-19 protocols with VCU. Oregon of the Pac-12 conference advanced to the second round and VCU of the Atlantic 10 conference was eliminated from the tournament.

{{reflist|group=note}}

• The FF, R64, R32, S16, E8, F4, CG, and NC columns indicate how many teams from each conference were in the First Four, Round of 64 (first round), Round of 32 (second round), Regional semifinals (Sweet 16), Regional Finals (Elite Eight), National semifinals (Final Four), National Championship Game, and national champion, respectively.
• The Record column does not include wins or losses in games declared no-contest.

CBS Sports and Turner Sports had US television rights to the tournament.{{cite news|last=Bonesteel|first=Matt|title=CBS and Turner Sports lock down NCAA tournament through 2032|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/04/12/cbs-and-turner-sports-lock-down-ncaa-tournament-through-2032/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 12, 2016|access-date=April 12, 2016}}{{cite web |title=Turner Sports and CBS Sports Announce 2021 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Commentator Teams |url=https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/us/media-release/turner-sports/turner-sports-and-cbs-sports-announce-2021-ncaa-division-i-mens-basketball |publisher=Warner Media |access-date=March 11, 2021 |date=March 11, 2021 }} As part of a cycle that began in 2016, CBS televised the 2021 Final Four and the national championship game. Because the 2020 tournament had been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, the last two rounds in back-to-back editions were broadcast on CBS for the first time since 2015 (TBS would have broadcast the 2020 Final Four and National Championship according to the arrangement).

• First Four – truTV and TBS
• First and Second Rounds – CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV
• Regional semifinals and Final (Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight) – CBS and TBS
• National semifinals (Final Four) and championship – CBS

• Greg Gumbel (New York City and Indianapolis) – First Four, first round, second round, Regionals, Final Four and National Championship Game
• Ernie Johnson (Atlanta and Indianapolis) – First Four, first round, second round, Regionals and Final Four
• Adam Zucker (New York City) – First round and Second round
• Matt Winer (Atlanta) – First round (Game Breaks)

• Charles Barkley (Atlanta and Indianapolis) – First Four, first round, second round, Regionals, Final Four and National Championship Game
• Seth Davis (New York City and Indianapolis) – First Four, first round, second round, Regionals, Final Four and National Championship Game
• Jim Jackson (Indianapolis) – National Championship Game
• Andy Katz (Atlanta) – First Four, first round, second round and Regionals
• Clark Kellogg (New York City and Indianapolis) – First Four, first round, second round, Regionals, Final Four and National Championship Game
• Candace Parker (Indianapolis) – Final Four
• Kenny Smith (Atlanta and Indianapolis) – First Four, first round, second round, Regionals, Final Four and National Championship Game
• Gene Steratore (New York City and Indianapolis) (Rules Analyst) – First Four, first round, second round, Regionals, Final Four and National Championship Game
• Wally Szczerbiak (New York City) – First Four, first round, second round and Regionals

• Jim Nantz/Bill Raftery/Grant Hill/Tracy Wolfson – First round at Hinkle Fieldhouse; Second Round and Regional Semi-finals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Sunday); South Regional Final at Lucas Oil Stadium Unity (South); Final Four and National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium
• Hill joined Nantz, Raftery and Wolfson during the Regionals, Final Four and National Championship Games.
• Brian Anderson/Jim Jackson/Allie LaForce – First Four at Mackey Arena; First and Second Rounds at Bankers Life Fieldhouse; Regional Semi-finals at Hinkle Fieldhouse (Saturday); West Regional Final at Lucas Oil Stadium Unity (South)
• Ian Eagle/Grant Hill or Jim Spanarkel/Jamie Erdahl – First round at Mackey Arena; Second Round and Regional Semi-finals at Hinkle Fieldhouse (Sunday); Midwest Regional Final at Lucas Oil Stadium Equality (North)
• Hill called the First & Second Rounds, Spanarkel did the Regionals.
• Kevin Harlan/Dan Bonner/Dana Jacobson – First round at Indiana Farmers Coliseum; Second Round at Hinkle Fieldhouse; Regional Semi-finals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Saturday); East Regional Final at Lucas Oil Stadium Equality (North)
• Brad Nessler/Steve Lavin/Avery Johnson (First Four only)/Evan Washburn – First Four at Assembly Hall; First and Second Rounds at Indiana Farmers Coliseum
• Spero Dedes/Brendan Haywood/Lauren Shehadi – First round at Bankers Life Fieldhouse; Second Round at Lucas Oil Stadium Unity (South)
• Andrew Catalon/Steve Lappas/AJ Ross – First and Second Rounds at Hinkle Fieldhouse
• Carter Blackburn/Debbie Antonelli/Evan Washburn (Friday)/Dana Jacobson (Saturday)/Lauren Shehadi (Monday) – First round at Assembly Hall; Second Round at Hinkle Fieldhouse
• Lisa Byington/Steve Smith/AJ Ross (Friday & Sunday)/Lauren Shehadi (Saturday) – First round at Lucas Oil Stadium Unity (South); Second Round at Indiana Farmers Coliseum
• Tom McCarthy/Avery Johnson/AJ Ross (Friday)/Lauren Shehadi (Saturday) – First round at Lucas Oil Stadium Equality (North)

ESPN International had international rights to the tournament. Coverage used CBS/Turner play-by-play teams until the Final Four.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-02|title=ESPN's College GameDay Covered by State Farm Headlines Men's College Basketball Studio Programming this Weekend|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/04/espns-college-gameday-covered-by-state-farm-headlines-mens-college-basketball-studio-programming-this-weekend/|access-date=2021-04-04|website=ESPN Press Room U.S.|language=en-US}}

• Sean McDonough/Jay Bilas or Dick Vitale - Final Four and National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium
• Bilas did UCLA vs. Gonzaga, Vitale did Houston vs. Baylor and the National Championship Game

{{small|All times Eastern.}}

{{small|Tournament seedings and region are in parentheses.}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Ted Emrich and Kyle Macy – at Assembly Hall
• John Sadak and Jordan Cornette – at Mackey Arena

• Ryan Radtke and Austin Croshere – at Hinkle Fieldhouse and Indiana Farmers Coliseum
• Kevin Kugler and P. J. Carlesimo – at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium
• Craig Way and Donny Marshall – at Indiana Farmers Coliseum and Hinkle Fieldhouse
• Ted Emrich and Kyle Macy – at Assembly Hall
• John Sadak and Jordan Cornette – at Mackey Arena
• Bill Rosinski and Will Perdue – at Lucas Oil Stadium and Bankers Life Fieldhouse
• Jason Benetti and Robbie Hummel – at Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse
• Brandon Gaudin and Dan Dickau – at Hinkle Fieldhouse and Bankers Life Fieldhouse
• Dave Pasch and Danny Manning – at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse
• Scott Graham and Jon Crispin – at Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Lucas Oil Stadium and Bankers Life Fieldhouse

{{col-2}}

• Ryan Radtke and Donny Marshall – at Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Saturday) and Hinkle Fieldhouse (Sunday)
• Kevin Kugler and P. J. Carlesimo – at Hinkle Fieldhouse (Saturday), Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Sunday) and Lucas Oil Stadium (Monday & Tuesday)
• Ryan Radtke and Robbie Hummel – at Lucas Oil Stadium (Monday & Tuesday)

• Kevin Kugler, Jim Jackson, P. J. Carlesimo, and Jim Gray – Lucas Oil Stadium

{{col-end}}

FastBreak is an online-only program providing whiparound coverage of all tournament games similar to NFL RedZone during the first weekend.

• Dave Briggs, Rex Chapman, Tony Delk (New York City){{Cite news|date=2021-03-18|title=Community news: Summer concert series announced and more|url=https://www.westport-news.com/living/article/Community-news-Summer-concert-series-announced-16035174.php|access-date=2021-03-19|newspaper=Ct Insider|language=en-US}}

• 2021 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament

{{notelist-ua}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament navbox}}

{{2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament navbox}}

{{2020–21 NCAA Division I championships navbox}}

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