The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game is the biggest night in college basketball. With millions watching around the world, the final game of March Madness isn’t just about the teams — it’s also about the format, flow, and officiating rules that make the game what it is.

Whether you’re a casual fan tuning in for the first time or a basketball die-hard wanting a refresher, this guide breaks down the key rules and gameplay format for the 2025 March Madness finals.

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Game Length and Structure

• Game Duration: The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship is played in two 20-minute halves, not four quarters like in the NBA or women’s college basketball.
• Halftime: 15 minutes
• Overtime: If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods are 5 minutes long. Additional overtimes are played as needed until a winner is determined.

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Team Size and Substitutions

• Each team can have five players on the court at a time.
• Teams are allowed unlimited substitutions during dead ball situations.
• A substitution must be reported to the official scorer and can only enter when acknowledged by the referee.

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Timeout Rules

• Each team is allowed four 75-second timeouts and two 30-second timeouts per game.
• A maximum of three timeouts may be carried into the second half.
• One additional 30-second timeout is granted to each team for every overtime period.
• Media timeouts occur at the first dead ball after the 16, 12, 8, and 4-minute marks of each half.

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Shot Clock and Possession

• The shot clock is set at 30 seconds for each offensive possession.
• A team must attempt a field goal that hits the rim within this time.
• If the offense grabs the rebound on a shot that hits the rim, the shot clock is reset to 20 seconds.
• Possession arrow is used to determine control in jump-ball situations after the initial tip.

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Fouls and Free Throws

• Personal Foul Limit: A player fouls out after committing five personal fouls (combination of defensive, offensive, and technical fouls).
• Bonus Rule: After a team commits seven team fouls in a half, the opposing team enters the one-and-one bonus (if the first free throw is made, the player gets a second).
• Double Bonus: Once a team has committed ten team fouls in a half, the opposing team gets two free throws automatically.
• Technical Fouls: Results in two free throws and possession of the ball for the opposing team.

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Three-Point Line

• In NCAA men’s basketball, the three-point line is set at 22 feet, 1¾ inches from the center of the basket in most areas of the court.
• From the corners, the distance is slightly shorter due to the angle of the sideline.

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Replay Review and Challenges

• NCAA referees may use instant replay in certain late-game situations, including:
  • Determining whether a shot was released before the buzzer
  • Reviewing flagrant fouls
  • Clarifying out-of-bounds calls in the final two minutes
• Coaches do not have a challenge system like in the NBA. All reviews are initiated by officials.

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Uniform and Equipment Standards

• Both teams must wear uniforms that comply with NCAA regulations for visibility, numbering, and color contrast.
• The official game ball must meet NCAA specifications for size, weight, and branding.
• All players must wear legal and safe equipment, including mouthguards and properly fastened jerseys.

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Coaching Area and Bench Conduct

• Coaches must remain in the designated coaching box along the sideline.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct from players or coaching staff can result in technical fouls.
• Excessive violations may result in ejection or additional penalties.

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Officials and Crew Format

• The national championship game is officiated by a three-person referee crew, selected by the NCAA based on performance throughout the tournament.
• These officials are responsible for enforcing the rules, managing the game flow, and maintaining player safety.

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Final Thoughts

The March Madness Championship game is fast, physical, and high-pressure. The rules used in this game are carefully structured to maintain fairness, keep the action moving, and ensure a consistent standard across all NCAA Division I men’s basketball games.

Knowing the rules enhances the viewing experience — helping fans u