We are about to enter the best weeks of the year.

There’s no other time when you can turn on a TV or computer and watch 48 college basketball games, as many as four at the same time. Local television will have at least four games on every day from now to Sunday.

If you have cable and the sports tier, or subscribe to certain satellite providers, you’ll likely have the choice of an additional out-of-market game as well. On cable in Lawrence, the extra game is on Channel 181.

But that’s not all, sports fans. The NCAA and CBS are making every out-of-market game available for free from March Madness On Demand at www.NCAAsports.com/MMOD. This is the second year the live streaming video has been free, and this year CBS is adding streaming audio for those who don’t have a powerful enough computer or enough available bandwidth. On top of that, CBS has introduced a 50 percent increase in the resolution level of the games it streams.

For anyone without major plans for spring break, I suggest curling up with a picture-in-picture equipped TV, a remote, digital cable, a laptop and your beer of choice.

Aside from spending time on the beach or in the large American city of your choice, I can’t think of a better way to pass the time during spring vacation — no matter how far Kansas advances in this year’s tournament.

With that in mind, then, here’s some reasons why (and how) you should watch the following games from the first round.

Thursday:

Game #1: Boston College vs. Texas Tech at 11:25 a.m.

This game features two teams Kansas played, the Red Raiders, who beat the Jayhawks, and the Eagles, who came into Allen Fieldhouse and lost.

This game’s available on CBS in this area, so you’ve go no excuse to miss it.

Game #2: Texas A&M vs. Penn. 2 p.m.

It’s hard to find a more talented player than A&M’s Acie Law. He can hit clutch shots and he’s his team’s all around scoring leader. The Aggies are a Final Four team and you shouldn’t pass up a chance to see them rough up a weak opponent.

This game is also available on CBS.

Game #3: Marquette vs. Michigan State 6:20 p.m.

Jerel McNeal, the Eagles’ leading scorer, won’t make the first round of the NCAA tournament. And with that, coach Tom Izzo’s Spartans just earned a shot at the second round.

This game is available either on Channel 181, or via NCAASports.com/MMOD.

Game #4: Indiana vs. Gonzaga 8:45 p.m.

Gonzaga is a the original Cinderella team but it has struggled more than it’s accustomed to this season. With former Jayhawk Micah Downs playing for the Bulldogs, there’s every reason to watch this game.

Get this game on CBS.

Friday:

Game #1: Virginia vs. Albany 12:15 p.m.

Virginia has had quite the up and down season this year. The Cavaliers had wins against Duke and Virginia Tech, both in the NCAA tournament, but they also lost to ACC bottom-feeder Miami. Albany could be primed for an upset.

Catch this game on Channel 181 or NCAASports/MMOD.

Game #2: Notre Dame vs. Winthrop 1:35 p.m.

Winthrop has the potential to be this year’s George Mason, and Notre Dame is having one of its best seasons in a long time. This game has every potential to be a true thiller.

Flip your TV to CBS for this game.

Game #3: Kansas vs. Niagara 6:10 p.m.

Turn off your computer, turn off picture-in-picture. This should be the only thing occupying your attention.

This game is available on CBS and is the only game of the day that CBS is committed to keeping on uninterrupted.

Game #4: Kentucky vs. Villanova 8:30 p.m.

This game should determine who Kansas plays in the second round. Assuming they make it that far. Kentucky has had a down year, leading for calls for coach Tubby Smith’s job. Villanova isn’t as good as it has been recently.

Catch this game on CBS.

No matter where you are, there’s a way to catch March Madness. And if you find yourself out of town and looking for fellow Jayhawks to enjoy the game with, visit www.kualumni.org, where the Alumni Association maintains a list of official Alumni bars, where Jayhawk fans are likely to gather.

Kealing is a Chesterfield, Mo., senior in journalism and political science.

— Edited by Mark Vierthaler