The 2025 men’s NCAA tournament has reached the round of 32, and it’s been nothing short of exhilarating. With five double-digit seeds still in the mix, fans are in for a weekend filled with nail-biting action and potential upsets.
Teams like New Mexico and Colorado State have joined the fray, adding to the excitement that March Madness is known for.
Let’s dive into the details of what’s happened so far and what’s to come.
Round of 32: The Underdogs Continue to Shine
The first round of the 2025 NCAA tournament may not have had many shocking moments, but it certainly set the stage for an electrifying round of 32.
Double-digit seeds like No. 10 New Mexico Lobos and No. 12 Colorado State Rams have made their mark, advancing to the second round with impressive performances.
New Mexico Lobos: A Cinderella Story in the Making
The No. 10 seed New Mexico Lobos stunned No. 7 seed Marquette with a 75-66 victory. This win has set the Lobos up for a challenging second-round matchup, but they’ve shown they have the grit and determination to compete at the highest level.
Colorado State Rams: Momentum is Key
The No. 12 seed Colorado State Rams were actually favorites against No. 5 seed Memphis, especially after Memphis guard Tyrese Hunter was ruled out.
Colorado State capitalized on this advantage, earning a 78-70 victory. Kyan Evans led the charge with 23 points, while star forward Nique Clifford contributed a solid all-around game.
Next up, they face No. 4 seed Maryland, who decimated Grand Canyon in their opening game.
Saturday’s Must-Watch Matchups
Saturday’s games promise to be thrilling, with several marquee matchups that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Here are the highlights:
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Arkansas vs. St. John’s: A Clash of Titans
One of the most anticipated games is between No. 10 seed Arkansas and No. 2 seed St. John’s.
Rick Pitino’s Johnnies are known for their size, athleticism, and intense switching defense, which currently ranks No. 1 in the country.
This game is expected to be a defensive battle, with both teams vying for a spot in the Sweet 16.
BYU vs. Wisconsin: A Potential Barnburner
No. 6 seed BYU takes on No. 3 seed Wisconsin in what many are calling a potential barnburner.
Both teams have had strong seasons, and this game could go down to the wire. Wisconsin’s disciplined playstyle will be put to the test against BYU’s high-octane offense.
Houston vs. Gonzaga: The Game of the Day
The game of the day is undoubtedly the showdown between No. 1 seed Houston and No. 8 seed Gonzaga.
The Zags are looking to make it 10 straight Sweet 16 appearances, but they’ll have to get past a formidable Houston team. This matchup is a must-watch for any college basketball fan.
Sunday’s Exciting Slate
Sunday’s games are equally compelling, with several high-stakes matchups that could shape the rest of the tournament.
UConn vs. Florida: Defending Champs vs. Natty Favorites
The back-to-back defending champion UConn Huskies will face off against No. 1 seed Florida.
UConn has proven they can handle the pressure, but Florida is the favorite to win it all this year. This game will be a true test for both teams.
Duke vs. Baylor: A Battle of NBA Prospects
Duke and Baylor will square off in a game featuring four elite NBA prospects.
This matchup not only has tournament implications but could also impact the upcoming NBA Draft. Fans will be eager to see how these future stars perform on the big stage.
Illinois vs. Kentucky: A High-Scoring Shootout
No. 6 seed Illinois takes on No. 3 seed Kentucky in what promises to be a high-scoring shootout.
Both teams have explosive offenses, and this game could easily turn into a track meet. Expect plenty of fireworks in this one.
Arizona vs. Oregon: Rekindling an Old Rivalry
In the nightcap, No. 4 seed Arizona will face No. 5 seed Oregon, rekindling their old Pac-12 rivalry.
Both teams have a history of intense battles, and this game should be no different. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16, adding even more at stake.
Friday’s Recap: Key Performances and Scores
Friday’s action set the tone for the rest of the tournament, with several standout performances and close games. Here are some highlights:
- No. 1 seed Florida dominated No. 16 seed Norfolk State with a 95-69 victory.
- No. 2 seed Michigan State cruised past No. 15 seed Bryant, winning 87-62.
- No. 3 seed Kentucky took care of No. 14 seed Troy, 76-57.
- No. 4 seed Arizona dismantled No. 13 seed Akron, 93-65.
- No. 5 seed Oregon overwhelmed No. 12 seed Liberty, 81-52.
- No. 6 seed Ole Miss edged out No. 11 seed North Carolina, 71-64.
- No. 6 seed Illinois defeated No. 11 seed Xavier, 86-73.
- No. 10 seed New Mexico upset No. 7 seed Marquette, 75-66.
- No. 8 seed UConn outlasted No. 9 seed Oklahoma, 67-59.
- No. 4 seed Maryland crushed No. 13 seed Grand Canyon, 81-49.
- No. 9 seed Baylor narrowly beat No. 8 seed Mississippi State, 75-72.
- No. 2 seed Alabama survived a scare from No. 15 seed Robert Morris, winning 90-81.
- No. 3 seed Iowa State easily handled No. 14 seed Lipscomb, 82-55.
- No. 12 seed Colorado State knocked off No. 5 seed Memphis, 78-70.
- No. 1 seed Duke rolled over No. 16 seed Mount Saint Mary’s, 93-49.
- No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s defeated No. 10 seed Vanderbilt, 59-55.
The 2025 NCAA tournament has already delivered some unforgettable moments, and we’re just getting started.
With a weekend full of exciting matchups ahead, fans are in for a treat.
Whether you’re rooting for the underdogs or the top seeds, there’s no shortage of drama and excitement in this year’s tournament.
For a full recap of Friday’s action and a look at the updated bracket, check out the detailed coverage on SB Nation.
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