March Madness is just around the corner, and anticipation is mounting as the NCAA prepares for another thrilling tournament season. With Selection Sunday quickly approaching on March 16, 2025, both men's and women's brackets will be revealed, setting the stage for who will battle it out for college basketball glory.
The Marquette Golden Eagles, currently ranked 20th, have one last opportunity to solidify their NCAA Tournament profile when they face off against St. John’s on Saturday, March 8, 2025. With their season record at 22-8 and 13-6 within the Big East, Marquette is being projected as a likely No. 5 seed going forward. This matchup offers them the chance for a Quad 1 victory against the Red Storm, who hold a record of 26-4 and are ranked No. 23 in the NET rankings.
Despite falling short against Connecticut with a 72-66 loss earlier this week on March 5, the Golden Eagles are still positioned well for Selection Sunday. They will be hoping for significant momentum leading up to the Big East tournament, which is often defined by surprises and upsets, all of which could potentially influence their seeding.
Further complicate the NCAA selection picture are traditional blue-blood programs like Ohio State, Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas, who are making strong pushes to secure their spots. These teams have experienced fluctuated seasons, placing them squarely on the tournament bubble. Indiana, for example, won their first meeting against Ohio State 77-76 on January 17, showcasing their competitive edge.
The backdrop of this competitive season raises unique narratives, as fans and analysts alike speculate which teams might emerge as the Cinderellas this year. Various mid-major programs are garnering attention for their potential to underdog surprise powerhouses, highlighted by their statistical advantages.
One notable contender is the Drake Bulldogs, boasting an impressive Underdog Rating of 58.9% according to analytic models. Drake’s achievements this season include an outstanding 27-3 overall record and 17-3 within the Missouri Valley Conference, indicating they should not be underestimated as tournament time approaches.
Utah State, with their own formidable Underdog Rating of 54.0%, cannot be overlooked either. The Aggies, led by Ian Martinez and Mason Falslev, have crafted their offensive efficiency and are currently sitting around the 9-seed with projections highlighting their formidable potential.
Another intriguing team is UC San Diego, eligible for the NCAA Tournament after transitioning up from Division II to the Big West. They rank among this year’s potential Cinderellas with their impressive play under Head Coach Eric Olen, driving notable performance metrics as they prepare to capitalize on this opportunity.
The clocks are ticking toward Selection Sunday. The men's bracket will be officially announced on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, with the women's field following at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. These events will provide teams and fanbases alike much to cheer about, as predictions and hopes range from dreams of national championship runs to pitfalls of potential first-round exits.
Fans will be on the edge of their seats, as millions participate actively with brackets every March, some even for the chance to win prizes through the Bracket Challenge, adding another layer of excitement and engagement. The idealistic dreams of perfect brackets—that elusive task plagued by odds—amount to 1 in 120.2 billion, reminding us just how unpredictable the Madness can truly be.
With the men’s tournament drawing excitement alongside the women’s field, the stakes have never been higher. Whether you're rooting for favorites like Duke or Auburn or discovering unknown gems from mid-major conferences, March Madness is set to captivate more than just basketball enthusiasts. It's about the stories waiting to be written on the hard court as the countdown to Selection Sunday begins.