The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly dubbed March Madness, is in full swing as schools across the nation compete for national glory starting from the First Four games on March 18 to the culminating championship game on April 7.
Auburn's unexpected rise as the No. 1 overall seed, despite losing three of its last four games, is one of the most significant storylines thus far. An intriguing stat is circling: no team has ever lost three of its past four games and then captured the national championship. Auburn, however, is looking to change that narrative as they prepare to face No. 16 Alabama State at 2:50 p.m. on March 20, 2025. The Hornets advanced by edging St. Francis in a nail-biting finish, winning 70-68 with a last-second layup during the First Four.
As we look at other key matchups in the tournament, starting with the first round's schedule, No. 8 Louisville will clash with No. 9 Creighton at 12:15 p.m., with bets favoring Louisville by 2.5 points. This follows a remarkable season for the Cardinals, who have gone 21-2 since December 14, raising their profile significantly despite their place in a down ACC this year.
Another matchup that could provide fireworks features No. 13 Yale against No. 4 Texas A&M at 7:25 p.m. Yale enters this contest with an impressive 16-1 record since late December and the Ivy League has shown promise in the tournament, boasting a solid 10-4 record against the spread in first-round games since 2009.
Ahead of these significant games, Auburn's matchup against Alabama State will be one to watch. Despite the odds heavily favoring Auburn at -31.5, Alabama State comes in with momentum after their recent victory. Historically, a No. 16 seed defeating a No. 1 is part of what makes March Madness exciting, although it's rare.
As fans anticipate the contest between No. 5 Michigan and No. 12 UC San Diego at 10 p.m., many expect an upset based on UCSD’s impressive season, where they ranked 36th overall according to KenPom.com. However, they face a daunting task against Michigan's towering lineup that includes two exceptional 7-footers, Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf, making it likely they will enjoy a considerable height advantage.
The tournament continues into Friday, March 21, where the action heats up with consequential matchups like No. 11 North Carolina versus No. 6 Ole Miss at 4:05 p.m. North Carolina enters riding high after their powerful First Four win over San Diego State, promising an engaging contest.
Meanwhile, a clash between No. 14 Lipscomb and No. 3 Iowa State at 1:30 p.m. raises eyebrows, particularly due to the injury issues facing Iowa State. They were once viewed as a Final Four contender, yet recently suffered losses resulting from injuries. Their standout guard, Keshon Gilbert, is unfortunately out for the rest of the season, leaving the Cyclones vulnerable.
The March Madness hype is undoubtedly real, and with teams like No. 7 Marquette facing No. 10 New Mexico at 7:25 p.m., fans are eager to witness some high-stakes basketball. Marquette's Kam Jones, a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, symbolizes their impressive skill set.
Finally, as we conclude this analysis of the evolving tournament landscape, No. 15 Bryant faces No. 2 Michigan State at 10 p.m. on Friday. Michigan State has established a strong record against the spread, posting a 22-10-1 mark, showcasing their consistency and prowess throughout the season.
As March Madness unfolds, exciting matchups are sure to captivate basketball fans across the nation, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
