The March Madness tournament continues to surprise and shock fans, especially with several upsets marking the first rounds of the NCAA championships this year. Starting with the early matchups, No. 9 Creighton made a notable entrance into the tournament by defeating No. 8 Louisville with a commanding score of 89-75 on March 24, 2025. The Blue Jays showcased their dominance right from the start, holding a 49-34 lead at halftime and maintaining a comfortable margin throughout the second half.
An equally remarkable upset came from No. 12 McNeese, who defeated No. 5 Clemson in a thrilling matchup that concluded with a score of 69-67. McNeese State’s early dominance in the game set the tone, as they raced to a 23-8 lead thanks to a significant 19-2 run. Despite a late push from Clemson, the Cowboys secured their victory, marking their first-time advancement in the NCAA tournament.
However, it was the Arkansas Razorbacks who stunned the landscape with a victory over second-seeded St. John’s, coached by Hall of Famer Rick Pitino. On March 22, 2025, Arkansas, seeded 10th, pulled off a surprising 75-66 win, demonstrating resilience learned from earlier losses, particularly a lopsided defeat to Tennessee. Coach John Calipari highlighted the lessons learned from that game, noting the need for physicality and cooperation, stating, “If you don’t become more physical…you’re going to take a lot of these.” The Razorbacks outperformed their previous loss by controlling the boards and scoring 18 second-chance points against St. John’s.
Arkansas’s journey to victory was marked by tight competition, showcasing their adaptability and growth. They improved their offensive rebounds from nine against Tennessee to 16 against St. John’s, ultimately allowing them to win the points-in-the-paint battle 46-38. With Trevon Brazile leading the team with a total of 20 rebounds across the tournament matchups, it’s clear that the Razorbacks implemented crucial adjustments that have paid off.
In other significant games, No. 6 Ole Miss secured a remarkable 91-78 victory over No. 3 Iowa State, advancing to the Sweet 16 with Sean Pedulla leading the charge with 20 points and seven assists. Meanwhile, No. 6 BYU edged past No. 3 Wisconsin 91-89 in a thriller that came down to the wire, establishing BYU’s place in the Sweet 16 for the first time in over a decade.
The upsets weren’t confined to the men’s tournament alone. The women’s division also saw significant surprises, such as No. 5 Tennessee’s 82-67 triumph over No. 4 Ohio State. The Lady Vols turned the tables with a powerful performance that saw them limit Ohio State to just 14 points in the second quarter. Talaysia Cooper was instrumental in their victory, racking up 19 points, eight rebounds, and seven steals off the bench.
Notably, No. 5 Ole Miss defeated No. 4 Baylor 69-63 in another nail-biting game. Ole Miss pulled ahead in the final seconds, showcasing their grit and determination to advance to the Sweet 16. The tension heightens as Kansas State emerged victorious over Kentucky in an overtime thriller, leading to a final score of 80-79. Temira Poindexter’s critical three-pointer secured the Wildcats’ advance, marking a defining moment for the team.
Meanwhile, No. 10 South Dakota State stunned No. 7 Oklahoma State with a 74-68 victory, emphasizing their determination throughout the competition. Brooklyn Meyer led the Jackrabbits with 19 points, propelling them into their second appearance in the tournament's second round in the last three seasons.
Kentucky's narrative deepens as they attempt to maintain composure under pressure, facing off against formidable rivals in subsequent rounds. Calipari, who faced questions regarding his capabilities as a coach after a tough season with Kentucky, has found revitalization at Arkansas. The success against St. John’s demonstrates that Calipari's ability to motivate and rally a team, even after a rocky start, remains intact.
With the tournament now inching toward the Sweet 16, the excitement continues to build not only for fans but for the teams as they prepare for even more intense matchups. As each game features unpredictable outcomes, fans are reminded why March Madness has captivated audiences: the thrill of upsets and the potential for underdogs to rise.
