The excitement of March Madness is back as the NCAA Tournament heats up, with the 2025 edition showcasing thrilling finishes and standout performances. The Round of 64 kicked off on Thursday, March 20, 2025, bringing with it a parade of first-round games that promised to deliver the unexpected.
Opening the day were two teams that clearly knew how to make an impression. No. 1 seed Auburn faced off against No. 16 Alabama State, who advanced from the First Four. And while Auburn was a heavy favorite, the Hornets made things interesting early, keeping close until Auburn's senior guard Miles Kelly erupted, scoring the first 12 points of the game. Despite Alabama State's efforts, the battle concluded with Auburn emerging victorious at 83-63. Miles Kelly finished with a team-high 23 points, leading the Tigers into the Round of 32.
Meanwhile, the home crowd was treated to action from No. 8 Louisville against No. 9 Creighton. Despite a valiant effort from Cardinals’ star Chucky Hepburn, the Bluejays were relentless, taking control through a strong second-half performance. Creighton wowed fans with an impressive 89-75 victory, pushing Louisville out of the tournament for another year.
No. 5 Michigan faced off against No. 12 UC San Diego later that evening, and the stakes were high. UC San Diego, having previously secured its entry by winning its conference, was looking to keep its Cinderella story alive. The game tipped off at 10:00 p.m. ET, promising to be an explosive finish to an action-packed day.
As the games continued, No. 11 Texas A&M matched up against No. 13 Yale, another clash perceived as essential for those picking underdogs. The day’s most anticipated matchup featured No. 7 Kansas up against No. 10 Arkansas. Legendary coaches Bill Self and John Calipari faced off in a strategic duel that captured the attention of diehard fans, ensuring the game would be one to remember.
In the earlier rounds of the tournament, there were also several pivotal stories unfolding. The First Four games earlier this week set the tone for the madness about to ensue. On Tuesday, March 18, Alabama State survived a nail-biting finish against No. 16 St. Francis, triumphantly advancing with a score of 70-68. The Hornets secured the win with a late-game layup from Amarr Knox, a moment that would become etched in NCAA history.
No. 11 North Carolina's performance against No. 11 San Diego State was also remarkable, as the Tar Heels cruised to a 95-68 victory. RJ Davis shone brightly, scoring 26 points, demonstrating his ability to rise under pressure. His leadership was pivotal as they moved into the tournament’s later rounds with strong momentum.
The excitement didn’t stop there as Iowa State proved its mettle in the women’s tournament. They battled against Princeton in a tightly contested match on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, forcing a massive turnaround in the game with a third-quarter outburst that led them to a 68-63 win. Audi Crooks led the Cyclones with a stunning 27 points, showcasing why she’s one of the most talked-about players in the tournament.
Another highlight from the women's bracket was Southern’s remarkable performance against UC San Diego. The Jaguars defeated the Tritons 68-56, marking their first NCAA tournament victory in program history. Soniyah Reed and Aniya Gourdine were standouts in the game, scoring 24 and 17 points respectively. Southern will now face the daunting task of playing against No. 1 seed UCLA in the next round.
In addition to the excitement in the women’s event, men’s teams were also vying for glory. The No. 11 squad Xavier faced a challenge from No. 11 Texas on Wednesday, March 19, winning 86-80 after a dramatic second-half comeback. Head coach Sean Miller expressed relief and excitement after the match. “I thought we were dead in the water two different times,” he recounted. This victory propelled Xavier into a matchup against Illinois, demonstrating the resilience of the Musketeers.
Of course, with tournament times running tightly, following all these games can require a precise plan. Fans were reminded to strategize their viewing options, as multiple games were scheduled simultaneously with key matchups occurring throughout the day.
As the excitement continues through March Madness, the stage is set for thrilling individual performances and team showcases. Fans will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats as they watch which teams will continue their journey toward the prestigious national title. Keep an eye on the upcoming matchups, as the tension builds around teams vying not just for victory, but for a place in basketball history.
