The NCAA basketball tournament is officially upon us, as Selection Sunday revealed the brackets for both men's and women's divisions, setting the stage for another thrilling season of March Madness. Along with the brackets, significant outcomes from various conference championships have emerged, including the notable win by the Lehigh University women’s basketball team.
The Lehigh Mountain Hawks made history on March 16, 2025, as they celebrated securing their fifth trip to the NCAA Division I tournament. Lehigh, the top seed, triumphed over the second-seeded Army West Point with a decisive score of 74-62 during the Patriot League final held at Stabler Arena. This victory not only solidified their spot but reignited the flame of excitement for their fans, who have eagerly awaited this moment.
Meanwhile, the men's NCAA tournament bracket was unveiled earlier on CBS, capturing the attention of basketball enthusiasts nationwide. The women's bracket, which many fans were particularly eager to see, was also set to be revealed at 8 p.m. on ESPN on the same day. With teams strategizing their paths to victory, one question looms large: which teams show promise and which ones are still fighting to earn their spots?
Heading toward the women's tournament reunion, one of the most pressing concerns is whether the Ivy League will secure three bids this year. Harvard clinched the automatic bid for winning its conference. With strong performances, both Columbia and Princeton find themselves on the bubble, hoping for inclusion as at-larges alongside other contenders such as Iowa State, Washington, Virginia Tech, and Minnesota.
On the men’s side, it appears some teams will have to come to terms with unceremonious exclusions. With Boise State and Indiana missing the cut, fans are left scratching their heads, particularly since Texas and North Carolina managed to just qualify. Adding to the drama, West Virginia, previously considered safe for inclusion, finds itself on the outside, leading to surprise and outrage among its supporters.
March Madness has taken on added intrigue this year, as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) shattered records with 14 team qualifications, exceeding the previous high of 11, which belonged to the Big East back in 2011. This remarkable feat reflects the SEC's growth, visibility, and overall excellence, particularly noteworthy as it has historically been more recognized for its football prowess.
Looking at historical participation, the narrative of so-called "Cinderella teams" remains relevant. Historically, five No. 11 seeds, including LSU and George Mason, have performed unexpectedly well to reach the Final Four. Looking for similar surprises, fans speculate if any lower seeds will make deep runs this season. On the women’s side, success stories have been rarer — only teams seeded No. 3 or higher have clinched the title.
Keeping players and fans excited, the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament schedule kicks off with the First Four games on March 18 and 19, followed closely by the first round on March 20 and 21. Notably, various cities across the nation serve as host sites for the tournament, enhancing the atmosphere of anticipation.
The Women's NCAA Tournament schedule mirrors this excitement, with the First Four occurring from March 19 to 20, and the first round slated for March 21-22. Venues for the women's tournament will include campus sites for the preliminary matches, culminating at the Final Four scheduled April 4 and the championship game on April 6 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
With so much on the line and so many teams vying for glory, the atmosphere is electric as the countdown to the tournament draws to its final moments. Basketball fans will be glued to their screens as they witness history-making runs, heart-wrenching defeats, and exhilarating victories. The time for madness is near! Get ready to root for your teams, endure the suspense of the games, and celebrate the passion of college basketball.