Wichita, Kan. – The NCAA Tournament brought a flurry of excitement to college basketball fans on March 20, 2025, as several teams took to the court in a bid for tournament glory.
The University of Missouri suffered a setback in the first round as they fell to Drake, 67-57. This loss marked the end of a commendable season for the Tigers, who finished with a 22-12 overall record, an impressive 14-win improvement from the prior year. In the face of adversity, seniors Caleb Grill and Tamar Bates stepped up as the leading scorers for Mizzou, each putting up 14 and 10 points during their final collegiate appearance. Junior Mark Mitchell contributed eight points along with a team-high eight rebounds.
Initially, Mizzou's defensive strategy paid dividends as they managed to force Drake into multiple turnovers early on, capitalizing on a strong start. However, the Bulldogs rallied and swiftly gained a 13-7 lead, thanks, in part, to an 8-0 run. This momentum grew as Drake launched a further 10-2 spurt, extending their lead to 28-18 while putting Mizzou’s shooting skills to the test, resulting in 1-of-4 accuracy during crucial phases. Heading into halftime, Drake held a 30-23 lead after closing the half strong.
In the second half, an early 9-0 surge by Drake pushed the score to 43-28, but Mizzou wasn't ready to throw in the towel yet. Capitalizing on foul opportunities, the Tigers mounted a strong comeback, pulling within just a point at 52-51 following a 10-0 run. As the clock wound down, Drake answered with a 6-0 run, regaining a crucial lead at 58-52. Mizzou had a chance to get back in the game but a missed 3-pointer with just over a minute left sealed their fate, allowing the Bulldogs to secure a 67-57 victory.
On the same day, in a separate matchup, the No. 14 seed UNCW Seahawks faced No. 3 Texas Tech, falling 82-72 in the NCAA Tournament. The Red Raiders, holding a 26-8 record, secured their spot in the second round, where they'll square off against Drake on Saturday. Despite the loss, the Seahawks concluded their remarkable season tied for the second-most wins in program history and snagged a CAA record seventh league tournament title.
Nolan Hodge was at the forefront for UNCW, scoring 18 points, just shy of his career-high, alongside seven rebounds. Teammate Bo Montgomery added ten points, marking his 13th double-digit game this season. Texas Tech’s Kerwin Walton was the star of the show, erupting for 27 points, which included eight of the Red Raiders' 13 made three-pointers. Elijah Hawkins contributed significantly with 14 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists while JT Toppin recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, aiding Texas Tech in their victory.
UNCW began to close the gap after entering the second half down 38-34, quickly tying the game at 41-41. The teams exchanged leads multiple times before the Red Raiders made their decisive moves, ultimately pushing their advantage back into double digits with under three minutes left on the clock.
Away from these nail-biting matches, Grand Canyon University fans were busy showing their school spirit. Students made their way to Seattle on March 21, 2025, donning purple regalia to support their men's basketball team as they clashed with Maryland at 1:35 p.m. GCU’s women’s basketball team also made waves as they prepared to face the formidable Baylor Lady Bears in Waco, Texas, at 12:30 p.m. The Lopes women's team enters this competition on a remarkable 30-game win streak, showcasing their strong 16-0 conference record, while it marks a historical moment as they take the court for their first big dance.
The anticipation bubbled over as GCU hosted a watch party for those unable to travel, inviting fans to gather on the arena lawn and support their teams from afar with a full menu and celebration experiences.
As the March Madness frenzy unfolds, teams display resilience, hope, and unyielding spirit, captivating audiences nationwide. With several exciting matchups ahead, fans eagerly await what the next rounds of the tournament will bring.
