The second weekend of the NCAA Tournament kicked off with an electrifying start on Thursday, March 27, 2025, as No. 3 seed Texas Tech pulled off a dramatic 85-83 overtime victory against No. 10 seed Arkansas. The Red Raiders, who found themselves trailing by as much as 16 points during the game, mounted a remarkable comeback, showcasing resilience and determination. Darrion Williams delivered the game-winning basket with just seven seconds left on the clock, finishing the night with 20 points, including 15 crucial points in the second half and overtime.
Williams, who had a tough start shooting just 1 of 11, turned around his performance when it mattered most, leading his team to a win that will be remembered as one of the biggest comebacks in Sweet 16 history. "I just kept telling myself to stay confident and keep pushing," Williams said after the game. Texas Tech's Christian Anderson also shined, leading the Red Raiders with 22 points, while Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin contributed 20 points of his own.
The excitement didn’t stop there. In another thrilling matchup, No. 1 seed Duke faced off against No. 4 seed Arizona, emerging victorious with a 100-93 win. Duke, who led by as many as 19 points, had to fend off a fierce rally from the Wildcats, driven by fifth-year guard Caleb Love, who scored an impressive 35 points on 11 of 21 shooting. Despite Love's efforts, Duke's Cooper Flagg was the standout performer, finishing with 30 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, proving why he’s considered one of the best recruits in college basketball history.
Florida also made headlines by defeating No. 4 seed Maryland 87-71, marking their return to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2017. The Gators showcased their depth, with four of their five starters scoring in double figures, led by Will Richard with 15 points. "It’s who we are, it’s part of our DNA, it’s what makes us good," said Florida head coach Todd Golden, emphasizing the team's shooting and rebounding capabilities.
Meanwhile, No. 2 seed Alabama made history by demolishing No. 6 seed BYU with a staggering 113-88 victory. The Crimson Tide's performance was nothing short of historic as they set a new NCAA tournament record by sinking 25 three-pointers. Mark Sears led the charge with 34 points, while Aden Holloway added 23 points. Sears reflected on his struggles in previous games, stating, "I knew this was the perfect example to go out there and let a couple go in." Alabama’s 51 three-point attempts also set a new record for the most in March Madness history.
As the dust settled on a thrilling night of Sweet 16 action, the SEC emerged as a dominant force, ensuring that at least three teams would represent the conference in the Elite Eight. With No. 2 seed Tennessee and No. 3 seed Kentucky set to play on Friday, March 28, the SEC could potentially have five teams advancing to the next round if Ole Miss can pull off an upset against No. 2 seed Michigan State and if No. 1 seed Auburn can defeat No. 5 seed Michigan.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech will face Florida on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 6:09 p.m. ET, while Alabama is set to take on Duke at 8:49 p.m. ET on the same day. The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await these matchups, which will determine who advances to the coveted Final Four.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement of March Madness continues to capture the hearts of basketball fans across the nation. With thrilling games, unexpected comebacks, and record-breaking performances, this year's NCAA Tournament is living up to its reputation as one of the most exhilarating sporting events in the world.
