The 2025 NCAA Males’s Basketball Match is all the way down to 16 groups after a frenetic weekend that noticed a majority of the highest seeds advance.
Our Ballislife resident consultants give our viewers a fast rundown of what they received proper, and what went down unexpectedly.
The NCAA switch portal is now open as of March 24, and there are even gamers in it whose workforce continues to be alive within the 2025 NCAA tourney. Solely energy convention groups are left and in keeping with on-line studies, individuals don’t thoughts that in any respect.
The NCAA Males’s tourney is reportedly averaging 9.4 million viewers, which is the very best viewing mark (throughout the 4 community tv stations) for the dance since 1993.
NCAA East Area (Newark, N.J.) March 27-29
Duke (1) vs. Arizona (4), 9:39 pm ET (CBS)
Alabama (2) vs. BYU (6), 7:09 pm ET (CBS)
Pre-Tourney Ballislife East Area Last 4 Tally: Duke 6/6
Will Despart, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: Thus far, so good within the East Area. On my finish, at the least. Duke appears to be like each bit as dominant as we imagined and Cooper Flagg’s ankle appears to be like like it will likely be of no concern. I nonetheless assume the Blue Devils meet Alabama within the Elite 8, because the Crimson Tide’s high-powered offense might be an excessive amount of for a BYU workforce that’s run-of-the-mill defensively.
What I Missed On: The lone miss I had on this area was Mississippi State within the first spherical. I’m nonetheless sick that Josh Hubbard didn’t take the final shot within the 8-seeded Bulldogs’ 75-72 loss to Baylor on Friday.
Ronnie Flores, Ballislife Editor
What I Nailed: I stated Duke might be exhausting to beat (duh) and I nonetheless don’t assume Alabama is robust sufficient to beat them. I wouldn’t be shocked if BYU offers ‘Bama all it could possibly deal with. Richie Saunders and Egor Demin are dynamite and don’t be shocked if BYU pulls off the delicate upset.
What I Missed On: I assumed Oregon would get by Arizona. They received off to an important begin, however Caleb Love answered each Oregon run with an enormous 3-pointer. Oregon nonetheless had its probabilities, however would most likely need that shot by T.J Bamba again down two out of a key timeout.
Sara Jane Gamell, Ballislife Managing Editor
What I Nailed: Considered one of my strongest areas, the East is wanting stable on my finish. As I acknowledged beforehand, Duke appears to be like just like the workforce to beat with Cooper Flagg wholesome. Saint Mary’s protection stood out towards Vanderbilt within the first spherical, which I anticipated. Whereas the primary two rounds are anticipated to be pretty easy for Duke, the Blue Devils have a +67 level differential in two wins towards No. 16 Mount St Marys and No. 9 Baylor. Do I have to say extra? In no world do I anticipate BYU/Alabama to upset Duke within the Elite 8.
What I Missed On: I used to be manner off the mark giving Saint Mary’s extra credit score than the result. Positive, it held Vanderbilt to 56 factors. Whereas I had the Gaels advancing to the Candy 16, their hopes and desires had been crushed by Mark Sears and Alabama (Sears had a horrible recreation).
Geoff Magliocchetti, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: I got here out principally clear within the East, one of many uncommon areas I penned chalk: High-ranked, Cooper Flagg-led Duke simply dealt with enterprise towards Mount St. Mary’s and Baylor, whereas second-seeded Alabama survived a scare towards Robert Morris earlier than dealing with St. Mary’s. It was exhausting to ascertain any upsets on the prime of the bracket (past, in fact, Baylor squeaking by Mississippi State in 8/9 recreation) and that principally performed out. Fortuitously, Arizona and Oregon gave an applicable farewell to the Pac-12 with an thrilling Sunday finisher, one the place I fortunately claimed the Wildcats.
What I Missed On: Past trusting the SEC just a little an excessive amount of (Mississippi State and Vanderbilt), I dedicated the sin of doubting BYU. I used to be fairly enthused by a unique farewell tour at VCU, although the Rams couldn’t ship Ryan Odom off in model after falling by an 80-71 closing. Mormon March Insanity struck once more in spherical two, because the Cougars eliminated considered one of my Candy 16 with a 91-89 win over Wisconsin. Credit score, although, to John Tonje. No less than somebody tried to avoid wasting my bracket.
Luciano Vigliatore, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: Word shock right here, however Duke was all the time the workforce to return out of the East Area. Cooper Flagg’s pre-tournament damage has been of no concern for Duke, which was my solely query mark for this workforce. Alabama and Duke look like the doubtless closing 8 matchup, and I anticipate nothing else from these two powerhouses.
What I Missed On: My solely incorrect alternative of the East Area was Oregon vs Arizona. Caleb Jones within the second half was an excessive amount of to cope with and Arizona moved on. Not any main upsets on this area, which was on par with my pre-tournament prediction.
NCAA Midwest Area (Indianapolis, Ind.) March 28-30
Houston (1) vs. Purdue (4), 10:09 pm (TBS)
Tennessee (2) vs. Kentucky (3), 7:39 pm (TBS)
Pre-Tourney Ballislife Midwest Area Last 4 Tally: Houston 4/6, Tennessee 2/6
Will Despart, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: Houston and Tennessee are clearly the groups to beat on this area and I’d nonetheless guess {dollars} to donuts that we see that matchup within the Elite 8. I’m a bit frightened about Kentucky on the Vols’ finish as a result of Large Blue Nation took each conferences within the common season. Nevertheless, my favourite adage in sports activities is that it’s robust to beat an important workforce twice. I’d think about beating an important workforce thrice is even tougher. If Kentucky can do it, bravo, however I’ll be betting towards Mark Pope and firm right here.
What I Missed On: I used to be one of many individuals bullish on Excessive Level towards Purdue final week. Not sensible. The Large 10 appeared fairly actually unbeatable with an 8-0 document within the first spherical and a workforce from the Large South wasn’t going to buck that pattern.
Ronnie Flores, Ballislife Editor
What I Nailed: I stated to be careful for Purdue, however I don’t assume the Boilermakers have the foot pace to get by Houston. Wow, the Cougs had been spectacular, however giving up that large lead within the Spherical of 32 to Gonzaga due to a 1-3-1 press was worrisome. Will their ball dealing with be on level in a good recreation? Houston shoots the 3-ball effectively, so it’ll nonetheless be robust to beat.
What I Missed On: Kentucky is a bit higher than I assumed and has an actual likelihood towards Tennessee. Kentucky has additionally overwhelmed the Vols already twice this season. Kentucky shot the lights out through the common season vs. the Cats and it gained’t have the ability to replicate that vs. within the stress cooker of the Candy 16.
Sara Jane Gamelli, Ballislife Managing Editor
What I Nailed: My strongest area of all of them, I used to be proper on the cash with Houston defeating SIUE 78-40 within the first spherical, this was some actual Cougars on Cougars crime! Talking of Houston, it held SIUE Edwardsville to a dreadful 2-24 (8.3 %) 3-point efficiency. General this can be a workforce that recorded solely 15 discipline targets!
I used to be proper after I stated Gonzaga wouldn’t be a stroll within the park. As predicted, we noticed Houston and the Zags meet within the second spherical. With Houston sneaking by with the 81-76 victory, Gonzaga got here all the best way again from a 14-point deficit. Houston’s protection might have been off model, nevertheless, L.J Cryer saved the day with 30 factors. On the finish of the day, it was Houston’s protection that held up within the closing seconds.
The Zags had been all the time the leaders, and now it’s Houston’s flip to take over. The Cougs now head to their fifth straight Candy 16.
What I Missed On: I assumed this might be the area with probably the most upsets, and I used to be mistaken. Regardless of McNeese, I made daring picks for Excessive Level and Utah State to upset Purdue and UCLA. Boy, was I mistaken! I assumed Utah State would have been aggressive, however to lose by 25 factors? I didn’t see that coming.
Geoff Magliocchetti, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: Going prime seeds on the backside half of the bracket definitely paid off. Boring did its job in that regard, as no matchup in that subsection was nearer than 9 factors en path to a completely anticipated Kentucky-Tennessee regional semifinal. I used to be fairly tempted to take sixth-seeded Illinois over the Wildcats in spherical two, however figured that’d be a better option for a future ReliaQuest Bowl.
What I Missed On: The much less stated concerning the prime of the bracket, the higher. It was good to see Kelvin Sampson give Gonzaga its props after the Zags took his top-ranked Houston Cougars to the brink within the Spherical of 32. If ethical victories counted, nevertheless, I’d most likely have claimed Warren Buffett’s good bracket prize by now. I did solely get one first-round recreation mistaken on this total area. Alas, the defeat, McNeese’s uncommon upset over Clemson, eradicated considered one of my Elite Eight.
Luciano Vigliatore, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: Houston is my choose to win March Insanity, and the Cougs haven’t disillusioned thus far. Their elite protection might be an issue for all groups. McNeese was one other workforce that I had predicted a primary spherical upset over Clemson. This area sees all prime 4 seeds transfer on, which has been a recurring theme this 12 months.
What I Missed On: I had a hot-take prediction that Purdue was going to be eradicated by Excessive Level within the first spherical of the event, which turned out to not be the case. I am unable to foresee Purdue giving Houston any issues within the spherical of 16.
Word: The East and Midwest Area champs will meet within the NCAA Last 4 semifinals on April 5 in San Antonio on the Alamodome.
NCAA South Area (Atlanta) March 28-30
Auburn (1) vs. Michigan (5), 9:39 pm (CBS)
Michigan St. (2) vs. Ole Miss (6), 7:09 pm (CBS)
Pre-Tourney Ballislife South Area Last 4 Tally: Michigan St. 4/6, Ole Miss 1/6, Open 1/6
Will Despart, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: I stated the 11/6 matchup between Ole Miss and North Carolina was going to have a much bigger influence than we ever may have imagined. With Ole Miss wanting robust in that win earlier than beating No. 3 seed Iowa State, I truly don’t thoughts betting on the Rebels with that +3.5 quantity towards Michigan State within the Candy 16. I could take Ole Miss outright.
I used to be additionally appropriate in my perception that UCSD didn’t have the frontcourt depth to beat Michigan’s tandem of 7-footers in Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf. The Tritons did fare higher than I assumed, although, because of 25 factors from Tyler McGhie.
What I missed: I assumed Auburn’s tough stretch to finish the common season might have been an indication of issues to return for the NCAA Match. The Tigers’ 12-point win over Creighton and 4x Large East DPOY Ryan Kalkbrenner proved in any other case. It additionally confirmed me that Johni Broome shouldn’t have any problem with Michigan’s aforementioned large man tandem.
Ronnie Flores, Ballislife Editor
What I Nailed: I nonetheless assume Auburn will play Sparty within the Elite 8 and I nonetheless like Michigan St. Auburn is a bit streaky to me and doesn’t get the ball inside sufficient. Potential foul bother on the inside would be the key as will the play of Tre Holloman. Can Auburn preserve Michigan St. off the offensive glass?
What I Missed On: I assumed North Carolina would play higher with a recreation beneath its belt due to the play-in, however the Heels let Ole Miss off the hook. Ole Miss received the proper matchups on the proper time due to the damage to Iowa State’s Keshon Gilbert. I’d be very shocked if Sparty doesn’t cowl.
Sara Jane Gamelli, Ballislife Managing Editor
What I Nailed: I used to be spot on within the sense Auburn confirmed no mercy, at the least within the first spherical towards Alabama State. Though the Tigers escaped with a 82-70 second spherical victory over Creighton, it was just a little too shut for consolation! We’re speaking a couple of Creighton workforce that shot 44 % from past the arc. I’ve Auburn assembly Michigan State within the Elite 8, however who will escape?
Michigan State hasn’t failed me but, securing wins over Byant and New Mexico. If we have a look at Quad 1 information alone, this must be a lock for the Spartans. The distinction will in the end come all the way down to MSU’s effectivity on protection, and dominating on the glass.
Don’t sleep on Michigan State, the Wolverines are probably the greatest rebounding groups within the NCAA Match. I nonetheless have the Spartans beautiful Auburn to succeed in the Last 4 for the primary workforce for the reason that 2013-2014 season. I even have to present a particular shoutout to Michigan for its 5-4 upset over Texas A&M.
What I Missed On: I went too company, and put just a little an excessive amount of belief in T.J Otzelberger and the Iowa State Cyclones. I didn’t see No. 6 Ole Miss coming with the upset. Once I imply upset, Ole Miss defeated Iowa State by double digits. Though an honest second half, Iowa State couldn’t play a lick of protection. The Rebels shot over 57 % from the sphere and 3-point vary.
Geoff Magliocchetti, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: For all of the carnage I took on this bracket, at the least the state of Michigan got here via for me. The Spartans held their floor and I maybe felt just a little too proud in seeing Michigan name midnight on UC San Diego’s Cinderella story. The Tritons, inspiring as they had been, merely grew to become a too widespread upset bid, and Michigan’s propensity to play shut video games paid off ultimately.
What I Missed On: Consuming manner an excessive amount of North Carolina Kool-Assist. Positive, the blue taste could also be scrumptious and it was significantly candy after the Tar Heels conquered San Diego State by a hefty margin within the First 4. It grew to become bitter after the primary spherical, although, because the Heels had been summarily dismissed by Mississippi. Lastly doubting Iowa State would’ve lastly paid off … had I not had them falling sufferer to the aforementioned Jordan Model bearers. Talking of drinks, I may have an alibi for final Thursday, as I could also be beneath suspicion for throwing that bottle on the ground through the Louisville-Creighton recreation. Fortuitously, I took my anger out on my bracket as an alternative: the Cardinals’ loss set a foreboding tone for your complete event, as I misplaced considered one of my Elite Eight from the very first tip, believing that the fury of an eight seed would’ve been sufficient to propel them previous top-ranked Auburn.
Luciano Vigliatore, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: My sizzling take for this event was that Ole Miss was going to return out of the South Area. Ole Miss took care of enterprise towards North Carolina and Iowa State and appeared nice within the course of. Its spherical of 16 matchup towards Michigan State might be their hardest matchup but, however I consider they’ll pull off the upset. I additionally had New Mexico with the upset within the first spherical as effectively.
What I Missed On: I had Texas A&M advancing over Michigan. Goldin was an excessive amount of to deal with for Texas A&M’s inside and he was giving them issues within the paint. I had Louisville profitable their spherical of 64 matchup as effectively, however Creighton pulled off the upset in recreation one of many event.
NCAA West Area (Indianapolis, Ind.) March 27-29
Florida (1) vs. Maryland (4), 7:39 pm (TBS)
Texas Tech (3) vs. Arkansas (10), 10:09 pm (TBS)
Pre-Tourney Ballislife West Area Last 4 Tally: Florida 5/6, Texas Tech 1/6
Will Despart, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: This area actually is shaping up properly for Florida to make a run to the Last 4, largely as a result of St. John’s fell to Arkansas on Sunday. I nonetheless assume J.T. Toppin and Texas Tech are the Gators’ greatest downside within the area. UConn additionally proved to be a tangible risk to Todd Golden’s crew within the second spherical and the truth that Walter Clayton Jr. and firm pulled that out down the stretch ought to have the remainder of the bracket on discover proper now.
What I Missed On: Regardless of rolling with Florida in my authentic prediction, I stated I used to be a bit cautious of the Gators as a result of the truth that solely one of many final 5 SEC Match champions made it to the Candy 16. Make it two out of the final six. The Gators are rolling similar to UConn was at this level final 12 months. It’s going to take a particular effort to knock them off and I’m unsure anybody on this area is succesful.
Ronnie Flores, Ballislife Editor
What I Nailed: I used to be on the cash about St. John’s taking pictures, I simply didn’t assume the chilly entrance would occur so rapidly. Eradicating All-American R.J. Luis Jr. on the finish of the sport wasn’t the pricey teaching transfer for Rick Pitino, it was not enjoying guard Simeon Wilcher when he picked up his third foul on the primary play of the second half. Can’t save him for the subsequent recreation. Texas Tech is a critical risk on this area, as I figured, with Darion Williams enjoying effectively and J.T. Topping enjoying just like the All-American he’s. The sensible cash is on the Gators, with guard Walter Clayton Jr. able to taking up video games.
What I Missed On: I assumed Maryland may pull off the upset of Florida however now I’m not so certain. Maryland performed all the way down to its stage of competitors badly vs. Colorado St., was poor in defensive transition on many events and was lucky to win. Fortunate for the Terps, Derik Queen made the massive shot. Texas Tech would beat Maryland, however I don’t assume Maryland will simply magically play an entire lot higher vs. the Gators. It must.
Geoff Magliocchetti, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: The Gators’ nationwide championship trek … for now. I used to be considered one of many who sweated out the second spherical tilt between Florida and Connecticut and might need to supply Walter Clayton Jr. a dimension of any bracket pool funds cashed out to me. I used to be additionally happy with selecting Colorado State within the different 12-5 upset slot and hit all however one first-round match … sorry, Grand Canyon.
What I Missed On: I used to be by no means a believer in St. John’s championship probabilities, however I didn’t anticipate the downfall to return this early. I made a observe of not doubting John Calipari in March and efficiently selected his Arkansas Razorbacks over Kansas within the opening spherical. I then proceeded to utterly ignore that logic and positioned the Crimson Storm within the Candy 16, the place they’d fall to Texas Tech. Like Michael Jordan earlier than them, Maryland took issues personally after seeing my bracket: after I doubted them towards the Antelopes, they disposed of my stylish Candy 16 alternative Colorado State in heartbreaking vogue.
Sara Jane Gamelli, Ballislife Managing Editor
What I Nailed: As a fellow UConn Alumna, I’m unhappy to confess I used to be proper. UConn confronted Florida straight on, and though the Huskies held their very own, the Gators had been too highly effective for Dan Hurley and firm. Though Florida stays the No.1 seed, we noticed their vulnerability towards UConn.
Don’t neglect they had been enjoying the back-to-back champs. Maryland barely escaped by Colorado State, because of Derik Queen’s buzzer beater. I feel Florida comes out on prime, nevertheless, I do consider J.T. Toppin and Texas Tech can provide them a run for his or her cash. Florida’s offense is extraordinarily potent, and Walter Clayton Jr. has been dominantly constant within the event.
What I Missed On: The West is a sizzling mess, no pun meant. I didn’t see Memphis getting clobbered by Colorado State within the first spherical, just for the Rams to be upset by Maryland on the buzzer. As a fan of the Large East, I anticipated extra out of St. Johns. Rick Pitino leads his squad to their first Large East title in 25 years, solely to get bounced by Arkansas within the second spherical? Discuss chilly taking pictures, the Crimson Storm shot simply 28 % from the sphere, and 9.1 % from deep! You merely can’t win video games like that. Ought to I be on to Arkansas and its protection, or am I overreacting?
Luciano Vigliatore, Ballislife Author
What I Nailed: Florida was the favored choose to advance within the West, and the Gators’ highway to profitable the West elevated after St. Johns was upset by Arkansas. Drake was one other workforce that I had profitable over Missouri of their matchup. Missouri sadly could not hit their pictures down the stretch and shot 4/16 from 3 (25%) and 15/45 from the sphere (33%).
What I Missed On: This area ended up being probably the most tough one to foretell. Colorado State began this off with an upset win over Memphis, and Arkansas with a win over Kansas and one of many event favorites, St.Johns. March Insanity has had much less underdogs victorious this 12 months, however Arkansas is the only workforce left that may be a true underdog.
Word: The South and West Area champs will meet within the NCAA Last 4 semifinals on April 5 in San Antonio on the Alamodome.
