March Madness has only just begun, and the first round is already going down in history. The Big Ten showed up, showed out — and made history while doing it. So, what do all these wins mean?
2025 Is Set to Go Down as Iconic in Big Ten Lore
This first round is officially Big Ten history. The conference didn’t drop a single game — eight wins, zero upsets. No conference in NCAA Tournament history has ever pulled off a perfect first round of that size.
The SEC, ACC and Big 12 each recorded 6-0 marks in previous years, but an 8-0 sweep is a first.
MORE: Which Big Ten Teams Made the 2025 NCAA Tournament?
Maryland rolled to an 81-49 win over Grand Canyon, thanks in large part to Julian Reese’s 18 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Illinois stumbled early against Xavier but rallied for an 86-73 victory behind Will Riley’s 22-point performance.
No. 2 seed Michigan State secured a 54-34 win over Bryant, while Oregon locked down defensively and cruised to a 29-point victory over Liberty.
To add to the buzz, the SEC also tallied eight wins this year — but suffered five losses along the way.
Sure, the Big Ten’s expansion played a role, but the accomplishment is iconic nonetheless. The league recently grew from 14 to 18 teams, adding programs like UCLA and Oregon, both of which advanced to the second round. But this run isn’t just about numbers — it’s about preparation, talent and execution.
And with half the second-round field now coming from just two conferences, the debate about which league reigns supreme in college basketball is heating up. The SEC finished the regular season with a dominant 59-19 record. But in March Madness, it’s all about winning when it counts — and so far, the Big Ten is untouchable.
Let’s not forget teams like Michigan State, which are always dangerous in the tournament. The Spartans are still chasing their first national title since 2000, and with Tom Izzo at the helm of a No. 2 seed, they’re poised for a deep run.
With every Big Ten team still standing after the first round, the odds of a historic tournament run have never looked better.
So what’s next?
The second round awaits. Purdue, Michigan, Wisconsin, UCLA, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan State and Oregon are all headed back to the hardwood. Will the perfect streak continue? Will the Big Ten go all the way?
KEEP READING: March Madness Injury Tracker: Which Teams Are Missing Key Players in Round 2?
Only time will tell — but the madness is just getting started.
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