March Madness again lives up to its name as the NCAA Tournament field narrows to the Sweet 16. Powerhouse programs clash with bracket-busting underdogs, creating the perfect storm of basketball drama that captivates fans nationwide. Seven teams have already punched their tickets, and the remaining spots are being determined today.
The journey to the Final Four continues, with surprising upsets and nail-biting finishes shaping this year’s tournament narrative. From Arkansas’s stunning takedown of St. John’s to BYU’s heart-stopping victory over Wisconsin, this year’s Sweet 16 promises intense matchups as championship dreams remain alive for the tournament’s surviving teams.
Teams Advance to Sweet 16 – (03/22/2025)
South Region Contenders
Auburn, the No. 1 seed, showed its championship potential by dispatching No. 9 Creighton with a commanding 82-70 victory. The Tigers’ balanced attack and defensive intensity make them a formidable obstacle for any opponent hoping to advance from the South Region.
Michigan secured their Sweet 16 berth with an impressive 91-79 win over Texas A&M.
Wolverines, the No.5 seed, outpaced the No. 4 Aggies, showcasing the offensive firepower that makes them dangerous despite their lower seeding in the tournament bracket.
Midwest Region Battles
Houston narrowly escaped an upset bid from Gonzaga, edging the Bulldogs 81-76 in a contest that displayed the grit of the No. 1 seed Cougars. Their resilience in close games positions them as a serious contender as the tournament field shrinks.
Purdue, the No.4 seed, handled No. 12 McNeese with a 76-62 victory, demonstrating their tournament experience. The Boilermakers’ methodical approach helped them avoid becoming another victim of Cinderella McNeese’s surprising tournament run.
West Region Surprises
Texas Tech solidified their Sweet 16 position with a convincing 77-64 win against No. 11 Drake. The No.3 seed Red Raiders continue their tradition of tournament success with defensive intensity that stifles opponents’ scoring opportunities.
Arkansas delivered one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, knocking off No. 2 St. John’s 75-66. The No. 10 Razorbacks continue their underdog story, proving that seeding becomes increasingly irrelevant as March Madness progresses toward its conclusion.
East Region Developments
BYU emerged victorious in a thrilling 91-89 contest against Wisconsin. The Cougars outlasted the Badgers in a back-and-forth affair that epitomizes the excitement of tournament basketball, where every possession matters.
Teams Advance to Sweet 16 – (03/23/2025)
Midwest Region Battles
No. 6 Ole Miss continued their strong tournament push with an impressive 91-78 upset over No. 3 Iowa State
No. 2 Michigan State held off No. 10 New Mexico 71-63 marking another deep tournament run under coach Tom Izzo.
West Region Surprises
No. 1 Duke made a strong statement with an 89-66 blowout win over No. 9 Baylor.
No. 4 Arizona staged a dramatic comeback from a 15 points deficit to edge out No. 5 Oregon 87-83.
East Region Developments
Florida, the No. 1 seed narrowly escaped No. 8 UConn in a thrilling 77-75 victory with Walter Clayton Jr. stepping up in key moments.
No. 4 Maryland survived a scare against No. 12 Colorado State clinching a 72-71 win in a dramatic finish.
No. 3 Kentucky displayed their offensive firepower in an 84-75 win over No. 6 Illinois, setting up a highly anticipated matchup against No. 2 Tennessee, who secured their Sweet 16 berth with a 67-58 victory over No. 7 UCLA.
Sweet 16 Schedule
Thursday, March 27
(2) Alabama vs. (6) BYU, 7:09 p.m. | CBS
(1) Florida vs. (4) Maryland, 7:39 p.m. | TBS
(1) Duke vs. (4) Arizona, 9:39 p.m. | CBS
(3) Texas Tech vs. (10) Arkansas, 10:09 p.m. | TBS
Friday, March 28
(2) Michigan State vs. (6) Ole Miss, 7:09 p.m. | CBS
(2) Tennessee vs. (3) Kentucky, 7:39 p.m. | TBS
(1) Auburn vs. (5) Michigan, 9:39 p.m. | CBS
(1) Houston vs. (4) Purdue, 10:09 p.m. | TBS
KEEP READING: ‘War Damn Eagle!’ — Charles Barkley Rallies Behind Auburn for March Madness Run
The basketball world awaits these results as the Road to the Final Four narrows with these regional semifinals scheduled for March 27-28, where surviving teams will battle for Elite Eight positions and continue their championship pursuits.
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