Considering the NCAA Tournament is about to kick off, it is time to look at some of the tournament’s most appetizing matchups in the first round as fans prepare for one of the most exciting stretches on the sports calendar.
The Top First-Round Matchups of the 2025 NCAA Tournament
While every matchup within the round of 64 could be considered fascinating, here are the four biggest matchups that fans should be excited about:
No. 4 Purdue vs No. 13 High Point
At first glance, the Boilermakers could easily take this game due to the fact that they are a more experienced team that is also one of the true basketball powers in the country.
However, they currently have a record of 22-11, which marks the first time in five years that they have had 11 losses or more in a season.
While Matt Painter is a great coach and guard Braden Smith is one of the best at his position, the High Point Panthers won their conference tournament and have three players averaging at least 13.0 points per game on the season.
The Boilermakers need to be careful here.
No. 1 Auburn vs No. 16 Alabama State
In a matchup of David vs Goliath, the Auburn Tigers have real title hopes after they proved throughout most of the season that they were arguably the country’s best team.
Alabama State comes in after a dramatic last-second win in the First Four in Dayton on Tuesday.
With head coach Bruce Pearl, star forward Johni Broome, and the Tigers possibly looking ahead, this could be a great chance for the Hornets to stop them in their tracks.
No. 8 Louisville vs No. 9 Creighton
In one of the true toss-up games in the first round of this year’s tournament, this game could go either way.
The Creighton Bluejays have experience on their side, with Big East Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kalkbrenner and point guard Steven Ashworth leading the way.
The Cardinals appear to be back as a contender after winning 27 games and making an appearance in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament.
This game should be good.
No. 6 Missouri vs No. 11 Drake
A lot of eyes will be on this particular matchup as the sweet-shooting Drake Bulldogs have their eyes set on making a deep tournament run.
Star point guard Bennett Stirtz is one of the most underrated stars in America at the point, and head coach Ben McCollum has done a fantastic job in Des Moines.
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However, the Missouri Tigers were a top-25 team for most of the year in what was the best conference in America in the SEC.
This game has a chance to have some dramatic moments.
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