The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, is underway, and the excitement is palpable. As of March 21, 2025, fans across the United States are glued to their screens, tracking live scores, celebrating upsets, and adjusting their brackets. This year’s tournament promises high-stakes drama, Cinderella stories, and unforgettable moments as 68 teams battle for the national championship. In this comprehensive update, we’ll dive into the latest March Madness 2025 news, highlight key games from the first round, break down the bracket, and offer insights into what’s next. Whether you’re a die-hard college basketball fan or a casual viewer, here’s everything you need to know about the tournament so far.
March Madness 2025: Tournament Overview
March Madness kicked off with Selection Sunday on March 16, 2025, revealing the 68-team field. The First Four games began on March 18, narrowing the field to 64 teams, and the first round officially tipped off on March 20. The tournament will culminate with the Final Four and national championship game on April 5 and 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. With top seeds like Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida leading the charge, the competition is fierce, but as history shows, underdogs often steal the spotlight.
This year’s bracket features a record 14 SEC teams, showcasing the conference’s dominance, alongside strong contenders from the Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. Fans are already buzzing about potential second-round matchups and sleeper teams poised to make a deep run. Let’s explore the latest updates from the first round and see how the tournament is shaping up.
First Round Highlights: Day 1 (March 20, 2025)
The first full day of March Madness 2025 delivered a mix of blowouts, nail-biters, and a few surprises. Here’s a recap of the standout moments:
Arkansas Upsets Kansas in a Thriller
One of the marquee matchups of the day pitted No. 10 Arkansas against No. 7 Kansas. The game lived up to the hype, with seven lead changes and a tied score at 40-40 late in the first half. Arkansas pulled away in the final minutes with a 15-5 run, winning 79-72. Kansas junior AJ Storr made headlines with a monster block on Arkansas freshman Boogie Fland, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Razorbacks’ momentum. Arkansas advances to face No. 2 St. John’s, setting up an intriguing second-round clash.
McNeese State Shocks Clemson
The biggest upset of Day 1 came when No. 12 McNeese State edged out No. 5 Clemson 69-67. Coach Will Wade’s Cowboys, who have won 57 games over the past two seasons, showcased their resilience in a tight finish. This victory marks McNeese State’s first NCAA Tournament win, cementing their status as an early Cinderella story. They’ll take on No. 4 Gonzaga next, a matchup that could test their upset potential further.
Top Seeds Dominate
No. 1 seeds Auburn and Houston asserted their dominance early. Auburn cruised past No. 16 Alabama State 83-63, led by Wooden Award contender Johni Broome’s 18 points and 10 rebounds. Houston, meanwhile, dismantled SIU Edwardsville 78-40, jumping to a 28-point halftime lead. These performances signal that the top seeds are in peak form, but the road only gets tougher from here.
First Round Updates: Day 2 (March 21, 2025)
As Day 2 unfolds, the action continues to heat up. Here’s what’s happening today based on the latest updates:
Alabama Battles Robert Morris
No. 2 Alabama is currently locked in a tight contest with No. 15 Robert Morris at halftime, leading 40-36. The Crimson Tide’s 61% field goal shooting, including six dunks, has kept them ahead, but Robert Morris is hanging tough with minimal turnovers and second-chance points. This game could go down to the wire, making it a must-watch for bracket enthusiasts.
Drake’s Defensive Prowess
No. 11 Drake, fresh off a 67-57 upset of No. 6 Missouri on Day 1, is proving to be a defensive juggernaut. Junior Bennett Stirtz, who dropped 14 points in the first half against Missouri, is emerging as a tournament star. Drake’s ability to stifle opponents could carry them deep if they maintain this form.
Lipscomb Faces Iowa State
No. 14 Lipscomb, riding a six-game winning streak, takes on No. 3 Iowa State today. Led by forward Jacob Ognacevic (20.1 PPG), the Bisons are looking for their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. Iowa State’s stout defense will be a challenge, but Lipscomb’s momentum makes them a sleeper pick.
Stay tuned as Day 2 progresses—live scores and updates are available across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with streaming options on NCAA March Madness Live.
Bracket Breakdown: What’s at Stake
The 2025 bracket is divided into four regions—South, East, Midwest, and West—each with its own storylines. Here’s a closer look at the current state of play:
South Region
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- Top Seed: Auburn (No. 1)
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- Notable Performers: Auburn’s convincing win keeps them as the region’s favorite, but No. 8 Michigan’s survival against No. 9 UC San Diego hints at potential chaos. No. 11 North Carolina, after dominating San Diego State in the First Four, faces No. 6 Ole Miss today.
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- Upset Watch: McNeese State’s win over Clemson puts them on a collision course with Gonzaga, a team with nine straight Sweet 16 appearances.
East Region
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- Top Seed: Duke (No. 1)
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- Notable Performers: Duke awaits their first-round opponent today, with freshman Cooper Flagg (questionable with an ankle injury) expected to return. No. 9 Creighton routed No. 8 Louisville on Day 1, setting up a potential second-round test.
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- Upset Watch: No. 11 VCU takes on No. 6 BYU today, and an upset here could shake up the region.
Midwest Region
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- Top Seed: Houston (No. 1)
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- Notable Performers: Houston’s 38-point victory sets a high bar. No. 5 Purdue and No. 3 Tennessee also advanced comfortably on Day 1.
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- Upset Watch: No. 12 Colorado State faces No. 5 Memphis today in a game oddsmakers see as a toss-up, thanks to Colorado State’s Nique Clifford, a potential first-round NBA draft pick.
West Region
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- Top Seed: Florida (No. 1)
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- Notable Performers: Florida, riding a 12-1 stretch, plays today, while No. 2 St. John’s awaits Arkansas after their Day 1 upset.
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- Upset Watch: No. 11 Drake’s defensive clinic against Missouri could spell trouble for No. 3 Kentucky in the next round.
Cinderella Stories to Watch
Every March Madness tournament has its underdogs, and 2025 is no exception. Here are the teams making waves:
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- McNeese State (No. 12, South): Their upset of Clemson and 57 wins over two years under Will Wade make them a fan favorite. Can they topple Gonzaga next?
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- Drake (No. 11, West): With a 30-3 record and a suffocating defense, the Bulldogs are more than just a one-game wonder. Bennett Stirtz could be the breakout star of the tournament.
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- Lipscomb (No. 14, Midwest): Facing Iowa State today, their hot streak and Ognacevic’s scoring prowess give them a puncher’s chance.
These teams embody the spirit of March Madness—unpredictability and heart. Keep an eye on them as the tournament progresses.
Key Players Driving the Tournament
Individual brilliance often defines March Madness. Here are the players making an impact:
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- Johni Broome (Auburn): The senior big man’s double-double against Alabama State reinforces his Wooden Award candidacy. He’s the anchor for the No. 1 overall seed.
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- Bennett Stirtz (Drake): The junior guard’s 19.1 PPG average and clutch play against Missouri signal a star in the making.
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- Cooper Flagg (Duke): Despite an ankle injury, the freshman phenom is expected to debut today. As the projected No. 1 NBA draft pick, all eyes are on him.
These players could carry their teams deep into the bracket—or become the heroes of an epic upset.
How to Follow March Madness 2025
Missed a game? Want live updates? Here’s how to stay in the loop:
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- TV Channels: Games air on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Check local listings for schedules.
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- Streaming: NCAA March Madness Live offers every game, with multiview options and whiparound coverage akin to NFL RedZone.
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- Apps: Download the official NCAA March Madness Live app for scores, highlights, and bracket tracking.
With 16 games today and the second round starting March 22, there’s no shortage of action to catch.
Predictions for the Second Round
As the first round wraps up, here are some bold predictions for Round 2:
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- Arkansas vs. St. John’s: Rick Pitino’s Red Storm face a tough test, but their Big East title experience gives them a slight edge over Arkansas’ momentum.
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- McNeese State vs. Gonzaga: Gonzaga’s tournament pedigree likely ends McNeese’s run, but expect a closer game than the seeds suggest.
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- Drake vs. Kentucky: If Drake’s defense holds, they could stun Kentucky, especially if the Wildcats’ offense falters early.
The second round will narrow the field to the Sweet 16, and upsets could redefine the bracket.
Why March Madness 2025 Is Unmissable
This year’s tournament blends blue-blood programs like Duke and Kentucky with rising stars like McNeese State and Drake. The SEC’s historic presence, combined with the unpredictability of single-elimination play, ensures every game matters. Whether you’re filling out a bracket, cheering for your alma mater, or just here for the chaos, March Madness 2025 is delivering.
Final Thoughts
As of March 21, 2025, the NCAA Tournament is living up to its “Madness” moniker. From Arkansas’ upset of Kansas to McNeese State’s Cinderella moment, the first round has set the stage for an electrifying journey to San Antonio. Stay tuned for more updates as Day 2 unfolds and the bracket continues to evolve. What’s your bold prediction for the tournament? Drop it in the comments below, and let’s keep the March Madness conversation going!