March Madness 2025 kicked off in March with an unusually tame first round, lacking the chaos fans crave. No buzzer-beaters, minimal upsets, and dominant wins defined the opening games. Yet, beneath the surface, the tournament laid the groundwork for thrilling battles ahead, with standout performances and intriguing second-round matchups stealing the spotlight.
A Quiet First Round
This year’s first round was light on drama. Of 32 games, 20 ended in double-digit victories, and only four were close contests. The lone last-second thrill came in the First Four. Top seeds flexed their muscle, going 16-0—the first time since 2017—while upsets were scarce. Purdue’s seven lead changes against High Point were a rare highlight in an otherwise predictable slate.
Conference Highlights and Lowlights
The Big Ten emerged as a powerhouse, going 8-0 with blowout wins averaging 22 points (excluding Michigan’s narrow escape). The SEC, starting with 14 teams, lost six, tying the Big Ten with eight remaining. Meanwhile, the ACC stumbled, leaving Duke as its sole survivor after Clemson, Louisville, and North Carolina faltered. Kansas, ranked No. 1 preseason, suffered a shocking one-and-done exit against Arkansas—their first in 19 years.
Standout Stars and Near Misses
Individual brilliance shone through. Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier dropped 29 points in his NCAA debut, while Gonzaga’s Khalif Battle scored 24. Robert Morris’ Amarion Dickerson nearly toppled Alabama with 25 points in a 90-81 loss, earning praise from coach Nate Oats’ daughter: “He played so hard.” Clemson’s wild 13-to-54 point halves against McNeese State almost erased a 22-point deficit but fell short.
Second Round Showdowns
March Madness 2025 heats up now. Arkansas vs. St. John’s pits coaching legends John Calipari and Rick Pitino against each other. Houston faces Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s tests Alabama’s offense, and Purdue meets No. 12 McNeese State. Cinderella hopefuls McNeese, Drake, and Colorado State aim to disrupt, while UConn’s three-peat quest continues against Florida. Madness awaits.
Final Thoughts
The first round may have lacked classic chaos, but it teed up a second round brimming with potential. From conference clashes to Cinderella dreams, the tournament is poised to deliver the excitement fans crave.
