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As we gear up for the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, fans nationwide are buzzing with excitement for March Madness. This year’s tournament promises thrilling upsets, nail-biting finishes, and the journey of teams from the early rounds all the way to the championship game. Are you ready to fill out your bracket? Let’s dive into what you need to know about the tournament schedule, key matchups, and potential surprises!
2025 NCAA Tournament Schedule
The official schedule for the tournament has been released, kicking off on March 16 with Selection Sunday. Here’s a detailed look at the tournament timeline:
- Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET on CBS
- First Four: March 18-19, 2025
- First Round: March 20-21, 2025
- Second Round: March 22-23, 2025
- Sweet 16: March 27-28, 2025
- Elite Eight: March 29-30, 2025
- Final Four: April 5, 2025, at Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
- National Championship Game: April 7, 2025, at Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
First Four Matchups
The First Four games provide a unique opportunity for underdog teams to make their mark, with the top seeds waiting in the wings. This year’s matchups include:
- St. Francis (16) vs. Alabama State (16)
- North Carolina (11) vs. San Diego State (11)
- Mount St. Mary’s (16) vs. American (16)
- Xavier (11) vs. Texas (11)
These games not only set the stage but also add to the excitement as fans anticipate who will advance.
Key Tournament Venues
For the 2025 tournament, games are set to be played in various iconic venues across the country. Here’s a list of the host cities and venues:
| Round | City | Venue | Dates | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Four | Dayton, OH | UD Arena | March 18-19 | University of Dayton |
| First/Second | Lexington, KY | Rupp Arena | March 20-22 | University of Kentucky |
| First/Second | Providence, RI | Amica Mutual Pavilion | March 20-22 | Providence College |
| First/Second | Seattle, WA | Climate Pledge Arena | March 21-23 | University of Washington |
| East Regional | Newark, NJ | Prudential Center | March 27-29 | Seton Hall University |
Exciting Matchups To Watch
With the bracket now set, there are several intriguing matchups in the first round. Key games to keep an eye on include:
- No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 16 Alabama State: Auburn enters as a strong contender, and fans will see if the underdogs can pull off a monumental upset.
- No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 14 Lipscomb: This game is marked for potential surprises, as 14-seed teams often shine in the tournament.
- No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina: A classic match-up where history could be made by either team.
Conclusion
The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is set to be a memorable one filled with emotion, excitement, and unpredictability. As the tournament dates approach, fans are encouraged to prepare their brackets, make predictions, and engage with fellow basketball enthusiasts. Let the madness begin!
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