March Madness 2025: Teams Gear Up for NCAA Basketball Showdown

DAYTON, Ohio — The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, is set to tip off on March 18, with 68 teams vying for the national championship. The tournament will begin with the First Four games in Dayton, Ohio, and culminate in the Final Four on April 5 and 7 in San Antonio, Texas.

March Madness is renowned for its high-stakes games, Cinderella stories, and dramatic finishes. Last night, fans got a preview of the excitement when Arizona defeated Iowa State 86-75 in overtime, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from beyond half-court by Caleb Love. The game showcased the intensity and unpredictability that define the tournament.

This year, several teams are emerging as top contenders. Duke, led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, is poised for a high seed, while Michigan State, under coach Tom Izzo, has won 12 consecutive games, a streak reminiscent of their last Final Four run. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is also dominating the rankings, with all top 10 teams in the AP Top 25. Auburn, ranked No. 1 nationally with an 18-1 record, and Alabama, led by senior guard Mark Sears, are among the SEC’s strongest contenders.

Selection Sunday, when the tournament bracket is revealed, is scheduled for March 16. The First Four games will take place in Dayton, followed by the first and second rounds in various cities across the country. The regional rounds will determine which teams advance to the Final Four in San Antonio.

For Florida fans, the Gators are also in the mix, with a strong chance of securing a top seed. As the tournament approaches, the excitement is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments that March Madness consistently delivers.

“March Madness is one of the few things the NCAA does well,” said Craig Shemon, a sports analyst and host on ESPN Southwest Florida. “It’s a time when even casual fans tune in to see the drama unfold.”

With the Super Bowl marking the end of football season, basketball fans are ready to shift their focus to the hardwood. As the countdown to March 18 begins, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in college basketball history.