March Madness Unfolds with Dramatic Early NCAA Tournament Games

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament kicked off Thursday with thrilling matchups as 64 teams began their quest for college basketball supremacy. Each game brought excitement and surprise as schools fought hard for a spot in the subsequent rounds.

In one of the standout performances of the day, Jamiya Neal scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, leading ninth-seeded Creighton to a commanding 89-75 victory over eighth-seeded Louisville. Coach Greg McDermott‘s Bluejays, now 25-10, celebrated their fifth consecutive opening-round win after facing a ranked opponent.

“We came out strong, and our chemistry was on display,” Neal said post-game. “It’s all about making the right plays at the right time.” Creighton is set to meet No. 1 seed Auburn in the South Region second round on Saturday.

Fourth-seeded Purdue also secured its place in the second round, overcoming a determined High Point team with a score of 75-63. Trey Kaufman-Renn led the Boilermakers with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Big Ten Player of the Year Braden Smith contributed 20 points and six assists.

“We wanted to avoid any surprises, and thankfully, we executed our game plan,” Smith said. “Now it’s about focusing on the next challenge.” Purdue will face McNeese State, who pulled off a thrilling upset against Clemson, winning 69-67.

Meanwhile, the third-seeded Wisconsin Badgers enjoyed their return to tournament form, defeating Montana 85-66. John Blackwell‘s 19 points were pivotal, marking Wisconsin’s first NCAA Tournament victory since 2022.

“Every game matters, and we needed this win to build momentum,” Blackwell stated. “We aim to make a deep run.” Wisconsin will face the challenge of trying to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in eight years in their next matchup.

In the Midwest Region, No. 1 seed Houston dominated 16th-seeded SIU Edwardsville, winning easily at 78-40. With a 14-game winning streak, Houston displayed its strength, while players like Milos Uzan and LJ Cryer combined for 31 points to power the team.

“We just have to keep going, we can’t let up now,” Uzan said. The Cougars will look to continue their success in the next round.

Auburn, another No. 1 seed, defeated Alabama State 83-63, as Mike Kelly shone with 23 points, hitting seven 3-pointers. Coach Bruce Pearl’s Tigers advanced confidently despite struggles earlier this season.

“We have learned from our mistakes. Now, we just want to keep moving forward,” Kelly remarked after the game.

In what was touted as a thrilling game, Gonzaga trampled Georgia 89-68, continuing their postseason streak with their 22nd appearance in tournament history. Khalif Battle led with 24 points, showcasing the Bulldogs’ shooting prowess from beyond the arc.

“We play to win, it’s that simple,” Battle said. Gonzaga now prepares to face top-seeded Houston in a highly anticipated matchup.

As the tournament unfolds, March Madness continues to showcase intense competition and unexpected outcomes, setting the stage for an exhilarating weekend of basketball.