NCAA Tournament Update: Teams Clash in Thrilling Second Round Matchups

DENVER, Colorado — March 23, 2025 — The second round of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament continued Sunday, showcasing high-stakes matchups as teams battled for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16. With some games already concluded, notable performances had fans on the edge of their seats.

Walter Clayton Jr. led the top-seeded Florida Gators to a narrow 77-75 victory over No. 8 seed UConn, knocking the Huskies out of their bid for a third consecutive national title. Clayton, a first-team All-America guard, scored 23 points, including two critical 3-pointers in the final minutes that cemented Florida’s advancement to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017.

Torre Proctor starred for the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils, hitting a career-high seven 3-pointers to total 25 points in a 89-66 win against Baylor. Fellow freshman Cooper Flagg also made an impact, contributing 18 points alongside nine rebounds. Duke remains a strong contender, advancing with considerable momentum.

In another exciting matchup, Koby Brea’s 23 points propelled No. 3 seed Kentucky to an 84-75 victory over sixth-seeded Illinois, marking the Wildcats’ return to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019. Coach Mark Pope’s Wildcats will face off against SEC rival Tennessee on Friday in Indianapolis.

The Alabama Crimson Tide continued their dominance with a solid performance, defeating Saint Mary’s 80-66. Alabama achieved this milestone for the third consecutive year by maintaining a balanced offensive attack, with six players scoring in double figures.

Maryland experienced a thrilling finish as Derik Queen’s buzzer-beater secured a 72-71 victory over Colorado State. Queen led the team with 17 points, helping the Terrapins advance to meet Florida next in San Francisco’s regional semifinals.

Mississippi also made headlines by outlasting Iowa State 91-78, marking only the second time in school history the Rebels have advanced to the Sweet 16. The performance highlighted the overall strength of the Southeastern Conference, which boasts seven teams in the tournament’s third round.

In a noteworthy performance, Michigan State secured a spot in the Sweet 16 by defeating New Mexico 71-63. Coach Tom Izzo’s leadership remains a crucial element as the Spartans prepare for a showdown against Mississippi in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, fourth-seeded Arizona edged past Oregon 87-83, led by Caleb Love’s 29 points. The Wildcats face the top-seeded Duke in a highly anticipated regional semifinal, reviving past matchups between the two programs.

As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly await the next round of challenges as teams fight for college basketball’s ultimate prize. Updated schedules and match outcomes will continue to captivate audiences, making this year’s NCAA tournament a memorable event.