Sweet 16 Set After Thrilling NCAA Tournament Round of 32

SEATTLE, Wash. — The 2025 men’s NCAA Tournament Round of 32 has concluded, setting the stage for the Sweet 16 later this week.

Duke secured its spot after a dominant second half against Baylor, finishing with an 89-66 victory. The Blue Devils, ranked No. 1, pulled away with a decisive 12-0 run in the final three minutes of the first half, creating a comfortable 17-point halftime lead that Baylor could not overcome.

Graduate forward Mason Gillis, a crucial player on Duke’s roster, emphasized the importance of that critical stretch. “We just needed to tighten up defensively. It’s all about getting that momentum,” he said.

Meanwhile, No. 3 seed Kentucky also moved forward by defeating No. 6 Illinois 84-75, marking the Wildcats’ first Sweet 16 appearance in six years. Coach Mark Pope credited teamwork and adaptability for their success, stating, “This team has learned to trust one another, and it’s paying off.” Koby Brea, who transferred from Dayton, reflected on the overwhelming transition of joining a new team: “They were complete strangers to me,” he noted, before adding how quickly they bonded.

All four No. 1 seeds — Duke, Florida, Arizona, and Houston — advanced to the Sweet 16, albeit through varied paths. Florida defeated UConn, ending the Huskies’ hopes of a third consecutive title with a tight 77-75 win. Arizona staged a late comeback against Oregon, overcoming a double-digit deficit to secure an 87-83 victory, led by 29 points from Caleb Love.

“We needed this win,” Love said post-game. “We showed resilience after falling behind.”

In a notable upset, No. 4 seed Maryland stunned No. 12 Colorado State with a buzzer-beater that sent the Terrapins through to the next round. The entire weekend culminated in a tense atmosphere, underscoring the unpredictable nature of March Madness.

Beyond the thrilling game moments, the tournament has also highlighted significant trends, with three conferences — the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC — comprising 15 of the 16 Sweet 16 teams. This is a departure from previous years, which often showcased a wider array of conferences.

Looking ahead, Caleb Love will face Duke for the tenth time in his career, reigniting rivalries as both teams look to solidify their standings in college basketball lore.

The full slate of Sweet 16 matchups is as follows:

– Thursday, March 27: Duke vs. Arizona, Florida vs. Maryland

– Friday, March 28: Kentucky vs. Houston, Michigan vs. Auburn

The Sweet 16 promises to deliver more excitement as teams vie for a spot in the prestigious Final Four, set to take place in San Antonio on April 5 and 7.