The anticipation has finally come to an end as Selection Sunday marked the official kickoff for the 2025 NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. This year’s brackets are now set, and teams are gearing up for the exciting challenges ahead.
In the men’s tournament, Auburn has claimed the prestigious No. 1 overall seed, securing its position as a favorite for many fans and analysts alike. Following closely are notable programs like Duke, which remains a consistent powerhouse in college basketball. Other teams, including North Carolina and Texas, also made their way into the tournament, demonstrating the competitive spirit alive in college hoops. However, not everyone was thrilled with the selections, as several teams were left on the cutting room floor and missed out on the coveted spots.
This tournament has been marked by a significant achievement for the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With 14 out of its 16 teams making it into the tournament, the SEC set a record for the most teams from a single conference to participate. This speaks volumes about the depth of talent and competitiveness within the conference this season.
On the women’s side, UCLA shone brightly as it earned the No. 1 overall seed in their tournament. The other top seeds include formidable teams like South Carolina, Texas, and USC, making for a thrilling competition ahead. Women’s basketball has been gaining more recognition each year, and the excitement surrounding this tournament is palpable.
As the men’s tournament prepares to kick off with the First Four games starting on March 18, fans can hardly contain their excitement. For those eager to jump in on the action, printing out a bracket is a simple task. This will help fans keep track of their favorite teams and predict outcomes as the tournament unfolds.
In terms of scheduling, here’s what fans can look forward to in the 2025 NCAA men’s tournament:
- First Four: March 18-19 (broadcast on TruTV)
- First Round: March 20-21 (CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV)
- Second Round: March 22-23 (CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV)
- Sweet 16: March 27-28 (CBS, TBS)
- Elite Eight: March 29-30 (CBS, TBS)
- Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas (CBS)
- NCAA Championship Game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas (CBS)
Similarly, the women’s tournament schedule is as follows:
- First Four: March 19-20 (ESPN2, ESPNU)
- First Round: March 21-22 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU)
- Second Round: March 23-24 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU)
- Sweet 16: March 28-29 (ESPN, ESPN2)
- Elite Eight: March 30-31 (ESPN)
- Final Four: April 4 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida (ESPN, ESPN+)
- NCAA Championship Game: April 6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida (ESPN3, ESPN+)
With both tournaments set to capture the hearts of fans across the nation, it’s time for teams to seize their moments and for fans to dive into the excitement that is March Madness. Whether it’s filling out brackets, cheering for favorite teams, or simply enjoying the games, this is truly a special time for college basketball. The tournament’s many stories will unfold over the coming weeks, creating unforgettable moments and inspiring future stars.
As we prepare for the games, both fans and players alike gear up for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament season filled with surprises, stunning plays, and, of course, the chance to crown new champions.
