It’s that time of year again! The 2025 NCAA Men’s basketball tournament is off to an exciting start! The first two rounds, the Round of 64 and the Round of 32, gave us thrilling games, surprising upsets, and unforgettable moments. Let’s recap what happened.

The tournament has delivered some eye-catching upsets so far. The Colorado State Rams (12) defeated the Memphis Tigers (5) with a 78-70 victory. Another surprise came when the New Mexico Lobos (10) overcame the Marquette Golden Eagles (7), winning 75-66. These outcomes were unexpected for all, but that’s what makes March Madness so exciting, as underdogs continue to prove they can compete with the best. 

While the underdogs do shine, the No. 1 seeds have also demonstrated their dominance in the first two rounds, showing they are still the powerhouses of the tournament. The Duke Blue Devils (1) secured a commanding 93-49 win over Mount St. Mary’s (16), while the Florida Gators (1) dominated Norfolk State (16) with a 95-69 win. The Auburn Tigers (1) defeated Alabama State (16) 83-63, and the Houston Cougars (1) advanced with a solid performance, showing why they remain a top contender. While some games were comfortable wins, others were decided in the final seconds with hard-fought? battles to survive and move on, proving that wins don’t come easily in March.

Many players stood out through the first two rounds, and several players delivered when it mattered most with impressive performances. Koby Brea of the Kentucky Wildcats (3) scored 23 points, leading his team to an 84-75 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini (6). Sean Pedulla from the Ole Miss Rebels (6) reached 20 points in their 91-78 win against the Iowa State Cyclones (3). These athletes have stepped up when their teams needed them most, and their incredible performances will only matter more as these teams survive and advance.

While we didn’t get to see a traditional “Cinderella” story this year, the Colorado State Rams (12) grabbed the attention of many after defeating Memphis (5) and losing in a heartbreaking buzzer-beater against Maryland (4) in the final seconds of the game. Their performances have made them a team to remember down the road, looking back at this tournament.

As the Sweet 16 approaches, more and more anticipation builds up. Will the top seeds continue to dominate and prove they are powerhouses, or will the nation again be surprised with another upset? Only time will tell.