The race for the national championship has been whittled down from 364 teams to just 16 as we hea...

The race for the national championship has been whittled down from 364 teams to just 16 as we head into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.While this year's event lacked Cinderella upsets in the opening two rounds, the reward is a loaded Sweet 16 with all teams hailing from major conferences.Here's how we rank the remaining 16 squads heading into Thursday's action.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>1. Duke</h3>Results: 93-49 vs. No. 16 Mount St. Mary's, 89-66 vs. No. 9 Baylor Average winning margin: 34.5 pointsDuke crushed Mount St. Mary's and Baylor thus far, winning by an average of 34.5 points. The story through the opening weekend is undoubtedly Tyrese Proctor, with the junior guard fully on NBA Jam mode through two games. According to <a href="https://x.com/JaredBerson/status/1903919148104577497">college basketball statistician Jared Berson</a>, Proctor became the first player in NCAA Tournament history to make at least six 3-pointers on at least 75% 3-point shooting in consecutive games.<h3>2. Houston</h3>Results: 78-40 vs. No. 16 SIU Edwardsville, 81-76 vs. No. 8 Gonzaga Average winning margin: 21.5 pointsHouston rolled in the opening round before ending Gonzaga's consecutive Sweet 16 streak at nine Saturday. We've known Kelvin Sampson's team gets after you defensively, but it's the offense - most notably L.J. Cryer - that carried the Cougars past the Bulldogs. Expect a hostile atmosphere in the Sweet 16 with Purdue's campus just 70 miles from Indianapolis.<h3>3. Auburn</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775656/cropped_GettyImages-2204188911.jpg?ts=1742219382" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775656/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204188911.jpg?ts=1742219382 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775656/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204188911.jpg?ts=1742219382 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775656/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204188911.jpg?ts=1742219382 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775656/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204188911.jpg?ts=1742219382 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775656/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204188911.jpg?ts=1742219382 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Stew Milne / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Results: 83-63 vs. No. 16 Alabama State, 82-70 vs. No. 9 Creighton Average winning margin: 16 pointsAuburn has somehow posted an average winning margin of 16 points through two rounds despite looking largely pedestrian. Star forward Johni Broome struggled versus Creighton 7-foot-1 center Ryan Kalkbrenner, making only 4-of-13 shots, but the team's depth carried the day. The challenge remains tall - literally - in the next round as Michigan boasts a pair of 7-footers in Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf.<h3>4. Florida</h3>Results: 95-69 vs. No. 16 Norfolk State, 77-75 vs. No. 8 UConn Average winning margin: 14 pointsWalter Clayton Jr. lifted Florida past UConn with some clutch shotmaking in the final minutes to eliminate the two-time defending champions. That came on the heels of a dominant offensive performance in the opening round. When Florida is in full flight, there's no better team to watch in the sport. However, the Huskies showed you can muck it up with the Gators and keep things close as a result. That's probably the blueprint Maryland will attempt to follow in the Sweet 16.<h3>5. Tennessee</h3>Results: 77-62 vs. No. 15 Wofford, 67-58 vs. No. 7 UCLA Average winning margin: 12 pointsPerhaps the biggest compliment we can give Tennessee through two rounds is that you really haven't had to watch any of the team's games. The Volunteers have handled their business with ease from the jump, holding halftime leads of nine and seven points. Tennessee's defense is undoubtedly championship-worthy, but the 11-for-22 shooting performance from deep versus UCLA shows the offense might also be up to the task. The next challenge will be a chance at redemption with a third meeting of the season against Kentucky.<h3>6. Michigan State </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775694/cropped_GettyImages-2205077133.jpg?ts=1742234467" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775694/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205077133.jpg?ts=1742234467 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775694/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205077133.jpg?ts=1742234467 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775694/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205077133.jpg?ts=1742234467 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775694/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205077133.jpg?ts=1742234467 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775694/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205077133.jpg?ts=1742234467 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Results: 87-62 vs. No. 15 Bryant, 71-63 vs. No. 10 New Mexico Average scoring margin: 16.5 pointsTom Izzo's tough mentality was on full display Sunday versus New Mexico with Michigan State getting to the foul line a whopping 28 times. The 19 points scored there ended up being the difference as the Lobos added just five from the free-throw line in the loss. <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjDE">KenPom</a>'s fifth-ranked defense now faces the task of slowing down an Ole Miss team that just hung 91 points on Iowa State.<h3>7. Kentucky</h3>Results: 76-57 vs. No. 14 Troy, 84-75 vs. No. 6 Illinois Average winning margin: 14 pointsGone are the days of stressful early rounds for Kentucky under John Calipari, with the Wildcats cruising to the Sweet 16 in the first season under Mark Pope. Kentucky's veteran-laden roster has shone defensively - including in an eye-opening 14-steal performance versus Illinois. The Wildcats now look to beat Tennessee for the third time this season and make the program's first Elite Eight since 2019.<h3>8. Alabama</h3>Results: 90-81 vs. No. 15 Robert Morris, 80-66 vs. No. 7 Saint Mary's Average winning margin: 11.5 pointsAlabama without Grant Nelson actually trailed with 7 minutes to play in the opening round against Robert Morris. The Crimson Tide with the star forward erased that deficit, won by nine, then completely outclassed Saint Mary's on the weekend. If Nelson is healthy enough to play serious minutes, the Tide could push to the Final Four. If he isn't, BYU could pull the upset Thursday.<h3>9. Michigan</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769130/cropped_GettyImages-2197290925.jpg?ts=1738807903" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769130/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197290925.jpg?ts=1738807903 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769130/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197290925.jpg?ts=1738807903 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769130/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197290925.jpg?ts=1738807903 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769130/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197290925.jpg?ts=1738807903 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769130/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197290925.jpg?ts=1738807903 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Nic Antaya / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Results: 68-65 vs. No. 12 UC San Diego, 91-79 vs. No. 4 Texas A&amp;M Average winning margin: 7.5 pointsOf course Michigan won a close game in the opening round. The three-point triumph over No. 12 UC San Diego was the program's 13th victory by four or fewer points this season - the second team since World War II to hit that mark in one campaign. However, it's the double-digit Round of 32 win over No. 4 Texas A&amp;M that has the Wolverines dreaming about a Sweet 16 upset of top-ranked Auburn.<h3>10. Purdue</h3>Results: 75-63 vs. No. 13 High Point, 76-62 vs. No. 12 McNeese State Average winning margin: 13 pointsPurdue has looked comfortable with two double-digit wins while also facing the easiest path to the Sweet 16 of any team in the bracket. Thanks to McNeese State's upset of No. 5 Clemson in the Round of 64, the Boilermakers have yet to face a top-11 seed. However, things are about to quickly get real for Purdue with No. 1 Houston next on the slate. One bonus for the Big Ten program is the game will be just down the road from Purdue's West Lafayette, Indiana, campus.<h3>11. Ole Miss</h3>Results: 71-64 vs. No. 11 North Carolina, 91-78 vs. No. 3 Iowa State Average winning margin: 10 pointsFrom a basketball history perspective, Ole Miss might be the most surprising team in this year's Sweet 16. It had been 24 years since the Rebels made it past the first weekend, and they did so this year with a shocking rout of No. 3 Iowa State. Ole Miss blew the doors off the Cyclones with an outrageous 11-for-19 performance from beyond the arc, but that will be near-impossible to replicate in the Sweet 16 against Michigan State. The Spartans lead the country in 3-point defense, allowing just 27% shooting on the season.<h3>12. Arkansas</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776284/cropped_GettyImages-2202497014.jpg?ts=1742514787" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776284/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202497014.jpg?ts=1742514787 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776284/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202497014.jpg?ts=1742514787 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776284/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202497014.jpg?ts=1742514787 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776284/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202497014.jpg?ts=1742514787 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776284/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202497014.jpg?ts=1742514787 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Results: 79-72 vs. No. 7 Kansas, 75-66 vs. No. 2 St. John's Average winning margin: 8 pointsArkansas is the worst team remaining in the tournament in KenPom's efficiency rankings, but its resume so far moves it up the list. No team has faced a tougher path than John Calipari's program, and it has passed with flying colors. The Razorbacks have defeated two Hall of Fame coaches in Bill Self and Rick Pitino by taking the games over down the stretch. Boogie Fland's return has brought stability to a team with plenty of scoring firepower.<h3>13. Arizona</h3>Results: 93-65 vs. No. 13 Akron, 87-83 vs. No. 5 Oregon Average winning margin: 16 pointsArizona's fans likely didn't love the roller-coaster ride against Oregon. The Wildcats fell way behind in the opening half, roared back to take a lead in the second, then nearly blew that advantage in the dying seconds. However, they held on for the win to give Caleb Love one last matchup with Duke in his illustrious career.<h3>14. Texas Tech</h3>Results: 82-72 vs. No. 14 UNC Wilmington, 77-64 vs. No. 11 Drake Average winning margin: 11.5 pointsThe versatility of Texas Tech has been a treat this tournament, with the Red Raiders getting the job done in very different ways. Texas Tech attempted a school-record 46 3-pointers while beating UNC Wilmington in the opening round. The second-round win over Drake was completely different with 50 points in the paint leading the way. If we had to knock Texas Tech's resume, it would be the Red Raiders' lack of quality opponents; the Sweet 16 contest with Arkansas will be its third consecutive tournament game against a double-digit seed.<h3>15. Maryland</h3>Results: 81-49 vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon, 72-71 vs. No. 12 Colorado State Averaging winning margin: 16.5 pointsMaryland looked incredible in the opening round but needed an electric Derik Queen buzzer-beater to get past No. 12 Colorado State. That doesn't bode particularly well with mighty Florida on deck. The Terrapins feature as much top-end talent as almost anybody left in the bracket, but they have yet to face anything remotely close to a contender in this tournament.<h3>16. BYU</h3>Results: 80-71 vs. No. 11 VCU, 91-89 vs. No. 3 Wisconsin Average winning margin: 5.5 pointsAlthough the Cougars fall last in these rankings, it's important to remember this is the list of college basketball's elite this season. BYU's offense can hang with any team in the country, and it was firing on all cylinders in the Round of 32. The Cougars nearly put up a 50-40-90 game versus Wisconsin, hitting 49% from the field, 46% from deep, and 94% from the line. Few teams can keep up with that level of talent, although Sweet 16 opponent Alabama is certainly one.

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Ranking the Sweet 16

The tip times have officially been set for the Sweet 16, with games on Thursday and Friday night ...

The tip times have officially been set for the Sweet 16, with games on Thursday and Friday night across the four regions of the NCAA Tournament.The round gets started Thursday at 7:09 p.m. ET when No. 6 BYU faces off against No. 2 Alabama in what should be a high-scoring affair. The night wraps with John Calipari in his 16th Sweet 16 but first sends Arkansas to battle with No. 3 Texas Tech.<h3>Thursday (all times ET)</h3>7:09 p.m.: No. 6 BYU vs. No. 2 Alabama 7:39 p.m.: No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 1 Florida 9:39 p.m.: No. 5 Oregon/No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 1 Duke 10:09 p.m.: No. 10 Arkansas vs. No. 3 Texas Tech<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Friday's slate features four SEC teams, including an in-conference matchup between No. 3 Kentucky and No. 2 Tennessee at 7:39 p.m. ET. In the final matchup of the Sweet 16, No. 1 Houston will head to hostile territory to take on No. 4 Purdue in Indianapolis, less than 80 miles from the Boilermakers' campus.<h3>Friday (all times ET)</h3>7:09 p.m.: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 2 Michigan State 7:39 p.m.: No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 2 Tennessee 9:39 p.m.: No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 1 Auburn 10:09 p.m.: No. 4 Purdue vs. No. 1 Houston

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 11: Zakai Zeigler #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 11, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky.

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Tip times set for Sweet 16

The SEC can add another record to its haul from the 2025 NCAA Tournament, as it will have seven t...

The SEC can add another record to its haul from the 2025 NCAA Tournament, as it will have seven teams in the Sweet 16, the most ever sent to that stage of the competition by any conference.No. 6 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/680" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/680">Ole Miss</a>' upset of No. 3 Iowa State ensured the conference will hold the new mark after it tied the ACC's mark of six, set in 2016, earlier Sunday.The Rebels joined No. 1 Florida, No. 1 Auburn, No. 2 Alabama, No. 2 Tennessee, No. 3 Kentucky, and No. 10 Arkansas in making it through the first weekend, and they did so in style with a 13-point blowout of the Cyclones.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>While the achievement is impressive, it's worth noting that the conference had a record 14 teams in the field this year. When the ACC sent six members to the Sweet 16 nine years ago, it only had seven teams in the entire tournament field.The SEC could dominate the next few rounds as well, since the only Sweet 16 matchup featuring two of its members is Kentucky versus Tennessee. The possibility for an all-SEC Final Four is also alive with the seven schools spread out across all four regions.With one conference making up almost half the Sweet 16, there is a serious lack of Cinderella programs bringing the underdog angle to the tournament's second weekend. No. 10 Arkansas is the lowest seed still standing, marking the first time since 2007 that there is no 11-seed or lower in the regional semifinals.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 23: Jaemyn Brakefield #4 and Jaylen Murray #5 of the Ole Miss Rebels react during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Fiserv Forum on March 23, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Ole Miss gives SEC record-breaking 7th Sweet 16 team

theScore runs down the top storylines and developments from Sunday's biggest NCAA Tournament game...

theScore runs down the top storylines and developments from Sunday's biggest NCAA Tournament games and what it all could mean moving forward.<h3>Maryland's buzzer-beater luck finally changes</h3>The buzzer-beater hasn't been kind to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a> this year - three of the Terrapins' last four losses came with less than 0.5 seconds to play. But the tables turned Sunday against No. 12 Colorado State.It looked like a similar heartbreak was on the way after Jalen Lake canned a deep triple to give the Rams a one-point lead with just under four seconds to play. Then freshman star Derik Queen entered the huddle during the timeout, told coach Kevin Willard to "<a href="https://x.com/CBSSports/status/1903980542271672444">give me the MF ball</a>," and hit a <a href="https://x.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1903979563350126664">ridiculous runner</a> to send the Terrapins to the Sweet 16.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Queen's winner didn't just send Maryland to the next round - it also injected some much-needed drama into a tournament that's lacked excitement in the opening week. It also sets up a massive test for the Terrapins in the next round with No. 1 Florida on deck.Colorado State looked to be the worst seed headed to the Sweet 16 after Lake's late triple. However, Queen's heroics mean that No. 10 Arkansas is the only double-digit seed advancing past the opening weekend.<h3>Clayton is a bad man</h3>Early in the broadcast of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/280" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/280">UConn</a> Round of 32 matchup, CBS Sports' Ian Eagle identified Walter Clayton Jr. as an example of knowing when a player at the collegiate level is destined for the pros. That proved prophetic down the stretch, as the All-American came up large to flip a narrow deficit into a victory for the top-ranked Gators.Florida spent virtually the entire contest bogged down by the Huskies' tenacious defense, trailing for the entire second half with under three minutes to play. Clayton took it upon himself to fix that issue, canning a clutch contested triple to finally give the Gators the lead with 2:54 left. Clayton then hit two free throws with 1:50 remaining to stretch the lead to three and then supplied the dagger with another triple to put the contest out of reach.The Gators will certainly walk away Sunday thrilled with the victory but fully aware they need to greatly improve if they hope to make a deep run. The offense was far too sloppy, turning the ball over 12 times, and the team shot just 65% from the free-throw line - well below its season average of 72%.<h3>Plenty of honor in UConn's loss</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776796/cropped_GettyImages-2206537167.jpg?ts=1742758613" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776796/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206537167.jpg?ts=1742758613 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776796/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206537167.jpg?ts=1742758613 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776796/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206537167.jpg?ts=1742758613 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776796/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206537167.jpg?ts=1742758613 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776796/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206537167.jpg?ts=1742758613 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Dan Hurley nailed it in the postgame availability when he told CBS Sports that "there's an honor" in how UConn lost to Florida. Yes, the Huskies' bid for a three-peat is now over, as is the 13-game tournament winning streak, but the effort they showed Sunday was a reminder of just how special the culture is in Storrs under Hurley.UConn entered the contest as a 9.5-point underdog and outmatched by Florida's overwhelming talent at almost every position. Effort and toughness proved to be the great equalizer, as Hurley clearly directed the team to run down the clock on offense and muck the game up when possible. "I don't know that we could have managed the game better than we did. We dragged them into the type of game that we wanted to drag them into," Hurley admitted after, <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=206188">according to ASAP Sports</a>. "We kind of dragged them into a Big East, low-possession game. It just did not resemble an SEC game. "That led to the Huskies holding a lead for the first 17 minutes of the second half despite shooting just 27.6% from deep.The latter stretches of the game weren't even a result of poor play by the Huskies, as Clayton simply seemed determined to take over regardless of some very stout defense. You may see some dunking on Hurley for the Round of 32 exit after he famously called himself "the best coach in the f---ing sport" earlier this year. However, if that's your first inclination after watching what transpired Sunday, you simply do not know ball.<h3>Nobody touching Duke through 2 rounds</h3>We've seen enough to call the 2025 NCAA Tournament in favor of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a>.The Blue Devils have been the best team through two rounds of play, with an offensive masterclass on Sunday versus Baylor clinching their spot in the Sweet 16. With the 23-point triumph over the Bears, Duke is now winning by an average margin of 33.5 points in this year's tournament.Perhaps the entire world would have picked the Blue Devils to win the tournament if we knew Tyrese Proctor would turn into Steph Curry before it started. The junior torched the nets for a career-high 25 points on 7-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc versus Baylor. That came on the heels of his brilliant 6-of-8 showing from deep in the first round to put his tournament total at an eye-popping 13-for-16.According to <a href="https://x.com/JaredBerson/status/1903919148104577497">college basketball statistician Jared Berson</a>, Proctor is the first player in NCAA Tournament history to make at least six triples in back-to-back games while shooting at least 75% from deep in both. <a href="https://x.com/JaredBerson/status/1903919952421064850">Berson also notes</a> that Duke's 1.50 points per possession versus Baylor represents the best by any team in a tournament game since the 2016 Final Four.<h3>Kentucky refresh headed to Sweet 16</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776866/cropped_GettyImages-2206576635.jpg?ts=1742775361" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776866/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206576635.jpg?ts=1742775361 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776866/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206576635.jpg?ts=1742775361 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776866/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206576635.jpg?ts=1742775361 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776866/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206576635.jpg?ts=1742775361 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776866/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206576635.jpg?ts=1742775361 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>John Calipari was certainly the most notable departure from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a> in the offseason, but he was far from the only person leaving Lexington. Most of the roster also hit the exits, forcing the Wildcats into a complete overhaul. Impressively, Mark Pope rebuilt the team on the fly and took Kentucky to its first Sweet 16 since 2019. <a href="https://x.com/MattNorlander/status/1903955907857277038">According to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports</a>, Kentucky is the first team in the last 20 years to make the Sweet 16 with zero returning points from the season prior.Koby Brea - who transferred in from Dayton - led the way Sunday against Illinois with 23 points. Oklahoma transfer Otega Oweh added 15 while former San Diego State guard Lamont Butler poured in 14 and Amari Williams - who left Drexel for Kentucky - poured in 14. Next is a third meeting with No. 2 Tennessee, with Kentucky having already won both previous contests. It's nearly impossible to beat a quality team three times in one season but, if anyone can do it, it's the new-look Wildcats.<h3>Alabama hare crushes the tortoise </h3>The children's tale might have the tortoise beating the hare, but speed kills in the NCAA Tournament.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a> - the nation's fastest tempo team - played the role of hare and ran the country's fourth-slowest team, Saint Mary's, out of the gym to make the Sweet 16. The Crimson Tide's 80 points mark the first time the Gaels have given up that many in the last 105 games. Simply put, Saint Mary's doesn't have the speed to keep up with explosive teams like Alabama.The Tide flexed their impressive depth, as six players scored at least 10 points in the victory. Nate Oats' program also out-rebounded the nation's top rebounding team, which served as an annual reminder to think about Saint Mary's statistics in the context of the competition it faces.The next round will feel like a different league for Alabama with BYU on deck. The Cougars sport the nation's eighth-best offensive unit but rank outside the top 70 defensively. That likely means a Sweet 16 track meet is incoming - a scenario that has to make the Tide feel pretty good about their chances.<h3>Ole Miss gives SEC new Sweet 16 record</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776907/cropped_GettyImages-2206108471.jpg?ts=1742785839" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776907/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206108471.jpg?ts=1742785839 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776907/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206108471.jpg?ts=1742785839 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776907/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206108471.jpg?ts=1742785839 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776907/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206108471.jpg?ts=1742785839 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776907/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206108471.jpg?ts=1742785839 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jack Dempsey / NCAA Photos / Getty</figcaption></figure>There's no question this NCAA Tournament is an SEC party. After the Big Ten and Big 12 started March Madness 10-0 and 9-1, respectively, the SEC came roaring back with a dominant weekend. With No. 6 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/680" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/680">Ole Miss</a> taking down No. 3 Iowa State on Sunday night, the conference set the new NCAA Tournament record with a seventh team in the Sweet 16.Many questioned why the Rebels were a 6-seed after finishing just 10-8 in SEC play this season. It turns out that playing in possibly the toughest conference of all time is difficult and wins are hard to come by. Ole Miss didn't just beat the Cyclones - it dominated from the jump and actually led by 25 points with six minutes to play.The Ole Miss win means it's now a battle between the SEC and Michigan in the Sweet 16 in the South Region. No. 1 Auburn will square off with the fifth-ranked Wolverines, while the Rebels will face No. 2 Michigan State.<h3>Nothing foul about Izzo's 16th Sweet 16 trip</h3>The performance certainly won't win any awards for style, but Tom Izzo will once again take up real estate in a familiar place with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a>. With the second-ranked Spartans' comeback win over No. 10 New Mexico on Sunday, Izzo is off to his 16th Sweet 16 to tie John Calipari for most among active coaches.It wasn't pretty - not exactly a shock in the Izzo era - but the Spartans knew the Lobos' aggressive defense couldn't slow them down without fouling. That unleashed a parade to the free-throw line - Michigan State shot 18 more foul shots than New Mexico did. The Spartans' 19 points from the stripe were 14 more than the Lobos supplied - an eye-popping number given the final margin of victory was only eight points."We're not gonna sit there, and walk up, and out-talent anybody," Izzo <a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/1904015537358676391">explained to CBS Sports</a> after the game. Don't be shocked if Izzo once again instructs his team to try and get to the line in the Sweet 16. Michigan State is off to face Ole Miss, a team that commits more fouls than 275 of the 364 teams in the nation.<h3>Love goes off to book another date with Duke</h3>Three years ago, Caleb Love dropped 28 points for North Carolina in the Final Four, ended the career of Mike Krzyzewski, and got to forever hold one over Duke. It was clear Sunday that he wasn't going to miss another opportunity to inflict more pain on the Blue Devils as he winds down his college career.Now with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a>, Love took it to Oregon early and often to finish with 29 points and help the Wildcats book a Sweet 16 date with his old foe. There won't be any surprises when the two meet Thursday. They already played this year when Duke emerged with a 14-point win.Love made just 3-of-13 shots from the floor in that one, but you know the senior guard will be fired up to add one final bit of Duke misery to his incredible college resume.

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Day 4 tourney takeaways: Maryland changes buzzer-beater luck

Good, bad, or ugly, no coach in college basketball provides more viral content than Dan Hurley.  ...

Good, bad, or ugly, no coach in college basketball provides more viral content than Dan Hurley.The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/280" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/280">UConn</a> coach was at it again Sunday following the Huskies' 77-75 loss to Florida in the Round of 32, appearing to blame the officials as he walked with his team to the locker room."I hope they don't f--k you like they f---ed us. I hope they don't do that to you, Baylor," Hurley said as he walked past the Bears before their matchup with Duke, as captured by <a href="https://x.com/Jellis1016/status/1903879027003162745">Joey Ellis of Queen City News</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It's unclear what set Hurley off, as there was only a discrepancy of four fouls called between the teams throughout the contest. However, he brought up a no-call on a late Alex Karaban drive twice during his postgame availability."Obviously the Karaban drive on the baseline, there was a lot of contact there," Hurley said, <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=206188">according to ASAP Sports</a>. "We're up one, I think, at that point or two potentially. I thought that was a big play too."The Karaban miss would have put UConn up by four with three minutes to play. Instead, the miss led to a Florida possession in which Walter Clayton Jr. canned a triple to give the Gators their first lead of the second half. That play, alongside a couple of missed rebounds on free throws down the stretch, ended up being the difference in the contest."I think, when we go back and watch this film on this flight back today, I think it's going to be crushing looking at those free-throw rebound plays again, looking at the Karaban finish on the baseline with a no call on that," Hurley said.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 21: Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies coaches his team against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Hurley appears to blame refs for loss in profane postgame video

theScore runs down the top storylines and developments from Saturday's biggest NCAA Tournament ga...

theScore runs down the top storylines and developments from Saturday's biggest NCAA Tournament games and what it all could mean moving forward.<h3>Houston's never-ending effort</h3>A key component of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a>'s success under Kelvin Sampson has been its offensive rebounding. It entered Saturday's second-round clash against Gonzaga tied for 17th in offensive rebound percentage (36.5%) and tied for 22nd in total offensive boards (436). Three different Cougars were tallying multiple offensive rebounds per contest, and Joseph Tugler's 13.9% offensive rebound percentage was the fourth-best mark in the Big 12.Houston's second effort on the offensive glass was the difference in a tilt that went down to the wire. The Cougars continuously got themselves extra possessions and made Gonzaga pay for failing to control the glass. Sampson's group had 13 offensive boards that led to 20 second-chance points. Tugler tied a career high with six offensive rebounds, while J'Wan Roberts had an additional four. Mylik Wilson's offensive board with 52 seconds remaining prevented Gonzaga from breaking out in transition and cutting the deficit to a one-possession game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Bulldogs boast the NCAA's second-highest offense and were always going to find ways to manufacture points despite Houston's elite defense. The Cougars' offensive rebounding was perhaps the best way to slow Gonzaga down as it limited possessions and gave Houston more opportunities to set up its stingy half-court defense.<h3>Arkansas, Calipari out-Pitino St. John's</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776734/cropped_GettyImages-2205793645.jpg?ts=1742702422" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776734/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205793645.jpg?ts=1742702422 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776734/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205793645.jpg?ts=1742702422 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776734/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205793645.jpg?ts=1742702422 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776734/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205793645.jpg?ts=1742702422 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776734/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205793645.jpg?ts=1742702422 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ben Solomon / NCAA Photos / Getty</figcaption></figure>John Calipari faced Rick Pitino for the fifth time in NCAA Tournament history Saturday, and the team that emerged victorious was the one that was more relentless on offense and played stifling defense. Congratulations, St. John's, right? Not quite. While that sounds like the perfect recipe for success for a Pitino-coached team, it was actually No. 10 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas</a> that delivered the upset, ousting the West's No. 2 seed.Arkansas' defense was brilliant throughout, holding Big East player of the year RJ Luis to just nine points on 3-of-17 shooting. His struggles actually forced Pitino to sit him for significant stretches of play. That - combined with a very heavy whistle from the officials - resulted in Pitino adjusting his rotations on the fly. The changes didn't generate any offense, and St. John's shot a dismal 28% overall. That low number now drops teams to 3-63 in the last 20 years of the NCAA Tournament when failing to shoot 30% from deep.Make no mistake, it wasn't a pretty showing on offense for the Razorbacks, either. The SEC program hit just 2-of-19 triples. But Calipari shifted the focus to attacking the basket, and that led to Arkansas scoring 46 points in the paint - the most St. John's allowed all year.Calipari's 16th trip to the Sweet 16 might be one of his most surprising, as it's the first time he's held a double-digit seed in 24 tournament appearances. However, he seems to have his squad peaking at the right time - a dangerous sight for the rest of the West Region.<h3>Tennessee uses death by 3-pointer</h3>Let's just get this out of the way now: if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1063" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1063">Tennessee</a> is going to shoot like it did against UCLA, the Volunteers are gonna be a problem for the rest of the Sweet 16 teams. As is usually the case under Rick Barnes, Tennessee shines without the ball, imposing its will on the opponent as KenPom's third-best defense in the country. That was expected to be a strength Saturday night, and that proved true with the Bruins scoring just 58 points.What wasn't expected was the slow death by 3-pointer that the Volunteers would inflict on UCLA throughout the contest. Tennessee entered as the 166th-ranked 3-point shooting team in the country at 34%. Led by Chaz Lanier, the Volunteers lit up the Bruins at a remarkable 11-of-22 shooting performance from deep. Included in that was Lanier's 4-for-5 performance to set the new Tennessee record for most triples in a season.<h3>Electric BYU ends Big Ten's perfect run</h3><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/155" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/155">BYU</a> did what 10 other programs had failed to do thus far in the 2025 NCAA Tournament: beat a team from the Big Ten. All it took was a ridiculous shooting performance to build a lead and a last-second defensive stop to ensure an epic collapse didn't bring down the Cougars.The Cougars raced out to a lead in the opening half by running wild on the Badgers defense, torching the nets on 43% shooting from deep. Turns out, every one of those triples would be needed because John Tonje had big plans in the second half. The Wisconsin star poured in 37 points and gave the fans what they had been waiting for all tournament: a dramatic finish with a potential buzzer-beater.In a game essentially void of defense for 39:50, a stop in the dying seconds ended up being the difference with Tonje swarmed and forced into an airball to secure the BYU win.The Cougars are now off to the Sweet 16 with scoreboards everywhere terrified BYU's opponent will be Alabama. Should the Crimson Tide beat Saint Mary's on Sunday, the Sweet 16 contest would feature two of the nation's top offensive units.<h3>Purdue squashes McNeese's aura</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776676/cropped_GettyImages-2205763228.jpg?ts=1742681068" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776676/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205763228.jpg?ts=1742681068 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776676/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205763228.jpg?ts=1742681068 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776676/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205763228.jpg?ts=1742681068 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776676/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205763228.jpg?ts=1742681068 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776676/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205763228.jpg?ts=1742681068 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ben Solomon / NCAA Photos / Getty</figcaption></figure>Turns out, <a href="https://x.com/MattNorlander/status/1903467431663673572">aura</a> can only deliver one win in the NCAA Tournament. No. 12 McNeese State and the viral-sensation student manager Amir Khan were one of the biggest stories in Thursday's opening-round action with an upset of No. 5 Clemson. Khan became an instant celebrity, inking multiple endorsement deals - yes, a manager with endorsement deals - prior to Saturday's game against No. 4 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a>.It certainly looked as if the Cowboys' minds were still focused on their newfound fame instead of the opponent, as the Boilermakers dominated from the jump. An 18-point halftime lead, thanks to a staggering 22-12 advantage on the glass, essentially ended any upset hopes before the teams hit the locker room. McNeese simply couldn't get anything going against the defense, shooting 2-of-12 from deep and making just eight total field goals in the frame. The Boilermakers' physicality was likely something McNeese hadn't seen often in the mid-major ranks.While they performed significantly better in the second, the substantial lead was too much to overcome. The Cowboys' run, and time under head coach Will Wade, came to an end. Wade is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3248241" href="https://thescore.com/news/3248241">reportedly</a> taking the NC State job.As for Purdue, Trey Kaufman-Renn owned the paint with 22 points and 15 rebounds in the win. The bracket is now opening up incredibly well for last year's national finalist to make a return trip. While No. 1 Houston or No. 8 Gonzaga will be a formidable opponent in the Sweet 16, the game will be played in Indianapolis - less than 80 miles from the Purdue campus.<h3>Pettiford continues to shine</h3>Tahaad Pettiford's developed a reputation of a big-game player during his brief collegiate career. The freshman guard had 21 points in a neutral-site win over Houston earlier this season and 20 in a narrow defeat to Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium. He tallied 16 points, five boards, and five assists against Alabama State in his NCAA Tournament debut. So naturally it was Pettiford who rose to the occasion once again with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a> down two at the half to Crieghton and in need of a spark.Pettiford delivered with 23 points, six boards, and three assists in 32 minutes. His scoring output was the most ever by a Tigers player off the bench in an NCAA Tournament game. He had 16 points in the second half and went 7-of-8 from the charity stripe.Pettiford had all the elements of his game working against the Bluejays. He was creating space from defenders on step-backs, pulling up at the elbow, splitting the defense on traps, and showing his soft touch on floaters. Pettiford's play was enormous with Wooden Award candidate Johni Broome having an off shooting night.<h3>Pick your poison with Texas Tech</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776699/cropped_GettyImages-2206424766.jpg?ts=1742690547" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776699/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206424766.jpg?ts=1742690547 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776699/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206424766.jpg?ts=1742690547 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776699/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206424766.jpg?ts=1742690547 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776699/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206424766.jpg?ts=1742690547 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/776699/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206424766.jpg?ts=1742690547 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>It's unclear whether Grant McCasland operates under the K.I.S.S. principle (keep it simple, stupid), but through two games of the NCAA Tournament it certainly looks that way. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a>'s coach completely flipped the script on the offensive game plan from Thursday to Saturday and has the Red Raiders off to the Sweet 16 as a result.The plan on Thursday: Go bombs away on UNC Wilmington from deep - a team that ranks 191st in the nation in 3-point defense. That saw Texas Tech shoot a school record 46 triples en route to a 10-point win. A change was needed for Saturday's contest against stingy No. 11 Drake, as the Bulldogs perimeter defense is among the best in the tournament. The Red Raiders hoisted only 14 triples as a result, instead attacking the basket relentlessly to the tune of a whopping 50 points in the paint.A second comfortable win for the Big 12 club sets up a date with Arkansas in the Sweet 16. The Razorbacks are fresh off a defensive masterclass to oust No. 2 St. John's and have the size to bother JT Toppin down low. It will be fascinating to see how McCasland attacks their defense, but the opening week's performance is probably a good indicator the Red Raiders should feel good about their chances.<h3>Michigan duo leads 2nd-half rally</h3><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/659" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/659">Michigan</a> stormed back in the second half versus Texas A&amp;M, erasing a 10-point deficit to secure its eighth Sweet 16 appearance since 2013. Ohio State transfer Roddy Gayle Jr. came up big off the bench, exploding for 21 of his season-high 26 points over the final 20 minutes. He had a stretch of 11 consecutive points for the Wolverines to put his team up for good.Vlad Goldin then took the baton from Gayle, scoring Michigan's next eight points. The big man was decisive in helping Michigan win the battle on the glass against the country's top offensive rebounding team. He kept the Aggies' bevy of rebounders at bay, registering a game-high 12 boards, including seven defensive rebounds.

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Day 3 tourney takeaways: Relentless Houston to Sweet 16

UConn's quest for a three-peat takes center stage Sunday with the eigth-ranked Huskies facing No....

UConn's quest for a three-peat takes center stage Sunday with the eigth-ranked Huskies facing No. 1 Florida to begin the day's action at 12:10 p.m. ET.That blockbuster will be followed by No. 1 Duke facing No. 8 Baylor in another standalone game before the games follow in quick succession.The final contest of the day has No. 4 Arizona facing No. 5 Oregon in what would have been a Pac-12 conference matchup just 12 months ago. Instead, it's a Big 12 vs. Big Ten affair with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Sunday schedule (All times ET)</h3>12:10 p.m.: No. 1 Florida vs. No. 8 UConn 2:40 p.m.: No. 1 Duke vs. No. 8 Baylor 5:15 p.m.: No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 6 Illinois 6:10 p.m.: No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 7 Saint Mary's 7:10 p.m.: No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 12 Colorado State 7:45 p.m.: No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 6 Ole Miss 8:40 p.m.: No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 10 New Mexico 9:40 p.m.: No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 5 Oregon

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 21: Walter Clayton Jr. #1 of the Florida Gators celebrates after a three-point basket against the Norfolk State Spartans during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Florida-UConn blockbuster leads Sunday's tourney slate

theScore runs down the top storylines and developments from Friday's biggest NCAA Tournament game...

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Day 2 tourney takeaways: UConn's 3-peat remains alive

The second-round schedule for Saturday has officially dropped, and No. 12 McNeese State will take...

The second-round schedule for Saturday has officially dropped, and No. 12 McNeese State will take on No. 4 Purdue to lead things off shortly after noon.That matchup will be followed by Saturday's blockbuster game, in which Rick Pitino and No. 2 St. John's stare down John Calipari and No. 10 Arkansas.In the final two games of the day, No. 8 Gonzaga will face No. 1 Houston and No. 7 UCLA will square off with No. 2 Tennessee.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Saturday schedule (All times ET)</h3>12:10 p.m.: No. 12 McNeese vs. No. 4 Purdue 2:40 p.m.: No. 10 Arkansas vs. No. 2 St. John's 5:15 p.m.: No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 4 Texas A&amp;M 6:10 p.m.: No. 11 Drake vs. No. 3 Texas Tech 7:10 p.m.: No. 9 Creighton vs. No. 1 Auburn 7:45 p.m.: No. 6 BYU vs. No. 3 Wisconsin 8:40 p.m.: No. 8 Gonzaga vs. No. 1 Houston 9:40 p.m.: No. 7 UCLA vs. No. 2 Tennessee

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - MARCH 20: McNeese Cowboys players shower head coach Will Wade to celebrates the team's win over the Clemson University Tigers during the first round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Amica Mutual Pavillion on March 20, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island.

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McNeese-Purdue leads off Saturday's 2nd-round games

theScore runs down the top storylines and developments from Thursday's biggest NCAA Tournament ga...

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Day 1 tourney takeaways: Drake, McNeese lead upsets

The brackets have dropped, the matchups are set, and the most electric three weeks on the college...

The brackets have dropped, the matchups are set, and the most electric three weeks on the college basketball calendar are here. The 2025 NCAA Tournament features storylines galore, including the SEC breaking the record with 14 teams involved. Two of those - Auburn and Florida - join Duke and Houston as the four No. 1 seeds in this year's bracket.While the top teams take most of the headlines, a couple plucky underdogs always make noise once the action starts. We help identify who they could be heading into Thursday. Find everything you need to know about the 68-team event below.Jump to: <a href="#Region">Region previews</a> <a href="#Featured">Featured analysis</a> <a href="#Betting">Betting tips</a><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Featured: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244417" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244417">2025 March Madness expert picks</a>theScore basketball writers Dane Belbeck, Chicco Nacion, and Thomas Tittley are joined by betting writer Sam Oshtry and ball-knowers Tyler MacKillop and Levi Smith from our social team to dish out their selections for the Elite Eight, the Final Four, and the national champion. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244417" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244417">Read more ...</a><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jo_gh6hJz6s?si=OkoZ7sSLvvWLfrdz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><h2><a id="Region" name="Region">Region previews 🍿</a></h2>South Region<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774524/cropped_GettyImages-2183941428.jpg?ts=1741641795" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774524/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183941428.jpg?ts=1741641795 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774524/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183941428.jpg?ts=1741641795 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774524/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183941428.jpg?ts=1741641795 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774524/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183941428.jpg?ts=1741641795 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774524/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183941428.jpg?ts=1741641795 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alex Slitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Auburn enters as the top overall seed in the entire event but faltered down the stretch with losses in three of its last four games. However, the Tigers' overall resume is unmatched, with star forward Johni Broome leading the way for Bruce Pearl's program. Michigan State and Iowa State are Auburn's toughest competition, grabbing the 2- and 3-seed, respectively. A number of possible bracket-busters reside in the South, with No. 10 New Mexico and No. 12 UC San Diego capable of making runs past the first weekend. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242142" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242142">Read more ...</a>East Region<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771914/cropped_GettyImages-2200742140.jpg?ts=1740320348" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771914/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200742140.jpg?ts=1740320348 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771914/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200742140.jpg?ts=1740320348 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771914/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200742140.jpg?ts=1740320348 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771914/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200742140.jpg?ts=1740320348 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771914/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200742140.jpg?ts=1740320348 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Lance King / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Even if you haven't watched much college basketball this year, there's a good chance you've heard the name Cooper Flagg. The Duke star is the overwhelming favorite to be the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft, but he enters the tournament with an injury concern after spraining his ankle in the ACC tourney. If Flagg is fully healthy, the Blue Devils should get through the East unscathed. If he's limited, look for Alabama to rise up thanks to its explosive offense. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242147" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242147">Read more ...</a>Midwest Region<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771847/cropped_GettyImages-2193497340.jpg?ts=1740258989" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771847/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193497340.jpg?ts=1740258989 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771847/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193497340.jpg?ts=1740258989 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771847/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193497340.jpg?ts=1740258989 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771847/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193497340.jpg?ts=1740258989 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771847/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193497340.jpg?ts=1740258989 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Peter G. Aiken / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Another year, another No. 1 seed for Houston. The Cougars have been one of college basketball's top programs over the past five years, but they have just one Final Four berth to show for it. The difference this time around? This might be the best roster Kelvin Sampson's had when it comes to scoring the basketball. Houston's main challengers are No. 2 Tennessee and No. 3 Kentucky - two of the best from the mighty SEC. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242141" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242141">Read more ...</a>West Region<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770982/cropped_GettyImages-2197866871.jpg?ts=1739816852" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770982/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197866871.jpg?ts=1739816852 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770982/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197866871.jpg?ts=1739816852 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770982/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197866871.jpg?ts=1739816852 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770982/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197866871.jpg?ts=1739816852 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770982/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197866871.jpg?ts=1739816852 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Florida enters on an absolute tear after ripping off 12 wins in its last 13 games and rolling to the SEC Tournament title. The Gators' offense is a juggernaut, and Walter Clayton Jr. is one of the best two-way guards in the country. The 2-seed in this region is a familiar face in a new spot as Rick Pitino has St. John's thriving in his second year with the program. The Red Storm represent the sixth school Pitino has taken to the NCAA Tournament, setting a new record for a coach. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242148" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242148">Read more ...</a><h2><a id="Featured" name="Featured">Featured analysis ✍️</a></h2>Pitino's past made St. John's revival inevitable <figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774426/cropped_Rick_Pitino_Feature.jpg?ts=1741618692" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774426/w220xh124_Rick_Pitino_Feature.jpg?ts=1741618692 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774426/w320xh180_Rick_Pitino_Feature.jpg?ts=1741618692 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774426/w640xh360_Rick_Pitino_Feature.jpg?ts=1741618692 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774426/w768xh432_Rick_Pitino_Feature.jpg?ts=1741618692 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774426/w1080xh607_Rick_Pitino_Feature.jpg?ts=1741618692 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Julian Catalfo / theScore</figcaption></figure>Death, taxes, and Rick Pitino turning your basketball program around in short order. The 72-year-old is once again thriving in the sport, reviving a St. John's program that has struggled for national relevance over the past 30 years. The Red Storm's rise should come as no surprise - winning is simply what Pitino does regardless of where he goes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3233912" href="https://thescore.com/news/3233912">Read more ...</a>4 teams set to bust early brackets<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775795/cropped_Photo_Template-2_Photos__2_.jpg?ts=1742304231" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775795/w220xh124_Photo_Template-2_Photos__2_.jpg?ts=1742304231 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775795/w320xh180_Photo_Template-2_Photos__2_.jpg?ts=1742304231 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775795/w640xh360_Photo_Template-2_Photos__2_.jpg?ts=1742304231 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775795/w768xh432_Photo_Template-2_Photos__2_.jpg?ts=1742304231 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775795/w1080xh607_Photo_Template-2_Photos__2_.jpg?ts=1742304231 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Getty Images</figcaption></figure>While this tournament looks to be tilted more heavily toward the favorites than normal, there's still plenty of potential for early-round upsets and a Cinderella to emerge. Last year, Yale knocked off Auburn thanks to an incredible shooting performance by John Poulakidas. The sharpshooter is back this year as the Bulldogs look to make more noise. They feature alongside three other teams in our look at possible bracket-busters. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244538" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244538">Read more ...</a>Takeaways from NCAA tourney bracket release<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769847/cropped_GettyImages-1961419025.jpg?ts=1739218634" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769847/w220xh124_GettyImages-1961419025.jpg?ts=1739218634 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769847/w320xh180_GettyImages-1961419025.jpg?ts=1739218634 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769847/w640xh360_GettyImages-1961419025.jpg?ts=1739218634 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769847/w768xh432_GettyImages-1961419025.jpg?ts=1739218634 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769847/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1961419025.jpg?ts=1739218634 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Brandon Sumrall / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Selection Sunday is rarely free from controversy, and this year's edition was no different. The SEC breaking the record with 14 teams in the field garnered the first headline, but what left a lasting impression was North Carolina being selected as an at-large team despite a laughable 1-12 record in Quad 1 games. The committee's disrespect of Michigan and the second-round trap awaiting Houston are among the other takeaways from Sunday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242999" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242999">Read more ...</a><h2><a id="Betting" name="Betting">Betting tips 💵</a></h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775677/cropped_March_madness_pic.jpg?ts=1742228478" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775677/w220xh124_March_madness_pic.jpg?ts=1742228478 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775677/w320xh180_March_madness_pic.jpg?ts=1742228478 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775677/w640xh360_March_madness_pic.jpg?ts=1742228478 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775677/w768xh432_March_madness_pic.jpg?ts=1742228478 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775677/w1080xh607_March_madness_pic.jpg?ts=1742228478 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Getty</figcaption></figure>Featured: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245567" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245567">5 opening-round upsets to kick off the madness</a>It's time for everyone's favorite part of preparing for the NCAA Tournament: picking upsets. The lower seeds shocking the world is why the Madness moniker follows March. We have you covered with five potential upsets in Round 1. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245567" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245567">Read more ... </a>See also:<ul>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241968" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241968">7 March Madness trends to consider for filling brackets, making bets</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241099" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241099">5 tips for building a winning bracket without college hoops knowledge</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241959" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241959">East Region betting: Can anyone knock off Duke?</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244796" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244796">West Region betting: Florida heavily favored, St. John's brings value</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245427" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245427">South Region betting: Why Creighton can cause chaos</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245572" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245572">Midwest Region betting: Houston or the field?</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3246002" href="https://thescore.com/news/3246002">March Madness insights: Bettors split on Duke, Florida for national title</a></li>
</ul>National champion odds<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title=" (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pp5hf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pp5hf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="466" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>

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March Madness Guide: Everything to know before filling out your bracket

If you're reading this, you're probably serious about winning your bracket pool and don't want to...

If you're reading this, you're probably serious about winning your bracket pool and don't want to follow everyone's lead with chalk picks across the board.The key to a great start in bracket picks is to nail some double-digit seeds winning first-round games before the big names take over.Here are four teams that could make some noise Thursday or Friday and maybe even stun with a Sweet 16 appearance.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>No. 11 Drake</h3>The central cast of characters is different, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/325" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/325">Drake</a> is back in the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year. Gone are head coach Darian DeVries and his son/star player Tucker, and in are former D-II national champion Ben McCollum and his star, Bennett Stirtz. The results were a 30-win season for the Bulldogs and plenty of conference accolades for the new pair.Drake is a trendy upset pick thanks to a style that can be very annoying to play against. The Bulldogs narrow their focus to forcing turnovers and playing as slow as humanly possible. They succeed on both fronts, turning the opposition over a whopping 22% of possessions and registering the slowest tempo in the nation. Drake already scored a major-conference victory this season by taking down Vanderbilt - a team that beat first-round opponent Missouri earlier in the year.<h3>No. 12 UC San Diego</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775771/cropped_GettyImages-2205318440.jpg?ts=1742280778" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775771/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205318440.jpg?ts=1742280778 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775771/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205318440.jpg?ts=1742280778 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775771/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205318440.jpg?ts=1742280778 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775771/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205318440.jpg?ts=1742280778 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775771/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205318440.jpg?ts=1742280778 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ian Maule / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>To say <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/188" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/188">UC San Diego</a> is brimming with confidence would be an understatement. The Tritons enter the NCAA Tournament on a 15-game winning streak and fresh off the Big West tourney title. Any good underdog story needs a central figure, and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones is UC San Diego's. The 6-foot-6 New Zealander is a walking bucket, sitting 28th in the country in scoring at just under 20 points per game. The Tritons also feature one of the biggest chuckers in the tournament in Tyler McGhie. The senior guard has taken at least 10 3-pointers in 15 games this year.The fun for opponents doesn't end on defense, as the Tritons feature one of the most opportunistic defensive units in the country. Only five teams forced more turnovers than UC San Diego on the season, which will certainly have caught the attention of first-round opponent Michigan. The Wolverines are fresh off a Big Ten tourney title but are 340th in the country in protecting the ball.<h3>No. 12 McNeese</h3>This is likely Will Wade's last ride with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/644" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/644">McNeese</a>, with the former LSU and VCU head coach garnering plenty of attention from major-conference schools with job openings. What better way to go out than to score a couple upsets? The Cowboys are definitely capable of doing just that led by conference player of the year, Javohn Garcia.Wade's calling card is once again the defense, with McNeese among the country's best at turning a game into a slow, physical slog. That could make for quite the ugly opening-round matchup with Clemson, a team that plays at a very similar tempo. That also means it should be a close contest with possessions at a premium - a scenario that keeps the underdog close.McNeese also gets bonus points for having the <a href="https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/1900550313376899410">swaggiest</a> manager in the tournament.<h3>No. 13 Yale</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775772/cropped_GettyImages-2185646761.jpg?ts=1742280959" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775772/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185646761.jpg?ts=1742280959 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775772/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185646761.jpg?ts=1742280959 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775772/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185646761.jpg?ts=1742280959 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775772/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185646761.jpg?ts=1742280959 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775772/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185646761.jpg?ts=1742280959 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1254" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1254">Yale</a> won't surprise anybody this year after it stunned Auburn in the opening round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs have the talent to take down a couple higher seeds in the tourney's first week. John Poulakidas is back after starring in last year's tourney, leading the team with 19 points per contest on a sizzling 41% shooting from deep this season. Expect Texas A&amp;M to heavily focus on limiting his touches after he torched Auburn last year for 28 points on 6-of-9 shooting from deep.That should free things up for Ivy League player of the year Bez Mbeng and do-everything forward Nick Townsend to thrive. The Bulldogs make 38.5% of their 3-pointers to rank fourth in the tournament, and they have the depth from deep to shoot anybody out of the first weekend. That's bad news for the Aggies, who sit 154th nationally in stopping teams from beyond the arc.

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4 teams that could bust brackets early in NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is upon us now that Selection Sunday is officially in the books. In the build...

The NCAA Tournament is upon us now that Selection Sunday is officially in the books. In the buildup to the opening round, theScore is previewing each region to get you prepared to pick your bracket. After looking at the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242141" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242141">Midwest</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242142" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242142">South, </a>and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242147" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242147">East</a>, it's now time to glance at the final region with a dive into the West.<h3>Top teams</h3>No. 1 FloridaFlorida may be the fourth No. 1 seed, but the Gators are coming into March Madness with as much momentum as anybody in the nation. Florida is 12-1 in its last 13 games - a remarkable feat considering the incredible strength of the SEC this season. One quick look at the Gators and it's easy to see why. Their offense might just be the most impressive thing in the sport this season. KenPom ranks the Florida attack first nationally for a reason, as five players score at least nine points per game, and the entire quintet makes at least 32% of their 3-pointers. Walter Clayton Jr. is the general for Todd Golden's outfit, averaging over 17 points per game on the season, but he's far from the only weapon. The trio of Will Richard, Alijah Martin, and Alex Condon can all take over a game at any time. Add in one of the SEC's top defensive units, and it's easy to see why Florida is a popular title-winning pick this year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>No. 2 St. John's<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774420/cropped_GettyImages-2197670126.jpg?ts=1741617869" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774420/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197670126.jpg?ts=1741617869 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774420/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197670126.jpg?ts=1741617869 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774420/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197670126.jpg?ts=1741617869 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774420/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197670126.jpg?ts=1741617869 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774420/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197670126.jpg?ts=1741617869 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>There might not be a better story in college basketball this season than St. John's revival under Rick Pitino. The Red Storm's return to March Madness means Pitino is now the first man to take six different programs to the NCAA Tournament in his career. And Pitino didn't just get St. John's back to the tourney. He has them primed for a serious run at a national title as the 2-seed in the West. The team's makeup is exactly what you expect from Pitino - toughness, intensity, and swarming defense. St John's is one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the tournament, but the one-on-one ability of guards RJ Luis and Kadary Richmond keeps the offense cooking.No. 3 Texas TechTexas Tech is built more in the Florida model than St. John's. The Red Raiders run out KenPom's sixth-best offense in the country. That's largely due to the brilliance of JT Toppin in both scoring and rebounding the basketball. The New Mexico transfer averages 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest and comes to the NCAA Tournament with at least 25 points in three of his last four games. The Red Raiders also hold the distinction of being the only team in the nation to beat the Midwest's top seed, Houston, since Dec. 1.<h3>Bracket-busters</h3>No. 11 Drake<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775743/cropped_GettyImages-2203721632.jpg?ts=1742264073" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775743/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203721632.jpg?ts=1742264073 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775743/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203721632.jpg?ts=1742264073 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775743/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203721632.jpg?ts=1742264073 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775743/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203721632.jpg?ts=1742264073 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775743/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203721632.jpg?ts=1742264073 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Drake over Missouri is one of the most trendy upset picks of the entire bracket. Head coach Ben McCollum came from the D-II ranks and brought star Bennett Stirtz with him to deliver 30 wins in their first season with the program. The first-round matchup is intriguing, as it pits the Bulldogs' dominant defense against the Tigers' elite offense. Drake forces turnovers on 21.9% of the opponent's possessions, while Missouri protects the ball at a top-50 level nationally. If the Bulldogs can win that battle, an upset is highly likely.No. 12 Colorado StateDespite being the 12-seed, Colorado State is actually favored over No. 5 Memphis in the opening round. The Rams are one of the more balanced mid-majors in the tournament with both the offense and defense ranking inside KenPom's top 50. The first-round game might just end up being a one-on-one battle between each team's prolific scorer. Colorado State is led by Nique Clifford, a man who enters the tourney averaging an absurd 25.3 points over his last six games. The Tigers counter with P.J. Haggerty, an electric talent fresh off a 42-point outing last week.<h3>Players to watch</h3>Walter Clayton Jr. Clayton has been a perfect fit with Todd Golden's scheme at Florida, averaging over 16 points per game for the second straight season. He's also producing more assists and has nearly doubled his number from last year. That's kicked the Gators' attack into overdrive and has Florida entering the tourney with the top offense in the nation.RJ Luis<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774863/cropped_GettyImages-2197670438.jpg?ts=1741803917" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774863/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197670438.jpg?ts=1741803917 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774863/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197670438.jpg?ts=1741803917 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774863/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197670438.jpg?ts=1741803917 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774863/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197670438.jpg?ts=1741803917 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774863/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197670438.jpg?ts=1741803917 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Luis is a handful to guard on the perimeter due to his 6-foot-7 length and ability to get to the basket. He's not a lights-out shooter, but he's a crafty scorer who gets to his spot and puts up over 18 points per game. He's also shown an affinity for the big moment, evidenced by a 29-point outburst in the Big East tourney title game.JT ToppinWe touched on Toppin earlier - a man who can put up a double-double any time he touches the floor. He's one of the few stars in today's game who can also claim to be a standout performer on the defensive end. His main role on that end is providing an anchor for a Texas Tech team in which he's the only player taller than 6-foot-6 who plays at least 20 minutes.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 01: Walter Clayton Jr. #1 of the Florida Gators reacts after a made basket during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 01, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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Tourney breakdown: West Region preview

The NCAA Tournament is now upon us. In the buildup to the opening round, theScore is previewing e...

The NCAA Tournament is now upon us. In the buildup to the opening round, theScore is previewing each region to get you prepared to pick your bracket. Today, we focus on the East Region after looking at the Midwest and South yesterday.<h3>Top teams</h3>No. 1 DukeIf you believe what Duke and the ACC told the tournament selection committee, Cooper Flagg will be good to go for the opening-round game. That was probably an important message to send ahead of the bracket release, but Flagg's health shouldn't matter for the opening week. Provided he's back to full strength for the Sweet 16, the Blue Devils should be the overwhelming favorite to make it out of the East. Duke's offense is once again outstanding, but their real strength this year is on defensive side of the ball. KenPom ranks Duke as the nation's fourth-best defensive squad, largely based on Flagg's relentless pressure at that end of the floor. However, Duke is far from a one-man band - Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor are more than capable of carrying the offense.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>No. 2 Alabama<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771840/cropped_GettyImages-2036276903.jpg?ts=1740257720" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771840/w220xh124_GettyImages-2036276903.jpg?ts=1740257720 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771840/w320xh180_GettyImages-2036276903.jpg?ts=1740257720 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771840/w640xh360_GettyImages-2036276903.jpg?ts=1740257720 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771840/w768xh432_GettyImages-2036276903.jpg?ts=1740257720 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771840/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2036276903.jpg?ts=1740257720 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The Crimson Tide are gonna shoot early and often to try to overwhelm their opponent. Nobody gets down the court faster than Nate Oats' program, which boasts 78 possessions per game - the best in the nation. Led by star guard Mark Sears, Alabama takes 30 triples per game with five players attempting at least 95 on the season. If that's happening, it's nearly impossible to beat the Crimson Tide. However, if Bama goes cold from deep, they're ripe for an upset. Add the health questions of second-leading scorer Grant Nelson, and it's tough to predict how far the Tide could go.No. 3 WisconsinThe third-ranked Badgers are a bit of an offensive juggernaut. Most of that breakout is thanks to star John Tonje, who's putting up almost 20 points per game after transferring in from Missouri. Tonje had a brilliant run in the Big Ten tourney before going 1-for-14 from the field in the title game loss to Michigan. Tonje will need to shine, but the Badgers' supporting cast will have to rise if they have a shot of getting past Alabama in a possible Sweet 16 contest.<h3>Bracket-busters</h3>No. 10 Vanderbilt<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772997/cropped_GettyImages-2202144795.jpg?ts=1740887028" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772997/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202144795.jpg?ts=1740887028 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772997/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202144795.jpg?ts=1740887028 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772997/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202144795.jpg?ts=1740887028 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772997/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202144795.jpg?ts=1740887028 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772997/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202144795.jpg?ts=1740887028 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Vanderbilt will have had a lengthy break before the opening-round game versus Saint Mary's after losing to Texas early in the SEC Tournament. The Commodores are unique in that they don't roster a significant player over 6-foot-8. However, they're battle-tested from the loaded SEC slate and feature a head coach in Mark Byington, who pulled off a first-round upset last year with James Madison. The key in Round 1 will be to speed the Gaels up from the snail's pace they usually operate at - they rank 359th out of 364 teams in the country in tempo.No. 13 AkronThe Akron-Arizona matchup could be one of the most entertaining of the opening two days. Both teams play fast - they're top 12 in the tournament in tempo - and are among the highest-scoring programs in the entire country. The Zips are a sparkling 21-1 in their last 22 contests and have been scorching the nets all season. Arizona is always up for a shootout, and that could play right into the hands of the Zips, who shoot 36% from deep.<h3>Players to watch</h3>Cooper FlaggWhen we'll actually see Flagg and what version of the nation's top player we get are two major questions facing Duke. If Flagg is healthy, he's potentially the biggest game-breaker in the tournament. Flagg has lived up to the hype and then some in his freshman season, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.Mark Sears<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771876/cropped_GettyImages-2200683498.jpg?ts=1740272689" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771876/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200683498.jpg?ts=1740272689 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771876/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200683498.jpg?ts=1740272689 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771876/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200683498.jpg?ts=1740272689 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771876/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200683498.jpg?ts=1740272689 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771876/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200683498.jpg?ts=1740272689 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Brandon Sumrall / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Sears showed what he was capable of in the NCAA Tournament last year in helping to take Alabama to the Final Four. The senior guard made a whopping 45% of his triples during that run - an astonishingly high number considering he took 44 in five contests. He's back leading the nation's fastest offense and looking to make another deep run.Caleb LoveLove was crucial to North Carolina's title run in the 2022 tournament, pouring in 30 points in the Sweet 16 and 28 in the national semifinal. Unfortunately, that success didn't follow him to Arizona for last year's run - he made just 6-of-29 triples in the tournament. Now in his final collegiate adventure, the Wildcats will need 2022 Love to appear if they're going to survive the first weekend of action.

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 03: Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils gestures during the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 03, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina.

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Tourney breakdown: East Region preview

The NCAA Tournament is upon us now that Selection Sunday is officially in the books. In the buildup to the opening round, theScore is previewing each region to prepare you to pick your bracket. After looking at the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3242141" href="https://thescore.com/news/3242141">Midwest</a>, we now focus on the South Region.<h3>Top teams</h3>No. 1 AuburnTwo things can be true: Auburn undoubtedly had the best resume of any team in the nation this season, and the Tigers also backed into the NCAA Tournament with three losses in their last four games. Bruce Pearl didn't seem too bothered by the recent setbacks, but the air of invincibility around Auburn from earlier in the campaign is gone. However, the experienced (really old) roster should have no problem bouncing back. The Tigers have a potential Wooden Award winner in Johni Broome, balanced scoring with five players in double digits, and a proven coach in tournament time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>No. 2 Michigan State<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770799/cropped_GettyImages-2199899473.jpg?ts=1739680017" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770799/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199899473.jpg?ts=1739680017 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770799/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199899473.jpg?ts=1739680017 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770799/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199899473.jpg?ts=1739680017 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770799/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199899473.jpg?ts=1739680017 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770799/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199899473.jpg?ts=1739680017 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>It wouldn't quite be March Madness without Tom Izzo, would it? The longtime Michigan State coach is back in the NCAA Tournament, this time with his best team in years. The Spartans hang their hat on outstanding defense, ranking fifth nationally in KenPom's ratings. Izzo's team really excels at guarding the 3-pointer, holding opponents to a minuscule 27% shooting from deep. The offensive side of the ball doesn't offer as much positivity. Michigan State ranks 327th nationally in 3-point shooting and relies on drives to the bucket to score. The main cog at that end is Jase Richardson, son of former Spartans great Jason Richardson. The program gave the projected first-round pick more responsibility down the stretch, and he responded by averaging 16.8 points per game over his last nine.No. 3 Iowa StateDespite its solid resume, Iowa State will be a popular pick as a top-three seed to lose early due to its struggles over the last few months. The Cyclones dominated off the jump this season with a 15-1 start but are 8-7 over their past 15. The team's offensive efficiency has suffered due to assist leader Keshon Gilbert's injury woes, and Iowa State has ruled the point guard out for the tournament. That leaves the bulk of the attack on Curtis Jones' shoulders, something he apparently welcomes after a 31-point showing in his last game. One thing you can bank on with the Cyclones is intense defense, a staple of any T.J. Otzelberger-coached team.<h3>Bracket-busters</h3>No. 10 New Mexico<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775633/cropped_GettyImages-2205247577.jpg?ts=1742189978" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775633/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205247577.jpg?ts=1742189978 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775633/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205247577.jpg?ts=1742189978 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775633/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205247577.jpg?ts=1742189978 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775633/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205247577.jpg?ts=1742189978 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775633/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205247577.jpg?ts=1742189978 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> David Becker / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Watching Richard Pitino's New Mexico squad is one of the most frenetic and chaotic experiences in college basketball. The Lobos are full speed ahead from the opening tip and play at the second-fastest pace in the country. The discord ramps up further on defense, with New Mexico ranking 12th nationally in forcing turnovers. The coaching apple clearly doesn't fall far from the tree in the Pitino family. The Lobos also feature a player who can take over the game anytime in Donovan Dent. The junior guard is one of the top scorers in college at 20.8 points per game and is connecting on over 40% of his triples this season.No. 12 UC San DiegoNot only did Big Ten Tournament champion Michigan get hosed by getting a No. 5 seed, but the Wolverines received arguably the toughest No. 12 seed in the first round. UC San Diego had such a strong season that it was garnering at-large consideration should it lose in the Big West tourney. However, the Tritons didn't need one as they sealed the deal and are heading to March Madness with plenty of momentum. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones is the star of the show, but Hayden Gray's and Tyler McGhie's deep shooting could be the difference. Oh, and UC San Diego forces turnovers on over 22% of opponents' possessions, good for fourth-best in the nation. That's a terrible sign for a Michigan team that turns the ball over more times per game than 340 other schools.<h3>Players to watch</h3>Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775632/cropped_GettyImages-2205167816.jpg?ts=1742189723" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775632/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205167816.jpg?ts=1742189723 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775632/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205167816.jpg?ts=1742189723 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775632/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205167816.jpg?ts=1742189723 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775632/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205167816.jpg?ts=1742189723 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775632/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205167816.jpg?ts=1742189723 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ian Maule / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The New Zealander won Big West Player of the Year this season largely on the back of his 19.5 points per game. Tait-Jones usually has one goal when he gets the ball: drive to the hoop and seek contact. He leads the nation in getting to the charity stripe with a whopping 8.6 free-throw attempts per contest.Kam JonesJones remains a top scorer in his fourth season with Marquette, but his 3-point shooting has fallen off a cliff. He entered the season as a career 38.6% shooter from deep but is making less than 32% of his attempts in 2024-25. However, Jones has improved at getting to the hoop, putting up almost 20 points per game this campaign.Ryan Kalkbrenner<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/567774/cropped_GettyImages-1476053046.jpg?ts=1679788660" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/567774/w220xh124_GettyImages-1476053046.jpg?ts=1679788660 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/567774/w320xh180_GettyImages-1476053046.jpg?ts=1679788660 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/567774/w640xh360_GettyImages-1476053046.jpg?ts=1679788660 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/567774/w768xh432_GettyImages-1476053046.jpg?ts=1679788660 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/567774/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1476053046.jpg?ts=1679788660 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Kalkbrenner is a unanimous first-team "Wait, this dude is still in college?" All-Star selection in this region. The standout center's first collegiate campaign ended at the hands of Jalen Suggs and Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament - the same Suggs in his fourth season with the Orlando Magic. Now in his fifth college year, Kalkbrenner is among the most dominant bigs in the nation, averaging 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.Johni BroomeBroome joins Kalkbrenner on the dominant super-seniors list, as the fifth-year forward is having a brilliant season for Auburn. Broome is averaging 18.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest while also playing swarming defense for the Tigers.

ATHENS, GEORGIA - JANUARY 18: Johni Broome #4 reacts with Tahaad Pettiford #0 of the Auburn Tigers during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Stegeman Coliseum on January 18, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

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Tourney breakdown: South Region preview

The NCAA Tournament is upon us now that Selection Sunday is officially in the books. In the buildup to the opening round, theScore is previewing each region to prepare you to pick your bracket. The Midwest Region starts things off with Houston again as the No. 1 seed.<h3>Top teams</h3>No. 1 HoustonCan you even have an NCAA tourney without Houston as a No. 1 seed? The Cougars have been in the top spot in a region for the last three years under Kelvin Sampson. This time, they reside in the Midwest Region, entering as a 30-win team for the fourth straight campaign. The trademark Sampson defense is still prevalent, but this season's roster is perhaps the best offensive unit under his tenure at Houston. L.J. Cryer, Milos Uzan, and Emanuel Sharp all make at least 42% of their three attempts, giving the Cougars a triple threat from deep that few teams can match.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>No. 2 Tennessee<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622003/cropped_GettyImages-2103045537.jpg?ts=1711383109" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622003/w220xh124_GettyImages-2103045537.jpg?ts=1711383109 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622003/w320xh180_GettyImages-2103045537.jpg?ts=1711383109 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622003/w640xh360_GettyImages-2103045537.jpg?ts=1711383109 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622003/w768xh432_GettyImages-2103045537.jpg?ts=1711383109 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622003/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2103045537.jpg?ts=1711383109 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>If lockdown defense is your jam, grab your Tennessee pom-poms and get ready to sing "Rocky Top." The Volunteers sit third in the nation in KenPom's defensive efficiency rankings and allow just 62 points per game despite playing in the loaded SEC. Whether Rick Barnes can squeeze enough offense from the roster is likely the challenge that'll need to be answered if the coach is going to make his second Final Four in 29 tournament appearances. Last year, the Volunteers could rely on Dalton Knecht to get them a bucket on offense as they went to the Elite Eight. This year, it's on Zakai Zeigler and Chaz Lanier to carry the load and push Tennessee to the next level.No. 3 KentuckyMark Pope hit the ground running in his first season with Kentucky, taking over post-Calipari and leading the Wildcats past numerous injury concerns to grab the No. 3 seed. When Kentucky is cooking, the offense is an absolute joy to watch. Exceptional ball movement leads to plenty of open looks for the Wildcats, and they lead the mighty SEC in 3-point shooting at over 37%. It's a good thing scoring comes easily because the defense - or lack thereof - puts plenty of pressure on that aspect of the game.<h3>Bracket-busters</h3>No. 8 Gonzaga<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757866/cropped_GettyImages-2185851829.jpg?ts=1732833358" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757866/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185851829.jpg?ts=1732833358 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757866/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185851829.jpg?ts=1732833358 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757866/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185851829.jpg?ts=1732833358 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757866/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185851829.jpg?ts=1732833358 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757866/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185851829.jpg?ts=1732833358 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>We're a long way from "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdXeWvucvH8">Gonzaga ... the slipper still fits!</a>" but the Bulldogs somehow enter the tournament as an 8-seed this year. Sure, they lost eight games, but the only two losses since Feb. 1 came against Saint Mary's - a team they just took down for the WCC tourney title. KenPom's rankings have Gonzaga as the ninth-best program in the country, which means a second-round contest with Houston would be a top-10 matchup. Gonzaga has made nine straight Sweet 16s but will likely need to take the Cougars out to make it 10. With a roster full of talented veteran guards like Ryan Nembhard, don't put it past them.No. 13 High PointNobody enters the NCAA Tournament hotter than High Point. No, seriously. The Big South champs are riding the nation's longest active winning streak, a 14-game run that helped it grab the No. 13 seed in the Midwest. The Panthers take on Purdue in the first round, and the Boilermakers don't have to look far to find an early upset as an overwhelming favorite. Purdue has also lost six of its last nine contests. High Point is one of the top-scoring teams in the nation at over 82 points per game, with Kezza Giffa and D'Maurion Williams capable of taking over in the backcourt.<h3>Players to watch</h3>Braden Smith<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755586/cropped_GettyImages-2183651689.jpg?ts=1731721728" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755586/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183651689.jpg?ts=1731721728 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755586/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183651689.jpg?ts=1731721728 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755586/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183651689.jpg?ts=1731721728 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755586/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183651689.jpg?ts=1731721728 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755586/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183651689.jpg?ts=1731721728 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Hickey / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Smith is perhaps the main reason High Point wouldn't be able to shock Purdue. The junior standout might be the most well-rounded point guard in the country, averaging 16.2 points, 8.7 assists, and a whopping 2.2 steals per game. Smith also shoots just under 40% from beyond the arc and has taken on the leadership role for the Boilermakers following Zach Edey's departure.Otega OwehMr. Clutch for Kentucky has a knack for big plays in big moments, especially if his former team, Oklahoma, is involved. Oweh beat the Sooners not once but twice this season with last-second buckets. He posted at least 22 points in four of his last six games.Kasparas Jakucionis<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763832/cropped_GettyImages-2189789341.jpg?ts=1736122700" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763832/w220xh124_GettyImages-2189789341.jpg?ts=1736122700 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763832/w320xh180_GettyImages-2189789341.jpg?ts=1736122700 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763832/w640xh360_GettyImages-2189789341.jpg?ts=1736122700 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763832/w768xh432_GettyImages-2189789341.jpg?ts=1736122700 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763832/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2189789341.jpg?ts=1736122700 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Hickey / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>This will be the Lithuanian freshman's only trip to March Madness with a spot as a lottery pick in the NBA draft in the near future. Jakucionis averages 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest this campaign and is the engine that makes the Illinois vehicle move.Milos UzanThere are plenty of options to highlight on Houston, but Uzan gets the nod for his brilliant play in the Big 12 tourney. He averaged 17 points per game on a ridiculous 58.3% shooting from deep in leading the Cougars to the conference title. If Houston is finally going to get over the hump and win the national championship, Uzan will be a huge piece of that puzzle.

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 15: Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) holds up the Most Outstanding Player belt after winning the Big 12 tournament final between the Arizona Wildcats and Houston Cougars on March 15, 2025 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO.

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Tourney breakdown: Midwest Region preview

It took one shot Monday to show that the three-hole aggregate playoff at the Players Championship...

It took one shot Monday to show that the three-hole aggregate playoff at the Players Championship wouldn't be a fair fight.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>, the overwhelming favorite, pounded a 336-yard bomb over the trees on the 16th hole to put himself in perfect position to attack the par 5.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2217" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2217">J.J. Spaun</a>'s firepower doesn't fall in the same class as McIlroy's, so fairways were a must if he was to compete. But he failed to do so off the 16th and walked off with a par - not a bad score, but not what you need when your opponent is hitting a wedge in for his second shot en route to a two-putt birdie.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>If McIlroy's one-shot lead looked safe walking to the 17th tee, it looked insurmountable five minutes later. After the 35-year-old found the green with a wonderful approach, Spaun went long and found the water. The eventual triple-bogey effectively ended things and made the 18th a formality for McIlroy to claim his second Players Championship."I left here a little disappointed last night that I didn't get it done in regulation," McIlroy said after winning, according to<a href="https://asaptext.com/orgs/pgatour/1159/browse_file.php?browse_file_name=transcripts/153733.html"> ASAP Sports</a>. "I reset, and I needed to go out and play some good golf today. It started with a great drive on 16, which set me up for an easy birdie. Then a great swing into 17, and those three swings were basically what decided the championship."McIlroy joins Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only men to win at least four majors and two Players Championships in their career. It's also the first time he's won two PGA TOUR events before April. That has to have the 28-time TOUR winner feeling confident ahead of the Masters as he looks to complete the career grand slam.Spaun will certainly be pleased with his week, but he'll be left wondering what might have been after his birdie attempt on the 72nd hole to win the event Sunday came up three inches short.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 18th green during the playoff in the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 17, 2025 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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McIlroy wins Players after Spaun's collapse in playoff

The brackets have dropped, 68 teams are off to March Madness, and the rest of the Division I prog...

The brackets have dropped, 68 teams are off to March Madness, and the rest of the Division I programs are left to wonder what might have been.The NCAA Tournament selection committee made its choices Sunday and finalized the field for this year's event, albeit with a few controversial selections.Here are five takeaways from Sunday's bracket release.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>SEC makes history</h3>The SEC has been touted as the best conference all season long, and the selection committee seemed to agree. The SEC sent a record-setting 14 schools to the Big Dance, surpassing the previous mark of 11 set by the Big East in 2011. Thirteen of its members were seeded at the same position or higher in the NCAA Tournament than they were in their own conference tourney. Auburn leads the pack as the No. 1 overall seed, with SEC Tournament winners Florida also joining the Tigers on the 1-line. The conference's lowest seed, Texas, will take on Xavier in the First Four to fight for the right to move into the Round of 64 as the 11-seed in the Midwest region. The SEC very well could snap its 13-year national title drought.<h3>North Carolina, Xavier catch a break</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774462/cropped_GettyImages-2043543982.jpg?ts=1741625955" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774462/w220xh124_GettyImages-2043543982.jpg?ts=1741625955 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774462/w320xh180_GettyImages-2043543982.jpg?ts=1741625955 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774462/w640xh360_GettyImages-2043543982.jpg?ts=1741625955 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774462/w768xh432_GettyImages-2043543982.jpg?ts=1741625955 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774462/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2043543982.jpg?ts=1741625955 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Grant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Both North Carolina and Xavier will play in the NCAA Tournament despite having just one Quad 1 win each this season. Their recent run certainly played a role: The Tar Heels won eight of their last 10 games, with both defeats coming to top-seeded Duke, while Xavier rattled off seven straight victories before falling to Marquette last Thursday in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals. But it's fair to question the committee's decision, especially with West Virginia and Indiana each boasting far more quality victories on their resumes. There's also the fact that North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham is also the chairman of the selection committee. Cunningham <a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/1901405707162820807">says</a> he wasn't in the room for any discussions involving North Carolina, while vice chairman Keith Gill added that the Tar Heels would've been knocked out of the field had UAB upset Memphis in the AAC Tournament final.<h3>East Region loaded with firepower</h3>The East Region is stocked with elite offensive units. Duke, Alabama, BYU, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Baylor are all ranked in the top 16 for adjusted offensive efficiency, per <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjOE">KenPom</a>. Blue Devils forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> headlines the players to watch in the region. The presumptive first overall pick is one of the most versatile players in the sport, showcasing playmaking ability, guard-like ball-handling skills, and above-the-rim finishing. Bears freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121790" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121790">VJ Edgecombe</a> is another one to keep tabs on. The potential top-five pick is an elite athlete who gets to the rim at will and has grown more comfortable shooting the ball from distance. Nate Oats' Crimson Tide boast the nation's highest-scoring offense for the second straight season, led by All-American guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/93780" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/93780">Mark Sears</a>. The Cougars and Badgers have their share of outside threats that can quickly put a game out of reach, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87457" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87457">Caleb Love</a> can shoot the Wildcats to a deep run or early exit. Regardless of who comes out of the East, there will never be a dull moment.<h3>Houston gets 2nd-round trap</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747981/cropped_GettyImages-2123832529.jpg?ts=1727818913" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747981/w220xh124_GettyImages-2123832529.jpg?ts=1727818913 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747981/w320xh180_GettyImages-2123832529.jpg?ts=1727818913 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747981/w640xh360_GettyImages-2123832529.jpg?ts=1727818913 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747981/w768xh432_GettyImages-2123832529.jpg?ts=1727818913 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747981/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2123832529.jpg?ts=1727818913 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mike Mulholland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Houston's reward for claiming the No. 1 seed in the Midwest once again is a potential second-round contest with Gonzaga. One of the top seeds in the bracket was bound to get the Bulldogs as a possible bracket-busting 8-seed, and it turns out the Cougars drew the short straw Sunday. Mark Few's program might be one of the most dangerous 8-seeds we've ever seen, as this year's Bulldogs rank ninth in the nation in KenPom's efficiency rankings. Houston sits third on the same list, so the potential for a second-round matchup between two top-10 teams is very real.The contrast of styles could also make things tricky for the top seed in a second-round matchup. The Cougars bring their brand of hard-nosed defense that forces teams into bad decisions from tipoff until the final whistle. But Gonzaga is the best team in the nation at turnover-to-assist ratio and ranks 10th best in turnovers per game. If veteran point guard Ryan Nembhard can handle Houston's defense, a second-round upset is a distinct possibility.<h3>Big Ten title didn't impress committee</h3>The Big Ten sent the second-most teams to the NCAA Tournament this season, but the school that won the conference tournament is a ... 5-seed? That's right, Michigan will head to the tournament holding down the No. 5 spot in the South Region despite beating Wisconsin on Sunday to win the Big Ten tourney. That came on the heels of finishing 14-6 in conference play during the regular season - a mark that tied the Badgers for second overall.Somehow that wasn't enough in the eyes of the committee. To add insult to injury, the Wolverines aren't even in the top four Big Ten seeds. Michigan State, Maryland, Wisconsin and Purdue all garnered better seeds than Dusty May's program in the bracket.The first-round matchup with UC San Diego is also no reward for Michigan, as the Tritons' swarming defense should create problems for the Wolverines. Michigan ranks 346th of 364 teams at the Division I level in turnovers per game. UC San Diego could feast on that - the Tritons are sixth in the country in the same category.

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Takeaways from NCAA tourney bracket release

The first 12 holes on Sunday at TPC Sawgrass saw one of the game's biggest heavyweights throw his...

The first 12 holes on Sunday at TPC Sawgrass saw one of the game's biggest heavyweights throw his best punch to get the advantage. The final six holes saw a triple-digit underdog throw his best punch back.The result - a three-hole playoff Monday morning between Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun at the Players Championship.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PLACE</th>
<th>PLAYER</th>
<th>ROUND 4 SCORE</th>
<th>TOTAL TO PAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>J.J. Spaun</td>
<td>72</td>
<td>-12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Lucas Glover</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Tom Hoge</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Akshay Bhatia</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Danny Walker</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Bud Cauley</td>
<td>74</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Davis Thompson</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>-7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>McIlroy - the thoroughbred - began the day four strokes off Spaun's lead. He had almost erased that entire deficit 25 minutes into his round. An electric birdie-eagle start brought him within one, and by the time the horn sounded in the early afternoon to stop play due to weather, McIlroy held a one-stroke lead.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Four hours later, play began again, and McIlroy poured in another birdie on his first hole back. That - combined with Spaun's bogey on 11 - pushed the lead to three. The remainder of the day should have been a McIlroy coronation, but Spaun had other ideas.The 34-year-old answered with birdies on No. 14 - the hardest hole of the day - and No. 16 to pull even with the 2019 champion, and he stood on the 18th green with a 30-footer to win. It ended three inches short, pushing the event into Monday, where an electric three-hole aggregate playoff on holes 16-18 awaits."I'm happy to be in the position that I am, but also I feel like I had chances there on the back nine to close the door, and I didn't quite do that," McIlroy told <a href="https://asaptext.com/orgs/pgatour/1159/browse_file.php?browse_file_name=transcripts/153714.html">ASAP Sports</a>. "But I'm excited for the opportunity tomorrow."McIlroy and Spaun will tee off on the 16th hole at 9:00 a.m ET. Should they remain tied after three holes, the format flips to sudden death, with No. 17 the first test, followed by the 18th if necessary."I didn't even know it was a three-hole playoff. I thought we were just going to go straight to 17 like tonight. (Rules official) Gary Young told me, he's like, 'No, you're coming back in the morning,'" Spaun admitted, according to <a href="https://asaptext.com/orgs/pgatour/1159/browse_file.php?browse_file_name=transcripts/153717.html">ASAP Sports</a>. "It's not the same thing as a playoff, sudden death. Yeah, you kind of have to have some strategy. You kind of have to play off of how he's playing, too, I think. I haven't really given it too much thought, but I just know those three holes, anything can happen."The pin locations on holes 16-18 will be the same Monday morning as they were Sunday - a stretch that saw Spaun go 1-under while McIlroy shot even.The last playoff at the event came 10 years ago when Rickie Fowler claimed the biggest trophy of his career with some incredible shotmaking down the stretch.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MARCH 15: PGA golfers J.J. Spaun and Rory McIlroy shake hands after finishing on the 18th green during the third round of The Players Championship at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 15, 2025, at Ponte Verde Beach, Florida.

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McIlroy, Spaun head to Monday playoff at TPC Sawgrass

The madness has arrived.  Auburn was announced as the top seed for the NCAA Tournament during the...

The madness has arrived.Auburn was announced as the top seed for the NCAA Tournament during the bracket reveal on Selection Sunday despite losing three of its last four games. The Tigers - who topped the dominant SEC to win the regular-season title - will head to the South Region for this year's event.Duke, Houston, and Florida are the other No. 1 seeds, while the SEC broke the record for most teams from one conference in the tournament with 14.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>First Four</h3>16 American vs. 16 Mount St. Mary's - 6:40 p.m., Tuesday, March 18 11 San Diego State vs. 11 North Carolina - 9:10 p.m., Tuesday, March 18 16 Alabama State vs. 16 Saint Francis - 6:40 p.m., Wednesday, March 19 11 Xavier vs. 11 Texas - 9:10 p.m., Wednesday, March 19<h3>South Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774712/cropped_GettyImages-2191858733.jpg?ts=1741722059" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774712/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191858733.jpg?ts=1741722059 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774712/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191858733.jpg?ts=1741722059 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774712/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191858733.jpg?ts=1741722059 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774712/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191858733.jpg?ts=1741722059 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774712/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191858733.jpg?ts=1741722059 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Stew Milne / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>1 Auburn vs. 16 Alabama St./Saint Francis - 2:50 p.m., Thursday, March 20 8 Louisville vs. 9 Creighton - 12:15 p.m., Thursday, March 20 5 Michigan vs. 12 UC San Diego - 10:00 p.m., Thursday, March 20 4 Texas A&amp;M vs. 13 Yale - 7:25 p.m., Thursday, March 20 6 Ole Miss vs. 11 San Diego St./UNC - 4:05 p.m., Friday, March 21 3 Iowa State vs. 14 Lipscomb - 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 21 7 Marquette vs. 10 New Mexico - 7:25 p.m., Friday, March 21 2 Michigan State vs. 15 Bryant - 10:00 p.m., Friday, March 21<h3>East Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772319/cropped_GettyImages-2201823314.jpg?ts=1740534416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772319/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201823314.jpg?ts=1740534416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772319/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201823314.jpg?ts=1740534416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772319/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201823314.jpg?ts=1740534416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772319/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201823314.jpg?ts=1740534416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772319/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201823314.jpg?ts=1740534416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Evan Bernstein / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>1 Duke vs. 16 American/Mount St. Mary's - 2:50 p.m., Friday, March 21 8 Mississippi State vs. 9 Baylor - 12:15 p.m., Friday, March 21 5 Oregon vs. 12 Liberty - 10:10 p.m., Friday, March 21 4 Arizona vs. 13 Akron - 7:35 p.m., Friday, March 21 6 BYU vs. 11 VCU - 4:05 p.m., Thursday, March 20 3 Wisconsin vs. 14 Montana - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20 7 Saint Mary's vs. 10 Vanderbilt - 3:15 p.m., Friday, March 21 2 Alabama vs. 15 Robert Morris - 12:40 p.m., Friday, March 21<h3>Midwest Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775417/cropped_GettyImages-2204772091.jpg?ts=1742084096" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775417/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204772091.jpg?ts=1742084096 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775417/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204772091.jpg?ts=1742084096 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775417/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204772091.jpg?ts=1742084096 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775417/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204772091.jpg?ts=1742084096 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775417/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204772091.jpg?ts=1742084096 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>1 Houston vs. 16 SIU Edwardsville - 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 20 8 Gonzaga vs. 9 Georgia - 4:35 p.m., Thursday, March 20 5 Clemson vs. 12 McNeese - 3:15 p.m., Thursday, March 20 4 Purdue vs. 13 High Point - 12:40 p.m., Thursday, March 20 6 Illinois vs. 11 Texas/Xavier - 9:45 p.m., Friday, March 21 3 Kentucky vs. 14 Troy - 7:10 p.m., Friday, March 21 7 UCLA vs. 10 Utah State - 9:25 p.m., Thursday, March 20 2 Tennessee vs. 15 Wofford - 6:50 p.m., Thursday, March 20<h3>West Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775301/cropped_GettyImages-2205148243.jpg?ts=1742004620" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775301/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205148243.jpg?ts=1742004620 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775301/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205148243.jpg?ts=1742004620 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775301/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205148243.jpg?ts=1742004620 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775301/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205148243.jpg?ts=1742004620 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775301/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205148243.jpg?ts=1742004620 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>1 Florida vs. 16 Norfolk State - 6:50 p.m., Friday, March 21 8 UConn vs. 9 Oklahoma - 9:25 p.m., Friday, March 21 5 Memphis vs. 12 Colorado State - 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 21 4 Maryland vs. 13 Grand Canyon - 4:35 p.m., Friday, March 21 6 Missouri vs. 11 Drake - 7:35 p.m., Thursday, March 20 3 Texas Tech vs. 14 UNCW - 10:10 p.m., Thursday, March 20 7 Kansas vs. 10 Arkansas - 7:10 p.m., Thursday, March 20 2 St. John's vs. 15 Omaha - 9:45 p.m., Thursday, March 20

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 11: Dylan Cardwell #44, Tahaad Pettiford #0, Miles Kelly #13, Ja'Heim Hudson #8 and JP Pegues #1 of the Auburn Tigers gather together after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks 66-63 at Colonial Life Arena on January 11, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina.

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Selection Sunday: Auburn grabs 1st overall seed

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Dane Belbeck

Supervising Editor

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