March Madness 2025: First Round Recap and Second Round Preview
March Madness is in full swing, and the first 32 games of the men’s 2025 NCAA tournament have wrapped up. As we gear up for the round of 32 starting Saturday, let’s dive into the highlights and key takeaways from Friday’s action-packed games. Whether you missed the games or want to relive the excitement, this guide provides analysis from ESPN’s on-site reporters and insights into each winner’s next matchup.
Friday Results
(12) Colorado State vs. (5) Memphis
Final: Colorado State beat Memphis 78-70
How Colorado State won: In a thrilling upset, Colorado State took down the 5-seed Memphis with a final score of 78-70. Memphis had the upper hand in the first half, leading 36-31, thanks to Dain Dainja’s performance. However, Kyan Evans turned the tide in the second half, scoring a season-high 23 points, including two crucial 3-pointers. PJ Haggerty, the nation’s third-leading scorer, struggled throughout the game, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-23 shooting. Colorado State’s victory was sealed as they stretched their lead to 10 points in the final minutes. — Brady Henderson
Colorado State’s key to second-round matchup against Maryland: Hot hands. Colorado State’s recent shooting performance has been impressive, with the team connecting on 46% of their 3-point attempts since February 15, ranking them second in the nation over that period. Nique Clifford’s contributions, including 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in the first round, have been pivotal. Maryland will need to find a way to cool down Colorado State’s hot shooting. — Myron Medcalf
(10) New Mexico vs. (7) Marquette
Final: New Mexico beat Marquette 75-66
How New Mexico won: New Mexico’s dynamic duo, Donovan Dent and Nelly Junior Joseph, executed isolation pick-and-rolls to perfection, leading the Lobos to a 75-66 victory over Marquette. Despite Marquette’s two-point lead before the eight-minute timeout, New Mexico’s coach Richard Pitino relied on Dent and Joseph, who combined to score 15 of the team’s next 18 points. Marquette’s coach Shaka Smart now holds a 4-6 record when coaching as the favorite in the NCAA tournament. — Jake Trotter
New Mexico’s key to second-round matchup against Michigan State: Dent’s ability to get to the free throw line. Dent’s performance against Marquette, where he scored 21 points and went 7-for-8 from the free throw line, highlights his ability to draw fouls. Over his past 10 games, Dent has taken 82 free throws, making 64 of them. His knack for getting to the charity stripe could be crucial in New Mexico’s attempt to advance. — Myron Medcalf
(9) Oklahoma vs. (8) UConn
Final: UConn beat Oklahoma 67-59
How UConn won: UConn secured a 67-59 victory over Oklahoma, closing the game on a 10-3 run. Alex Karaban’s crucial 3-pointer with 3:40 left extended UConn’s lead, and the Huskies never looked back. Oklahoma struggled with their shooting, hitting only 32% from the field and 3-of-17 from beyond the arc. Despite their shooting woes, Oklahoma managed to keep the game close with free throws, going to the line 27 times and making 22. — David Hale
UConn’s key to second-round matchup against Florida: Experience. UConn’s championship experience, with players like Karaban, Solo Ball, Samson Johnson, Hassan Diarra, and Jaylin Stewart, gives them an edge. Although this group lacks the talent of previous championship teams, their experience will be crucial against a strong Florida team. — Myron Medcalf
(9) Baylor vs. (8) Mississippi State
Final: Baylor beat Mississippi State 75-72
How Baylor won: Baylor’s comfortable 11-point lead turned into a nail-biter in the final minute, but VJ Edgecombe’s critical free throws secured the win. Mississippi State’s Claudell Harris Jr. missed a deep 3-pointer with less than a second left, sealing Baylor’s victory. This marks Scott Drew’s fifth consecutive year with a first-round win, though the Bears haven’t advanced to the second weekend since 2021. — David Hale
Baylor’s key to second-round matchup against Duke: Freshmen guards. Baylor’s reliance on first-year guards Robert Wright and Edgecombe has been crucial. Wright’s performance in wins, averaging 12.2 points and 4.5 assists, has been a key factor. Edgecombe’s ability to attack the rim and improved perimeter shooting will be vital against Duke. — Jeff Borzello
(11) North Carolina vs. (6) Ole Miss
Final: Ole Miss beat North Carolina 71-64
How Ole Miss won: Ole Miss held on for a 71-64 victory over North Carolina, despite a late-game surge from the Tar Heels. Sean Pedulla’s clutch 3-pointer with 52 seconds left helped secure the win. Ole Miss controlled the rebounding edge and received consistent offense from Pedulla and Dre Davis. The Rebels now face Iowa State in the next round. — Adam Rittenberg
Ole Miss’ key to second-round matchup against Iowa State: Davis. Dre Davis’ impact has been significant for Ole Miss, with the team boasting a 17-2 record when he scores in double figures. His size and explosiveness could pose a challenge for Iowa State. — Myron Medcalf
(11) Xavier vs. (6) Illinois
Final: Illinois beat Xavier 86-73
How Illinois won: Illinois showcased their talent with NBA draft prospects Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley leading the charge. Riley’s second-half performance, scoring 18 points on 7-of-7 shooting, was instrumental in their victory. Illinois’ depth was evident, with four starters scoring 15 or more points. They now face Kentucky in the second round. — Adam Rittenberg
Illinois’ key to second-round matchup against Kentucky: 3-point shooting. Illinois’ reliance on 3-point shooting has been a double-edged sword. When their shots are falling, they are a formidable offense. Their success from beyond the arc will be crucial against Kentucky. — Jeff Borzello
(16) Mount St. Mary’s vs. (1) Duke
Final: Duke beat Mount St. Mary’s 93-49
How Duke won: Duke dominated Mount St. Mary’s with a 44-point victory, showcasing their depth with four players in double figures. Despite not needing a perfect performance, Duke’s defense held Mount St. Mary’s to just 8-of-33 shooting in the second half. The Blue Devils now face Baylor in the next round. — David Hale
Duke’s key to second-round matchup against Baylor: Cooper Flagg‘s health. Cooper Flagg’s return from an ankle injury is crucial for Duke’s success. While they didn’t need him at full strength against Mount St. Mary’s, his health will be vital against Baylor. — Jeff Borzello
(16) Norfolk State vs. (1) Florida
Final: Florida beat Norfolk State 95-69
How Florida won: Florida cruised to a 95-69 victory over Norfolk State, with Walter Clayton Jr. leading the way with 23 points. Despite Norfolk State’s resilience, Florida’s success beyond the arc made the difference. The Gators now advance to the round of 32 for the first time since 2021. — David Hale
Florida’s key to second-round matchup against UConn: Fast-scoring waves. Florida’s ability to score in bursts has been a hallmark of their success. Their fast-paced offense will be crucial against UConn, a team known for its experience and championship pedigree. — Myron Medcalf
(15) Robert Morris vs. (2) Alabama
Final: Alabama beat Robert Morris 90-81
How Alabama won: Despite a strong performance from Robert Morris’ Amarion Dickerson, Alabama secured a 90-81 victory. The Crimson Tide’s ability to draw fouls and get to the line was key in the final minutes. Grant Nelson’s return from injury provided a late boost for Alabama. — Jake Trotter
Alabama’s key to second-round matchup against Saint Mary’s: Imposing its will. Alabama’s style of play, characterized by fast breaks and perimeter shooting, will be tested against Saint Mary’s. Establishing their identity early will be crucial for Alabama’s success. — Jeff Borzello
(15) Bryant vs. (2) Michigan State
Final: Michigan State beat Bryant 87-62
How Michigan State won: Jase Richardson, son of former Spartans star Jason Richardson, shone in his tournament debut, scoring 15 points. Michigan State’s dominance on the boards, led by Coen Carr and Jaxon Kohler, was instrumental in their victory. The Spartans now face New Mexico in the next round. — Jake Trotter
Michigan State’s key to second-round matchup against New Mexico: Offensive rebounding. Michigan State’s prowess on the offensive glass was evident against Bryant. Their ability to generate second-chance opportunities will be crucial against New Mexico, a strong defensive rebounding team. — Jeff Borzello
(14) Lipscomb vs. (3) Iowa State
Final: Iowa State beat Lipscomb 82-55
How Iowa State won: Iowa State’s stifling defense held Lipscomb to a season-low 55 points. Milan Momcilovic’s 20-point performance and Tamin Lipsey’s return from injury were key factors in their victory. The Cyclones now face Ole Miss in the next round. — Adam Rittenberg
Iowa State’s key to second-round matchup against Ole Miss: Momcilovic. Milan Momcilovic’s scoring ability and Iowa State’s top-three defense will be crucial against Ole Miss. His performance could be the deciding factor in the matchup. — Myron Medcalf
(14) Troy vs. (3) Kentucky
Final: Kentucky beat Troy, 76-57
How Kentucky won: Kentucky’s willingness to share the ball was evident in their victory over Troy. The Wildcats assisted on 23 of 28 field goals, with Otega Oweh leading the way with six assists. Kentucky’s 3-point shooting also played a crucial role in their win. — Adam Rittenberg
Kentucky’s key to second-round matchup against Illinois: Oweh. Otega Oweh’s performance has been a key factor in Kentucky’s success. His ability to score and contribute in multiple facets of the game will be crucial against Illinois. — Jeff Borzello
(13) Grand Canyon vs. (4) Maryland
Final: Maryland beat Grand Canyon 81-49
How Maryland won: Maryland’s dominant performance against Grand Canyon was highlighted by their balanced scoring attack, with five players in double digits. Their ability to control the game from start to finish was evident in their 32-point victory. — Staff
Maryland’s key to second-round matchup against Colorado State: Defending the paint. Maryland’s interior defense, led by Derik Queen and Julian Reese, will be crucial against Colorado State. Their ability to protect the rim and force difficult shots will be key to their success. — Myron Medcalf
(13) Akron vs. (4) Arizona
Final: Arizona beat Akron 95-63
How Arizona won: Arizona’s size advantage was evident in their victory over Akron, as they outrebounded the Zips 53-22. Jaden Bradley led the Wildcats with 19 points, and their balanced scoring attack was key to their success. — Brady Henderson
Arizona’s key to second-round matchup against Oregon: Trey Townsend. Trey Townsend’s recent performances have been crucial for Arizona. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will be vital against Oregon. — Jeff Borzello
(10) Vanderbilt vs. (7) Saint Mary’s
Final: Saint Mary’s beat Vanderbilt 59-56
How Saint Mary’s won: Saint Mary’s secured a narrow victory over Vanderbilt, thanks to their dominance in the paint and key rebounds in the final moments. Luke Barrett and Mitchell Saxen’s double-doubles were instrumental in their win. — Jake Trotter
Saint Mary’s key to second-round matchup against Alabama: Pace of play. Saint Mary’s ability to control the tempo will be crucial against Alabama, a team known for its fast-paced style. Keeping the game at their preferred pace will be key to their success. — Jeff Borzello
(12) Liberty vs. (5) Oregon
Final: Oregon beat Liberty 81-52
How Oregon won: Oregon’s dominant start against Liberty set the tone for their 81-52 victory. The Ducks’ early 18-2 lead was insurmountable for Liberty, and Oregon’s balanced scoring attack was key to their success. — Brady Henderson
Oregon’s key to second-round matchup against Arizona: Interior defense. Oregon’s improved interior defense will be crucial against Arizona, a team known for its paint presence. Winning the battle inside will be key to Oregon’s success. — Jeff Borzello
Originally Written by: ESPN
