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March Madness Kicks Off with Anticipation of Upsets and SEC Dominance

The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament begins its first round, featuring record SEC representation, injury concerns, and potential Cinderella stories.

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Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. brings the ball up court against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at the 2025 SEC Championship Game.
Jahki Howard #3 of the Auburn Tigers reacts to a call during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena on March 8, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. Here are the top five highly ranked teams that could be out of the tournament by the end of the weekend.
March Madness signage is pictured on the bench at Amica Mutual Pavillion during Practice Day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on March 19, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Overview

  • The SEC sets a new record with 14 teams in the tournament, reflecting the conference's strength in college basketball this season.
  • Lower-seeded teams like Yale, Drake, and McNeese State are highlighted as strong candidates for first-round upsets based on their matchups and playing styles.
  • Injuries to key players such as Houston's J'Wan Roberts and Kentucky's Jaxson Robinson and Lamont Butler could impact the performance of these top-seeded teams.
  • Betting activity is surging ahead of the first round, with notable line movements in games involving teams like Texas A&M, Kentucky, and Colorado State.
  • Historical trends and current dynamics suggest the potential for significant bracket-busting surprises in the early rounds of the tournament.