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4w ago

Power 5 Teams Dominate Historic Sweet 16 in 2025 NCAA Tournament

For the first time since 1985, no mid-major teams have advanced to the Sweet 16, with all remaining teams hailing from Power 5 conferences.

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Mar 22, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; A referee holds the game ball during the second half of the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the UCLA Bruins in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Sweet 16 features all four No. 1 seeds—Auburn, Florida, Duke, and Houston—advancing without major upsets, underscoring a tournament dominated by top seeds.
  • The SEC has set a record with seven teams in the Sweet 16, the most by any conference in tournament history, highlighting its growing strength in college basketball.
  • Duke, led by standout players Cooper Flagg and Tyrese Proctor, is emerging as a strong favorite, while Alabama leads Division I in scoring with 90.8 points per game.
  • The influence of NIL deals and the transfer portal is reshaping the tournament landscape, contributing to the absence of Cinderella teams and favoring major programs.
  • Upcoming Sweet 16 matchups include high-profile games such as Duke vs. Arizona, Florida vs. Maryland, and Auburn vs. Michigan, with games beginning March 27.