Games and Insight 3-23-25

Saturday Recap: More Madness, More Surprises

Just when you thought Friday brought the chaos, Saturday said, “Let me show you how it’s done.” Yesterday’s slate of games had everything — clutch performances, near-meltdowns, and some bracket-busting upsets.

The Upsets That Stole the Show:(10) Arkansas takes down (2) St. John’s

  • Arkansas pulled off the biggest upset of the day, knocking out St. John’s 75–66. The Razorbacks showed grit, hitting big shots when it mattered and controlling the second half. St. John’s just couldn’t find answers for Arkansas’s energy and physical play. If you had St. John’s going deep, well...sorry about your bracket.

(6) BYU outlasts (3) Wisconsin in a wild one

  • BYU and Wisconsin gave us an instant classic, with BYU sneaking out a 91–89 win. This game was a track meet — big shots on both sides — but BYU’s composure in the final minute was the difference. The Cougars are legit, and they’re playing like they believe they can keep going.

Favorites That Survived Scares:

  • (1) Houston got all it could handle from (8) Gonzaga, but the Cougars held them off 81–76. Credit to Gonzaga for never backing down, but Houston’s defense made the clutch stops late.

  • (2) Tennessee took care of business against (7) UCLA, 67–58. Tennessee’s defense was suffocating, and UCLA just couldn’t get into rhythm.

Sunday, March 23, 2025 — NCAA Men’s Basketball Second Round Schedule

All times Eastern

1. (1) Florida vs. (8) UConn

  • Time: 12:10 p.m.

  • TV: CBS

  • Spread: Florida -9.5

  • Moneyline: Florida -500, UConn +375

  • Over/Under: 145.5

  • Note: Florida’s depth and size make them favorites, but UConn’s toughness could make this closer than expected.

2. (1) Duke vs. (9) Baylor

  • Time: 2:40 p.m.

  • TV: CBS

  • Spread: Duke -12.5

  • Moneyline: Duke -650, Baylor +475

  • Over/Under: 148.0

  • Note: Duke looks locked in; Baylor will need to play nearly perfect to keep pace.

3. (3) Kentucky vs. (6) Illinois

  • Time: 5:15 p.m.

  • TV: CBS

  • Spread: Illinois -1.5

  • Moneyline: Illinois -125, Kentucky +105

  • Over/Under: 153.5

  • Note: Expect fireworks — both teams can score in bunches.

4. (2) Alabama vs. (7) Saint Mary’s

  • Time: 6:10 p.m.

  • TV: TNT

  • Spread: Alabama -5.5

  • Moneyline: Alabama -225, Saint Mary’s +185

  • Over/Under: 140.5

  • Note: Contrast in styles: Alabama’s run-and-gun pace vs. Saint Mary’s slow, methodical attack.

5. (4) Maryland vs. (12) Colorado State

  • Time: 7:10 p.m.

  • TV: TBS

  • Spread: Maryland -6.5

  • Moneyline: Maryland -275, Colorado State +220

  • Over/Under: 146.0

  • Note: Colorado State’s looking for back-to-back upsets; Maryland’s depth could be a problem for them.

6. (3) Iowa State vs. (6) Ole Miss

  • Time: 7:45 p.m.

  • TV: truTV

  • Spread: Iowa State -4.0

  • Moneyline: Iowa State -180, Ole Miss +150

  • Over/Under: 144.5

  • Note: Iowa State’s elite defense could suffocate an Ole Miss team coming off a disappointing showing.

7. (2) Michigan State vs. (10) New Mexico

  • Time: 8:40 p.m.

  • TV: TNT

  • Spread: Michigan State -8.0

  • Moneyline: Michigan State -350, New Mexico +275

  • Over/Under: 142.0

  • Note: New Mexico’s Cinderella hopes continue — but Tom Izzo’s Spartans are tournament-tested.

8. (4) Arizona vs. (5) Oregon

  • Time: 9:40 p.m.

  • TV: TBS

  • Spread: Arizona -3.0

  • Moneyline: Arizona -150, Oregon +130

  • Over/Under: 149.5

  • Note: Former Pac-12 rivals meet again — expect a tight, physical battle.

 

What teams do you have as upsets today?

 

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