Sunday Recap: Last-Second Drama, Big Upsets, and Heavyweights Rolling
If you thought Saturday was wild, Sunday doubled down with clutch shots, statement wins, and a couple of serious bracket-busters. Here’s how it all went down:
Florida Ends UConn’s Dream Run
The day started off with a thriller — No. 1 Florida barely survived against No. 8 UConn, pulling out a 77–75 win and ending UConn’s hopes of a three-peat. Florida was trailing late, but a massive three from Walter Clayton Jr. swung the momentum, and the Gators hung on in the final moments. Florida moves on — but not without a scare.
Duke Means Business
No. 1 Duke looked every bit the title contender in an 89–66 blowout over No. 9 Baylor. Freshman star Cooper Flagg poured in 18 points and made it clear Duke is locked in. They cruised, and honestly, they haven’t even looked challenged yet.
Kentucky is Back in the Sweet 16
No. 3 Kentucky took care of No. 6 Illinois, 84–75, behind a huge night from Koby Brea (23 points). Kentucky looks dangerous again, and now they get a Sweet 16 matchup against SEC rival Tennessee — buckle up for that one.
Maryland Stuns Colorado State at the Buzzer
Game of the day? Probably this one. No. 4 Maryland broke No. 12 Colorado State’s Cinderella hearts with a buzzer-beater from Derik Queen, winning 72–71. Colorado State had the upset in their grasp, but Maryland found magic at the horn. Pure March Madness.
Ole Miss Upsets Iowa State
Don’t sleep on the Rebels! No. 6 Ole Miss knocked off No. 3 Iowa State, 91–78. Ole Miss was firing on all cylinders, and Iowa State’s normally tough defense had no answers. The Rebels are rolling and could be dangerous.
Arizona Survives Oregon’s Push
No. 4 Arizona looked comfortable for most of the night but had to hold off a late run from No. 5 Oregon, eventually winning 87–83. Caleb Love went off for 29 points and carried the Wildcats into a monster matchup with Duke next weekend.
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The Bottom Line?
• Florida, Duke, Kentucky, Maryland, Ole Miss, and Arizona all advanced.
• We got buzzer-beaters, comebacks, and a couple of big upsets to keep things interesting.
• The Sweet 16 is shaping up to be loaded, and this madness is far from over.
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Sweet 16 Outlook — Game Times, Odds, and Storylines
All times Eastern
Thursday, March 27, 2025
1. (2) Alabama vs. (6) BYU
• Time: 7:09 p.m.
• Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
• Broadcast: CBS
• Spread: Alabama -4.5
• Over/Under: 166.5
• Note: This one should be an offensive showcase. Alabama’s high-powered attack faces BYU’s balanced scoring and hot shooting. If BYU can control tempo and hit threes, this could be tight.
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2. (1) Florida vs. (4) Maryland
• Time: 7:39 p.m.
• Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
• Broadcast: TBS / truTV
• Spread: Florida -7 (projected)
• Note: Florida has been rolling, but Maryland showed clutch ability with that buzzer-beater over Colorado State. The Gators’ defense will look to clamp down early, but Maryland’s depth could make this interesting.
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3. (1) Duke vs. (4) Arizona
• Time: 9:39 p.m.
• Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
• Broadcast: CBS
• Spread: Duke -8.5
• Over/Under: 151.5
• Note: A heavyweight matchup. Duke’s defense and size have overwhelmed opponents so far, but Arizona’s dynamic offense and Caleb Love’s big-game experience make this a must-watch.
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4. (3) Texas Tech vs. (10) Arkansas
• Time: 10:09 p.m.
• Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
• Broadcast: TBS / truTV
• Spread: Texas Tech -3.5 (projected)
• Note: Arkansas is the Cinderella story so far. They’ll need to be near perfect against a Texas Tech team that’s been one of the best defensive units in the field.
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Friday, March 28, 2025
1. (2) Michigan State vs. (6) Ole Miss
• Time: 7:09 p.m.
• Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
• Broadcast: CBS
• Spread: Michigan State -3.5
• Over/Under: 142.5
• Note: Ole Miss continues to surprise with an explosive offense, but Tom Izzo’s experience and Michigan State’s discipline make them tough to bet against.
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2. (2) Tennessee vs. (3) Kentucky
• Time: 7:39 p.m.
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
• Broadcast: TBS / truTV
• Spread: Tennessee -4.5
• Note: An SEC showdown in the Sweet 16! Both teams know each other well, and this should be a battle. Tennessee’s defense versus Kentucky’s firepower — something’s got to give.
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3. (1) Auburn vs. (5) Michigan
• Time: 9:39 p.m.
• Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
• Broadcast: CBS
• Spread: Auburn -9.5
• Over/Under: 149.5
• Note: Auburn has looked dominant, but Michigan’s confidence after back-to-back solid wins makes them dangerous. If Michigan can slow the pace and rebound, they’ll have a shot.
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4. (1) Houston vs. (4) Purdue
• Time: 10:09 p.m.
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
• Broadcast: TBS / truTV
• Spread: Houston -4 (projected)
• Note: This might be the most physical matchup of the round. Houston’s defense and toughness face Purdue’s size and inside presence. Expect a low-scoring, grind-it-out battle.
Who do you have as upsets for the Sweet 16?
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