NCAA tournament Sweet 16: key dates, matchups, and what to watch for
Pranjal Chandra | Mar 27, 2025, 22:07 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
The 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 promises thrilling matchups, including a Duke-Arizona rematch and a Kentucky-Tennessee rivalry. Key players from leading teams, like Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. and Maryland’s Derik Queen, aim to advance. The four No. 1 seeds remain strong contenders for the Final Four.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament has delivered an action-packed March Madness, and the Sweet 16 is set to be a thrilling next stage. With all four No. 1 seeds still in the mix, the competition remains intense as teams battle for a spot in the Elite Eight. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming matchups, key teams, and storylines to watch.
The Sweet 16 games will take place over two days, Thursday, March 27, and Friday, March 28, 2025. Each night features four marquee matchups, with powerhouse programs facing off and underdogs looking to extend their Cinderella runs. Notable matchups include No. 4 Arizona taking on No. 1 Duke, a rematch from earlier this season where Duke dominated, and No. 3 Kentucky clashing with No. 2 Tennessee in a heated SEC rivalry. Fans should also keep an eye on No. 10 Arkansas, the lowest-seeded team remaining, as they face No. 3 Texas Tech in hopes of continuing their surprise run. Games will be broadcast across major networks, ensuring full national coverage of the tournament’s most critical moments.
Duke has been the most dominant team so far, winning its first two games by an average margin of 33.5 points. Their balanced attack and elite depth make them a strong favorite to advance. Meanwhile, Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. has been lights out from three-point range, a key factor in the Gators’ success. Maryland’s buzzer-beater hero, Derik Queen, has proven he can rise to the moment, while Auburn’s frontcourt duo of Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin will be crucial in their battle against Michigan’s imposing big men. The tournament’s leading offensive team, Alabama, faces a high-scoring BYU squad in what could be the highest-scoring game of the round.
With all four No. 1 seeds—Duke, Florida, Auburn, and Houston—still standing, the big question remains: Can they all reach the Final Four? Historically, at least one No. 1 seed stumbles at this stage, and teams like Kentucky, Arizona, and Michigan are ready to play spoiler. Houston boasts the best defense in the country, allowing fewer than 70 points in most games, and will test Purdue’s ability to score efficiently. The road to the championship remains unpredictable, but one thing is certain—March Madness continues to live up to its reputation with intense battles, breakout performances, and the potential for unforgettable upsets.