The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has reached its climax, with the Final Four now set after an exhilarating March Madness 2025 Elite Eight round. This year’s tournament has been marked by intense competition, culminating in all four No. 1 seeds advancing to the semifinals—a feat last achieved in 2008.
March Madness 2025 Elite Eight Results and Final Four Matchups
In the Elite Eight, the top-seeded teams showcased their dominance:
- Duke Blue Devils secured their 18th Final Four appearance by defeating Alabama with a decisive 85-65 victory. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg contributed 16 points, and a late 13-0 run sealed the win.
- Florida Gators made a remarkable comeback to overcome Texas Tech 84-79, marking their first Final Four appearance since 2014. Walter Clayton Jr. led the Gators with 30 points, including 22 in the second half.
- Auburn Tigers triumphed over Michigan State 70-64, with Johni Broome leading the way with 25 points and 14 rebounds. This victory secured Auburn’s second Final Four berth, the first since 2019.
- Houston Cougars dominated Tennessee with a 69-50 win, propelled by their formidable defense. Emanuel Sharp was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Midwest Region after scoring 16 points.
The Final Four matchups are as follows:
- Duke Blue Devils vs. Houston Cougars
- Auburn Tigers vs. Florida Gators
Key Highlights from March Madness 2025 Elite Eight
- Duke’s Defensive Mastery: The Blue Devils’ robust defense stifled Alabama, holding them to 65 points and showcasing their depth and strategic prowess.
- Florida’s Resilience: Overcoming a late deficit, the Gators’ 18-4 run in the final three minutes against Texas Tech demonstrated their tenacity and offensive strength.
- Auburn’s Balanced Attack: Despite an early scare with Broome’s arm injury, the Tigers’ 17-0 run in the first half against Michigan State proved pivotal in their victory.
- Houston’s Defensive Dominance: The Cougars held Tennessee to a mere 28.8% shooting from the field, underscoring their defensive capabilities and setting the tone early with a double-digit lead.
Looking Ahead to the March Madness 2025 Final Four
As the tournament progresses to the Final Four, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate these high-stakes matchups between the nation’s top teams. The convergence of all No. 1 seeds in the semifinals promises a showcase of elite talent and competitive fervor, reminiscent of the 2008 tournament.
Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth coverage as we approach the culmination of March Madness 2025.