The anticipation is building as the final two spots in the 64-team bracket will be determined on Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio. This marks the second night of the First Four, crucial for solidifying the matchups for the First Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. These initial games serve to whet the appetite for the upcoming action on Thursday and Friday, where basketball fans can indulge in wall-to-wall March Madness excitement from midday into the late evening hours.
Wednesday's thrilling action kicks off with a battle of No. 16 seeds in the East Region, featuring the Patriot League champion American facing off against the MAAC champion Mount St. Mary's. This matchup presents a golden opportunity for both teams to shine on a significant stage and potentially extend their stay in the NCAA Tournament. Winning this game would lead to a challenging encounter against the formidable Duke on Friday afternoon in Raleigh, North Carolina.
These teams have a storied history, with just 62 miles separating their campuses and a total of 70 matchups in their history. American holds a slight edge in the all-time series, leading 37-33, and has won the last four encounters, with their last loss dating back to 2018. However, they will face a challenging opponent in the Mountaineers, who are riding high under first-year coach Donny Lind. Mount St. Mary's has achieved a record-breaking 22 wins this season and has consistently exceeded expectations, boasting a 22-10-1 record against the spread.
Defensively, the Mountaineers have been impressive, holding their opponents under 60 points during the conference tournament, despite facing injuries. With a “next man up” mentality, they are back in the First Four, where they have a 2-2 record. This matchup is projected to be close and low-scoring, making Mount St. Mary's a solid pick at +2.5.
The nightcap features an intriguing showdown between two No. 11 seeds: Texas and Xavier. Despite a challenging season that saw Texas finish with a 6-12 conference record, the Longhorns possess the ability to compete with top-tier teams. Including their conference tournament performance, Texas has secured six wins against teams projected as single-digit seeds, showcasing their potential to pull off upsets.
However, inconsistency has plagued Texas throughout the season, impacting their ability to capitalize on a talented roster that includes promising NBA Draft prospect Tre Johnson. In contrast, Xavier has showcased remarkable consistency since welcoming back star forward Zach Freemantle. The Musketeers are known for their fast-paced style and elite shooting capabilities, with Ryan Conwell recently excelling, connecting on 58.5% of his three-point attempts in his last five games.
As both teams prepare to clash, Xavier's shooting prowess gives them a significant advantage in what could turn into a high-scoring affair. With Texas struggling to find their rhythm, Xavier is favored to cover the spread at -2.5.
As the excitement of the 2025 NCAA Tournament unfolds, fans can engage further by participating in the Men's and Women's Challenges for a chance to win a Nissan Armada and trips to the Final Four. Stay tuned for our in-depth bracket predictions, scouting reports, and insights on all first-round games, including potential upsets!
