The 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 is set to kick off on Thursday, showcasing the impressive strength of the SEC (Southeastern Conference). A significant total of seven schools from the SEC have advanced in the tournament, with No. 1 seeds Florida and Auburn leading the charge. Notably, Alabama, the No. 2 seed, has been a powerhouse this season, averaging an astounding 90.8 points per game, and they continue to dominate their opponents during March Madness 2025.
One of the most surprising stories of this year's tournament is the emergence of No. 10 Arkansas. As the only double-digit seed to reach the Sweet 16, Arkansas has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Meanwhile, No. 1 seed Houston is poised to extend their winning streak to 16 games, and No. 4 Purdue is eager to make a return to the championship round after falling short against UConn last year.
Before finalizing any March Madness predictions, it’s essential to consult the expert analysis available from SportsLine. Their proven projection model has meticulously simulated every game in the tournament 10,000 times, yielding impressive results. This model has consistently outperformed over 91% of all CBS Sports brackets in four out of the last six tournaments, accurately predicting 13 of the 16 teams in the Sweet 16, with all four of its Final Four teams still competing.
SportsLine's model is also adept at identifying potential upsets. Since its inception in 2016, it has correctly predicted 25 first-round upsets involving double-digit seeds. With such reliable technology at your disposal, there’s no need to rely on luck when making your 2025 March Madness picks.
Among the top picks for the Sweet 16, the model forecasts that No. 2 seed Tennessee will overcome Kentucky on Friday, despite having lost to them twice during the regular season. Tennessee enters the matchup as a 4.5-point favorite, with odds listed at -157. The Vols have shown resilience, covering the spread in three of their last five games and boasting an impressive 23-4 record when favored.
Tennessee's robust defense has been a critical factor in their success thus far. They secured a convincing victory over Wofford with a score of 77-62 in the first round and followed it up by defeating UCLA 67-58 in the second round. Star guards Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler have been instrumental, combining for 76 points, 12 rebounds, and 21 assists. Their performance will be crucial in keeping Kentucky’s efficient offense in check.
For more details on the model’s predictions and to view the complete 2025 NCAA bracket picks, head over to SportsLine.
SportsLine's model also predicts that this year's Final Four will showcase a unique lineup not seen in nearly two decades. Given its impressive history of identifying bracket-busting upsets, it's highly recommended to review the model’s selections before finalizing your 2025 NCAA bracket picks.
