As the 2025 NCAA Tournament progresses into its second weekend, basketball enthusiasts might mourn the absence of a true Cinderella story. However, the Sweet 16 schedule promises to deliver thrilling matchups featuring some of the sport's most storied programs. Out of the eight teams competing in the East and West Regionals, five have clinched national championships in the last 35 years, representing nearly one-third of all NCAA Tournament titles during this period.
The night kicks off with an exhilarating clash between No. 2 seed Alabama and No. 6 seed BYU in Newark, New Jersey. This game is expected to feature high-octane offense, quickly followed by another exciting showdown between No. 1 seed Florida and No. 4 seed Maryland. Maryland recently made headlines with the tournament's first true buzzer-beater, courtesy of star freshman Derik Queen.
The action continues with No. 1 Duke facing off against No. 4 Arizona. This matchup is significant not only because of the historical rivalry but also due to the presence of former North Carolina star guard Caleb Love on the Arizona roster. The night culminates with the only double-digit seed in the Sweet 16, No. 10 Arkansas, led by Hall of Fame coach John Calipari, as they take on No. 3 seed Texas Tech. Arkansas aims to continue their surprising run, while Texas Tech seeks a spot in the Elite Eight.
As we delve into the Sweet 16, fans are eager for insights and predictions. With only a few games left in March Madness, our panel of experts has analyzed the point spreads and totals to offer their best bets for Thursday's regional semifinal matchups.
Tip-off: 7:09 p.m. on CBS | March Madness Live
BYU has shown impressive form lately, going 11-1 since February 10, with their only loss coming against Houston in the Big 12 Tournament. This performance has translated to a 10-2 record against the spread during that stretch. Both Alabama and BYU rank as the No. 8 and No. 9 most efficient teams in March according to BartTorvik, suggesting a tightly contested game. The key player to watch is 6-foot-9 freshman Egor Demin, whose recent performances have revived NBA Draft buzz. If Demin continues his strong play, he could propel BYU to victory.
Pick: BYU +5.5
Tip-off: 7:39 p.m. on TBS | March Madness Live
The depth of Florida's roster could prove crucial in this matchup. Maryland relies heavily on its starting five, which could become a liability if they encounter foul trouble. Florida's bench offers significant depth, with players like Thomas Waugh and Micah Handlogten ready to step up. Florida's recent performance, including a crucial win against UConn, has boosted their confidence, with players like Walter Clayton and Will Richard demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
Pick: Florida -6.5
Tip-off: 9:39 p.m. on CBS | March Madness Live
Duke has been on a scoring spree, with every game since Cooper Flagg's return resulting in at least 80 points. In contrast, Arizona has struggled defensively towards the end of the regular season. This game is expected to favor Duke, especially given their status as the best free-throw shooting team left in the tournament.
Pick: Duke Team Total Over 81.5
Tip-off: 10:09 p.m. on TBS | March Madness Live
Despite being a No. 10 seed, Arkansas has displayed resilience, managing to win against formidable opponents like Kansas and St. John's, even with poor shooting percentages. The return of Adou Thiero adds depth to their defense, which will be critical against Texas Tech’s high-scoring offense. Arkansas' ability to control the paint could be a game-changer in this matchup.
Pick: Arkansas +5.5
The Sweet 16 promises to deliver thrilling basketball as teams vie for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight. This year’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with plenty of storylines and intense competition ahead. Stay tuned for all the March Madness action!
