March Madness 2025: First Four Recap and Road to the Final Four
Basketball
The most anticipated tournament in college basketball is officially underway! The 2025 NCAA March Madness tipped off with the First Four games, where teams battled for a spot in the main bracket. The journey to the Final Four and the Championship Game on April 8 is filled with intense matchups, thrilling upsets, and powerhouse performances.
Let’s dive into the key results and what’s ahead in the tournament.
SEO Admin
Related Posts
First Four Results (March 18-19, 2025)
The First Four matchups set the tone for an electrifying tournament. North Carolina dominated San Diego State 95-68, showcasing their offensive prowess. Alabama narrowly escaped St. Francis PA with a 70-68 victory in a nail-biting finish. Mount St. Mary’s overcame American 83-72, while Xavier outlasted Texas 86-80 in a high-scoring affair. These teams fought hard to earn their place in the next rounds.
First and Second Round Highlights
With the First Four wrapped up, the tournament’s first and second rounds delivered jaw-dropping action:
- South: Auburn crushed Alabama 83-63, while Michigan edged UC San Diego 68-65 in a thriller. North Carolina continued their winning streak, defeating Ole Miss 71-64.
- East: Duke steamrolled Mount St. Mary’s 93-49, and BYU barely edged Wisconsin 91-89 in an intense matchup. Arizona survived Oregon’s challenge with a close 87-83 victory.
- West: Florida dismantled Norfolk State 95-69, while Arkansas pulled off a massive upset against Kansas, winning 79-72. Texas Tech held off Drake 77-64.
- Midwest: Houston dominated SIUE 78-40, and Gonzaga triumphed over Georgia 89-68. Purdue remained a title contender with a solid 75-63 win over High Point.
Sweet 16 and Elite 8 Battles
The competition grew fiercer as teams vied for a coveted Final Four spot:
Sweet 16: Duke overcame Arizona in a 100-93 shootout, while Alabama crushed BYU 113-88. Houston barely edged out Purdue 62-60, and Auburn dispatched Michigan 78-65.
Elite 8: Auburn proved unstoppable, taking down Michigan State 70-64. Duke outclassed Alabama 85-65, securing their spot in the Final Four. Florida stunned Texas Tech 84-79, while Houston dismantled Tennessee 69-50.
Final Four Showdown (April 6, 2025)
After an exhilarating tournament, the Final Four stage is set:
Florida vs. Auburn (April 5) – Both SEC powerhouses clash in an exciting battle. Auburn’s aggressive offense will be tested against Florida’s defensive prowess.
Duke vs. Houston (April 5) – Two elite programs face off, with Duke’s depth and shooting ability going against Houston’s defensive tenacity.
The betting lines for the 2025 Final Four in March Madness, as shown on Betco.ag, offer an
exciting look at the odds for two key matchups:
- Houston vs. Duke
Spread: Duke is favored by 5 points (-5, 1.90), while Houston is the underdog at +5 (1.90).
Total (Over/Under): Set at 135.5 points, with both the over and under at 1.90 odds.
Moneyline: Duke is the favorite at 1.37, while Houston presents a higher payout at 3.20.
- Florida vs. Auburn
Spread: Florida is slightly favored at -2.5 (1.90), while Auburn is given +2.5 (1.90).
Total (Over/Under): Set at 159.5 points, also with even odds (1.90) for both the over and under.
Moneyline: Florida is the favorite at 1.62, whereas Auburn is the underdog with better value at 2.30.
Who Will Make the Championship Game?
With the Final Four matchups looming, predictions and speculations are at an all-time high. Duke has shown dominance throughout the tournament, making them a favorite to advance. However, Houston’s relentless defense could turn the tide.
In the other matchup, Auburn’s balanced attack and Florida’s ability to grind out victories make this contest too close to call.
The winners of these matchups will compete in the National Championship Game on April 7, 2025, where the best of college basketball will be crowned.
Betting on the Final Four at Betco.ag
Whether you’re backing Duke’s championship experience, Auburn’s firepower, Florida’s resilience, or Houston’s defensive intensity, now is the time to place your bets. Betco.ag offers the best odds and betting lines for the Final Four and the Championship Game.