The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 2025 is in full swing, delivering high-stakes matchups, thrilling finishes, and unexpected upsets. As March Madness unfolds, fans are witnessing the best of college basketball, with teams fighting for a chance to advance. Here’s a breakdown of Friday’s biggest winners and losers in the tournament.
Winners
Colorado State Rams Stun Memphis
One of the most shocking upsets of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 2025 came when No. 12 seed Colorado State defeated No. 5 seed Memphis, 78-70. Led by Kyan Evans with 23 points, the Rams extended their winning streak to 11 games and now prepare to face No. 4 seed Maryland in the next round.
Kentucky Wildcats Redeem Themselves
After last year’s disappointing early exit, No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats bounced back with a dominant 76-57 victory over No. 14 seed Troy. Otega Oweh’s all-around performance, with 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, propelled Kentucky into the next round, where they will face Illinois.
UConn Huskies Survive a Close Call
Defending champions UConn Huskies overcame a tough challenge against Oklahoma, securing a 67-59 win. Despite some struggles, key plays in the closing minutes ensured their advancement to face No. 1 seed Florida in the next round.
New Mexico Lobos Continue Cinderella Run
The No. 10 seed New Mexico Lobos solidified their Cinderella story with a 75-66 win over No. 7 seed Marquette. Donovan Dent led the team with 21 points and six assists, proving that New Mexico is a team to watch as the tournament progresses.
Duke Blue Devils Dominate
As the No. 1 seed, Duke Blue Devils showcased their dominance with a commanding 93-49 win over No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s. Fresh off an ankle injury, Cooper Flagg contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in just 22 minutes, reinforcing Duke’s position as a strong championship contender.
Losers
Memphis Tigers’ Disappointing Exit
No. 5 seed Memphis had high expectations but failed to keep up with Colorado State’s momentum, resulting in an early exit from the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 2025.
North Carolina Tar Heels Fall Short
Despite a strong comeback effort, No. 11 seed North Carolina Tar Heels fell to No. 6 seed Ole Miss, 71-64. With their loss, Duke remains the last ACC team standing, marking a rare occurrence since the tournament’s expansion in 1975.
Oklahoma Sooners Struggle Against UConn
The Oklahoma Sooners fought hard but couldn’t pull off an upset against the defending champions, UConn Huskies, ultimately losing 67-59.
Marquette Golden Eagles Eliminated
No. 7 seed Marquette saw their tournament hopes dashed after falling to New Mexico in a surprising upset, further proving that March Madness always delivers unexpected results.
Mount St. Mary’s Overpowered by Duke
Facing the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils, Mount St. Mary’s struggled to keep up, resulting in a one-sided loss and an early tournament exit.
Looking Ahead in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 2025
With March Madness 2025 delivering shocking upsets and dominant performances, fans can expect more thrilling matchups as the tournament progresses. Can underdogs like New Mexico and Colorado State continue their Cinderella runs, or will powerhouse teams like Duke, UConn, and Kentucky continue to dominate? Stay tuned for more action as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 2025 unfolds.
