- NCAA. March Madness kicks off with instant classic as all eyes turn to Cooper Flagg's injury comeback for the tournament
- NCAA. Men's March Madness 2025 Bracket and Schedule: Today's games, scores, times, and TV channels for the NCAA Tournament
March is here, and that means it's time for another exciting edition of the NCAA Tournament. Each year, college basketball fans anticipate buzzer-beaters, unexpected upsets, and the rise of Cinderella teams that defy the odds. From underdogs making deep tournament runs to No. 12 seeds upsetting No. 5 seeds, surprises are bound to happen. With perennial powerhouses like Duke, Auburn and defending champion UConn in the mix, there are plenty of favorites - but who will be this year's breakout team? As history has shown, anything can happen when the ball drops in March.
Sleeper Teams That Could Make a Deep Run
When it comes to upsets, history tells us that the 12 seed upsetting the 5 seed has become almost an annual tradition, occurring in 33 of the last 39 tournaments. Looking at the brackets, a few teams stand out as potential bracket-busters.
North Carolina (South Region)
While their inclusion in the tournament was controversial, the Tar Heels are in position to capitalize on a favorable draw. Their first matchup is against No. 6 Ole Miss, a team that has lost five of its last eight games. If they advance, they would likely face No. 3 Iowa State, which has struggled down the stretch, losing four of its last seven. With their tournament experience and pedigree, North Carolina could be poised for a deep run.
Drake (West Region)
Drake finished the season with one of the best defensive units in the country, allowing just 58.4 points per game - the lowest in the nation. The Bulldogs thrived under Ben McCollum, who made a seamless transition from Division II success to the big stage. Their star, Bennett Stirtz, is averaging 19.4 points, 5.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, making him a potential game-changer in the tournament.
Baylor (East Region)
Duke may be the favorite in the East, but Baylor is a team not to be overlooked. Led by freshman sensation VJ Edgecombe, a 6-foot-5 highlight machine, Baylor has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone. However, they have struggled against high-powered offenses, which could make them vulnerable early. If they can tighten up defensively, they could be a dangerous team in the later rounds.
High Point (Midwest Region)
Looking for a true Cinderella story? High Point might be the best bet to pull off a shocking upset. The Big South champions average nearly 83 points per game and rank in the top 25 in KenPom's offensive efficiency rankings. To knock off a powerhouse like Purdue, they'll need big performances from Texas Tech transfer D'Maurian Williams and FGCU transfer Chase Johnston, who leads the team with 70 three-pointers on the season. Senior guard Kezza Giffa, who has averaged 52 points in his last three ASUN Tournament games, could be the X-factor.
What History Tells Us About Tournament Upsets
If history is any indicator, we are in for another unpredictable March Madness. Since 2018, No. 5 seeds are just 16-8 against No. 12 seeds, while No. 11 seeds have battled No. 6 seeds to an even 12-12 record. These numbers suggest that lower-seeded teams are more than capable of making a run - just ask Saint Peter's, which shocked the world by reaching the Elite Eight in 2022. With a mix of defensive juggernauts, offensive firepower, and under-the-radar stars, this year's Cinderella candidates have the tools to shake up the bracket. As always, expect the unexpected-because that's what makes March Madness the best postseason in American sports.