2025 NCAA Basketball Sweet 16: Men's and Women's Teams, Matchups, and Predictions

March 28, 2025
by Creative Team

The Sweet Sixteen round is here, and with it comes even more excitement for basketball fans all around the world, Australia included; for Aussie followers of college basketball, it is exciting times! This round sees some of the top-ranked teams squaring up against underdogs with surprises. Stakes just grew higher in the contest between powerhouse programs.

Top Teams in the Sweet 16 (Men’s & Women’s)
On the men's side, the likes of Houston, Purdue, and Duke remain dominant forces. There's Duke v Arizona for this round's headline act, while Purdue's Zach Edey has been ripping it up down low in the paint.

Texans, UCLA, and LSU are the remaining top seeds on the women's side. UCLA battles Ole Miss, while LSU plays NC State in what is expected to be an electrifying game. Duke vs. North Carolina and Texas vs. Tennessee will have added drama in this round.

Key Matchups and Predictions (Men’s Division)
(1) Auburn vs. (5) Michigan
Date & Time: March 29, 2025, 12:39 PM AEDT
Analysis: This explosive offense from Auburn will face the powerful defense and rebounding ability of Michigan. Alongside that, this match could come down to guard play and three-point shooting.

(2) Michigan State vs. (6) Ole Miss
Date & Time: March 29, 2025, 12:39 AM AEDT
Analysis: Against Ole Miss, who have a well-deserved reputation for proficient outside shooting and disciplined play, Michigan State's defensive intensity and rebounding prowess will be put to the test.

(2) Tennessee vs. (3) Kentucky
Date & Time: March 29, 2025, 10:39 AM AEDT
Analysis: Forget the SEC and think now of a classic matchup featuring a steal-n-stuff defensive scheme up against elite shooters. The rim protection will certainly be the difference in this particular matchup for Tennessee.

(1) Houston vs. (4) Purdue
Date & Time: March 29, 2025, 1:09 PM AEDT
Analysis: Houston's full-court defense is well-known for stopping Boiler maker rhythm in a number of ways.

Key Matchups and Predictions (Women’s Division)
(1) UCLA vs. (5) Ole Miss
Date & Time: March 30, 2025, 9:00 AM AEDT
Analysis: UCLA's transition game meets Ole Miss' defense and rebounding. It will be brutal inside the paint.

(2) NC State vs. (3) LSU
Date & Time: March 30, 2025, 11:00 AM AEDT
Analysis: LSU's Angel Reese leads but expect an incredibly close game; North Carolina State Wolfpack pulling the strings from deep might attribute to deeper offense.

(2) Duke vs. (3) North Carolina
Date & Time: March 30, 2025, 12:30 PM AEDT
Analysis: The ceiling-high contest of two bitter rivals-one who has an apparently balanced approach in his offense is Duke, whereas the other one flaunts a highe-scroing backcourt-dukes it out against UNC.

(1) Texas vs. (5) Tennessee
Date & Time: March 30, 2025, 1:30 PM AEDT
Analysis: In a matchup against Texas' quick-showing elite offense will be a Tennessee defense armory boasting offensive-movement finesse.

Players to Watch

Men’s Standouts:
Cooper Flagg (Duke): An NBA Caliber Talent with scoring ability with superb athleticism.
Zach Edey (Purdue): Purdue's Power Giant who thrives on the paint.
Johni Broome (Auburn): The versatile forward leading Auburn’s charge.

Women’s Standouts:
Charisma Osborne (UCLA): The floor general leading UCLA’s offense.
Angel Reese (LSU): A double-double machine with elite rebounding skills
Celeste Taylor (North Carolina): A shutdown defender who can score in big moments.

With the elite teams and top talent preparing to wage blood war for the last two spots in the Elite Eight, the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament 2025 promises much joy to fans around the globe-from Australia to America. Rivalries underdog stories, as well as future NBA and WNBA stars, make this round one of the most thrilling in recent memory. The Final Four road heats up!

Key Dates Leading to the Champs Game

Men's Division
Sweet 16: March 27-28
Elite Eight: March 29-30
Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
NCAA championship game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas

Click here to view an interactive bracket for NCAA Mens Teams

Women's Division
Saturday, March 29 (Sweet 16)
Monday, March 31 (Elite Eight)
Friday, April 4 (Final Four in Tampa, Fla.)
Sunday, April 6 (National championship game in Tampa, Fla.)

Click here to view an interactive bracket for NCAA Women's Teams

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