The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has delivered thrilling action, culminating in an Elite Eight that showcased the dominance of the nation’s top teams. Remarkably, all four No. 1 seeds—Duke, Florida, Houston, and Auburn—have advanced to the Final Four, a feat achieved only once before in 2008.​
In the East Region, the Duke Blue Devils secured their 18th Final Four appearance by defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 85-65. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg led Duke with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while a decisive 13-0 run in the second half sealed the victory.
The West Region saw the Florida Gators mount a remarkable comeback against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, overcoming a nine-point deficit in the final four minutes to win 84-79. Walter Clayton Jr. was instrumental, scoring 30 points, including 22 in the second half, propelling Florida to their first Final Four since 2014.
In the Midwest Region, the Houston Cougars showcased their defensive prowess by defeating the Tennessee Volunteers 69-50. Houston’s defense held Tennessee to just 15 first-half points, the lowest in Elite Eight history since 1979. L.J. Cryer led the Cougars with 17 points, while Emanuel Sharp added 16 and was named the region’s Most Outstanding Player. ​
Completing the Final Four lineup, the Auburn Tigers emerged victorious in the South Region by beating the Michigan State Spartans 70-64. Johni Broome led Auburn with 25 points and 14 rebounds, despite briefly leaving the game due to an arm injury. Auburn’s 17-0 run in the first half established a lead they maintained throughout, marking their second Final Four appearance.
The Final Four matchups are set to take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on April 5. Duke will face Houston, while Florida will take on Auburn. This convergence of top seeds promises high-caliber basketball, with each team bringing a unique blend of talent, strategy, and determination to the court. Fans can anticipate intense battles as these powerhouses vie for a spot in the national championship game on April 7.
As the tournament approaches its climax, the stage is set for a historic showdown among college basketball’s elite. The Alamodome will bear witness to a rare assembly of top-seeded teams, each aiming to etch their name into the annals of NCAA history.
