Selection Sunday reveals NCAA tournament brackets amid tight competition

On March 16, 2025, Selection Sunday will unveil the 68-team fields for the NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, marking a pivotal moment in college sports. The day is particularly tense for bubble teams, such as North Carolina and Texas, whose hopes of making it into the tournament diminished following Colorado State's successful run in its conference tournament. Meanwhile, teams like Duke and Auburn are anticipated to secure their spots without such pressure, having a strong chance of competing for the national championship. Heading into this day, the NCAA selection committee evaluates numerous teams based on their performance throughout the season, particularly focusing on conference tournaments that concluded recently. With North Carolina and Texas each winning two games in their respective conference tournaments, they initially appeared to be strong contenders for inclusion in the field of 68. However, the shifting dynamics created by other teams’ successes, like Colorado State's, have put their fates on a precipice. The Southeastern Conference could potentially place a record-breaking 14 teams in the tournament if Texas is successful, a sharp contrast to the Atlantic Coast Conference's expected decline if North Carolina does not make the cut. The uncertainty surrounding the selection process has made for a suspenseful countdown to the reveal. The NCAA's decision will influence the trajectories of many aspiring student-athletes. Players and fans alike are eager to see how the committee ranks the teams, particularly those participating in finals on that very day. Memphis and UAB's matchup for the American Athletic Conference title is one of the games that will impact the committee's decision as both teams vie for a spot in the coveted tournament bracket. Soon after the brackets are set, the tournament's First Four will kick off on March 18 and 19 in Dayton, Ohio, with the first round matches taking place on March 20 and 21. The tournaments culminate in the championship games scheduled for April 7 for the men's tournament and April 6 for the women's tournament, promising a month full of excitement in college basketball. This time of year typically serves as a showcase for emerging talent, upsets, and those unforgettable moments that define March Madness.