Highlights from Day 2 of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Tournament
The excitement of March Madness continues on Friday as we dive deep into the second day of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. This article serves as your essential guide for updates, key performances, and analysis from across the nation.
Weekend Schedule and Live Updates
Check back for real-time updates, results, and insights from all 16 games during the day.
Friday’s Game Results
Latest results listed first.
Arizona 95, Akron 63
Key Highlights: After a tightly contested start, the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats found their rhythm and took control of the game. They built a 41-31 lead by halftime, eventually overwhelming Akron. Five players scored in double figures, led by Jaden Bradley with 19 points. Arizona’s rebounding dominance (53 to Akron’s 22) and scoring in the paint (48 to 20) highlighted their performance. However, the Wildcats need to address their 16 turnovers moving forward. — Brady Henderson
New Mexico 75, Marquette 66
Key Highlights: In a thrilling finish, New Mexico overcame Marquette thanks to star guard Donovan Dent and center Nelly Junior Joseph executing effective isolation plays down the stretch. Coach Richard Pitino’s strategy worked, with the duo scoring 15 of the Lobos’ crucial 18 points as they pulled away in the final moments. Marquette’s head coach Shaka Smart now has a 4-6 record when leading as the tournament favorite. — Jake Trotter
Kentucky 76, Troy 57
Key Highlights: Kentucky showcased their teamwork with a remarkable assist rate, assisting on 23 of 28 field goals. Otega Oweh led contributions, providing six assists. Four players scored 13 or more points, highlighting a balanced offensive attack as they kept Troy at bay. The Wildcats never allowed the Trojans to close the deficit significantly in the game’s closing quarter. — Adam Rittenberg
Florida 95, Norfolk State 69
Key Highlights: Florida dominated the early portion of the game, even leading by as much as 32 points. Despite a spirited comeback by Norfolk State, which outscored the Gators in the second half, Florida’s 26-point victory was secured thanks to Walter Clayton Jr.’s 23 points and their effective three-point shooting (10-of-32 compared to Norfolk’s 2-of-14). The Gators are heading to the Round of 32 for the first time since 2021. — David Hale
Maryland 81, Grand Canyon 49
Key Highlights: Maryland quickly recovered from an early deficit, scoring in spurts to take control. The Terrapins demonstrated their efficiency with a shooting percentage of 50.8%, and five players reached double-digit points, including DeShawn Harris-Smith with 11 points off the bench. Maryland’s second-round matchup will pit them against Colorado State. — Staff
Ole Miss 71, North Carolina 64
Key Highlights: Ole Miss clung to a lead against North Carolina, weathering a near-comeback that saw their 22-point advantage shrink. Guard Sean Pedulla’s crucial three-pointer in the final minute helped stabilize the Rebels’ lead. Ole Miss advances to face Iowa State in the next round, fueled by the steady performance of Pedulla and his backcourt partner Dre Davis. — Adam Rittenberg
Saint Mary’s 59, Vanderbilt 56
Key Highlights: In a nail-biting finish, Saint Mary’s secured victory after Vanderbilt missed two chances to extend the game. The Gaels rebounded powerfully in the second half and demonstrated solid defense. With this victory, they advance to face Alabama next. — Jake Trotter
Duke 93, Mount St. Mary’s 49
Key Highlights: Duke established their dominance early, winning by a significant margin. With four players scoring in double figures, they effectively controlled the game. Coach Jon Scheyer’s squad will now look toward a second-round matchup against Baylor. — David Hale
Colorado State 78, Memphis 70
Key Highlights: Colorado State turned the tables on Memphis with Kyan Evans leading the charge in the second half, finishing with a career-high 23 points. The Rams will look to continue their momentum against Maryland in the upcoming round. — Brady Henderson
Iowa State 82, Lipscomb 55
Key Highlights: Iowa State’s defense shone as they limited Lipscomb to a total of 55 points, demonstrating why they are known for their defensive prowess. Their offensive efforts coupled with key player Milan Momcilovic’s 20-point performance have set them on a collision course with Ole Miss. — Adam Rittenberg
Alabama 90, Robert Morris 81
Key Highlights: Alabama secured a hard-fought victory led by Amarion Dickerson’s excellent performance for Robert Morris. Their ability to draw fouls and score crucial free throws down the stretch ensured their victory. They will face Saint Mary’s next. — Jake Trotter
Baylor 75, Mississippi State 72
Key Highlights: Baylor held on to win despite a frantic final minute. VJ Edgecombe’s late free throws were pivotal as they managed to secure a spot in the next round against Duke. — David Hale