March Madness Kicks Off with Anticipation of Upsets and SEC Dominance

The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament begins its first round, featuring record SEC representation, injury concerns, and potential Cinderella stories.

The SEC sets a new record with 14 teams in the tournament, reflecting the conference's strength in college basketball this season.
Lower-seeded teams like Yale, Drake, and McNeese State are highlighted as strong candidates for first-round upsets based on their matchups and playing styles.
Injuries to key players such as Houston's J'Wan Roberts and Kentucky's Jaxson Robinson and Lamont Butler could impact the performance of these top-seeded teams.
Betting activity is surging ahead of the first round, with notable line movements in games involving teams like Texas A&M, Kentucky, and Colorado State.
Historical trends and current dynamics suggest the potential for significant bracket-busting surprises in the early rounds of the tournament.