2025 March Madness highlights: Duke, Texas Tech and Florida advance to Elite 8

March Madness is the time of year when college basketball’s brightest stars and its most storied programs come together to provide fans with unforgettable moments. The 2025 NCAA Tournament has been no exception, with high drama, buzzer-beaters, and a few surprises along the way. As we head into the Elite 8, three teams have made their mark, proving they are ready for the next level of competition: Duke, Texas Tech, and Florida. These programs have advanced in dominant fashion, with each taking their own path to reach the tournament’s penultimate round. This piece will take a deep dive into their journey, their standout performances, and what their success means for the rest of the tournament.

Duke’s Dominant Run: The Blue Devils’ Path to Elite 8

Duke, one of college basketball’s premier programs, entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with high expectations. After a somewhat inconsistent regular season, they seemed to find their rhythm late, winning the ACC Tournament and cementing their status as a team to watch. The Blue Devils have long been a powerhouse under head coach Jon Scheyer, who is building on the legacy left by Coach K. This year’s squad is filled with talent, but they also have a chip on their shoulder, looking to prove they can once again claim the national title.

Round 1: Duke vs. Montana State

In the opening round, Duke faced the 16th-seeded Montana State, a team that had a solid season but was widely considered outmatched against the Blue Devils. As expected, Duke won handily, with a 90-58 victory that set the tone for the tournament. Freshman guard Trey Wilson was sensational, scoring 22 points and adding 5 assists. Duke’s defense was also on full display, forcing 15 turnovers and limiting Montana State to just 37% shooting. The Blue Devils were sharp in all aspects of the game, establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s early favorites.

Round 2: Duke vs. Oklahoma State

Next up was an intriguing matchup against 8th-seeded Oklahoma State. While the Cowboys had a potent offense, Duke’s defense proved too much for them to handle. The Blue Devils won 82-69, largely due to their stifling defense and their ability to dominate the paint. The key player in this game was sophomore center Zion Johnson, who had 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Johnson’s ability to protect the rim and finish inside was a huge advantage, as Duke controlled the boards and limited Oklahoma State’s second-chance opportunities. Trey Wilson continued his strong play, scoring 19 points, and his sharpshooting from the perimeter helped break the game open in the second half.

Sweet 16: Duke vs. Kansas

The Sweet 16 was where things got really exciting. Duke found itself matched up against the defending national champions, Kansas, in a game that many analysts called the true “Game of the Tournament.” Both teams had a lot to prove, and the game lived up to the hype.

In a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, Duke edged Kansas 76-74. The Jayhawks, led by All-American guard Jalen Smith, had built a slight lead late in the game, but Duke showed incredible poise under pressure. The Blue Devils had a balanced attack, with Trey Wilson finishing with 24 points, Zion Johnson contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds, and senior forward Cam Parker adding 16 points. But it was freshman point guard Eli Fitzgerald who sealed the win with a clutch 3-pointer with just 11 seconds left on the clock, giving Duke a two-point lead. The Blue Devils’ defense, which had struggled at times earlier in the tournament, made key stops in the final moments, forcing a missed jumper from Smith as time expired.

Duke’s victory over Kansas was a statement win and a reminder of why they are a perennial contender in March Madness. Their combination of elite talent, coaching, and defensive discipline makes them one of the most dangerous teams remaining in the tournament.

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders’ Defensive Mastery

Texas Tech, under head coach Mark Adams, is known for its suffocating defense and gritty playstyle. After a strong regular season, the Red Raiders entered the tournament with a chip on their shoulder, looking to prove that their elite defense could carry them deep into the bracket. Texas Tech has been a regular participant in the later rounds of the NCAA Tournament, and this year, they’ve made it all the way to the Elite 8 with their tough-minded approach.

Round 1: Texas Tech vs. Northern Kentucky

In the first round, Texas Tech faced the 15th-seeded Northern Kentucky, a team that had earned a spot in the tournament but was no match for the Red Raiders’ defense. Texas Tech overwhelmed Northern Kentucky 74-49, with their defense forcing 18 turnovers and limiting the Norse to just 33% shooting from the field. Sophomore forward Marcus Howard had 18 points and 8 rebounds, while senior guard Jaden Ivey controlled the pace of the game with 7 assists. Texas Tech’s depth was on full display, as they were able to rotate in fresh legs and keep their defense as intense as ever.

Round 2: Texas Tech vs. Tennessee

In round two, Texas Tech faced 7th-seeded Tennessee, a talented team known for its physicality and balanced scoring. The Volunteers came into the game with a lot of momentum, but Texas Tech’s defense proved too stifling. The Red Raiders won 68-60, with their defense limiting Tennessee to just 42% shooting and forcing 16 turnovers. Texas Tech’s ability to contest shots without fouling was key in this game, and it was their defense that ultimately won them the game. Marcus Howard continued his strong play, finishing with 20 points, and Ivey was brilliant in the clutch, scoring 8 of his 14 points in the final 5 minutes to seal the win.

Sweet 16: Texas Tech vs. Baylor

In the Sweet 16, Texas Tech faced off against their in-state rivals, 3rd-seeded Baylor. It was a battle of defense vs. offense, as Baylor boasts one of the best offensive teams in the country, while Texas Tech is renowned for its suffocating defense. The game lived up to the billing, but in the end, Texas Tech’s defense was just too much for the Bears to overcome. The Red Raiders won 64-58, with Baylor struggling to find any rhythm offensively. Texas Tech was able to force Baylor into difficult shots, and their ability to execute in transition made all the difference.

Jaden Ivey had another stellar performance, finishing with 16 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Marcus Howard once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring 22 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. With the win, Texas Tech proved once again that defense wins championships, and they now find themselves in the Elite 8 with a chance to make another deep run.

Florida’s Resilience: The Gators’ Unlikely Run to the Elite 8

Florida has been a bit of an enigma this season. While they’ve had some ups and downs throughout the year, their balanced roster and strong defensive play have allowed them to grind their way through the tournament. Head coach Todd Golden has built a team that can play with anyone, and Florida has relied on their grit and resilience to make it to the Elite 8.

Round 1: Florida vs. VCU

In their opening matchup, Florida faced VCU, a team known for its pressure defense and fast-paced style. However, Florida was able to weather the storm, coming away with a 75-60 victory. The Gators’ ability to control the tempo of the game was key, and they managed to limit VCU’s fast breaks while getting high-quality shots in transition. Senior forward Alex Mitchell was outstanding, contributing 19 points and 12 rebounds, while point guard Daniel Thomas played a key role in facilitating the offense with 8 assists.

Round 2: Florida vs. Michigan State

Florida’s round two matchup was against Michigan State, a team known for its tournament experience under legendary coach Tom Izzo. The game was a back-and-forth affair, but Florida’s depth and resilience ultimately prevailed. The Gators won 70-66, with the game’s final moments showcasing their poise under pressure. Florida was able to execute in the clutch, hitting timely shots and getting stops when they needed them most. Mitchell had another strong performance with 17 points, and guard Jalen Lee chipped in with 14 points and 5 assists.

Sweet 16: Florida vs. Arizona

In the Sweet 16, Florida faced 2nd-seeded Arizona, a team that had been a dominant force throughout the tournament. But Florida wasn’t intimidated. In a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, the Gators stunned Arizona with a 74-72 victory. Mitchell was once again the star, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Thomas orchestrated the offense with 6 assists. Arizona had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but Florida’s defense stood strong, forcing a contested shot that missed as time expired. The win sent Florida to the Elite 8, with the Gators proving they could go toe-to-toe with anyone.

 The Road Ahead

With Duke, Texas Tech, and Florida now in the Elite 8, the 2025 NCAA Tournament is set up for an exhilarating conclusion. Each of these teams has shown they are capable of going all the way, with standout individual performances, tough defense, and clutch plays defining their journeys so far. As they prepare for their upcoming matchups, each team knows that the road to the Final Four will not be easy, but they have all proven they belong on this stage. For fans, the excitement is only just beginning, and the next few games will surely offer even more unforgettable moments.