NCAAB · 7 months ago

March Madness 2025: The Top 10 Dream Matchups We Want

Grant White

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National Championship: (11) North Carolina Tar Heels vs (1) Duke Blue Devils
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Potential Matchup: National Championship Game
Plausibility: Extremely Unlikely

After what we witnessed in the ACC semifinal, how could you not be rooting for this rematch in the National Championship Game? The North Carolina Tar Heels erased a 21-point halftime deficit versus Duke, only to collapse in the waning moments of the contest. Ultimately, the Tar Heels did just enough to be included in the field of 68, but their season won't be complete unless they find a way to atone for their missteps versus their hated rival.
Midwest Region: (9) Gonzaga Bulldogs vs (1) Houston Cougars
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Potential Matchup: Round of 32
Plausibility: Very Likely

If the basketball Gods are fair and just, this will be the second-round matchup that everyone looks forward to. The Houston Cougars and Gonzaga Bulldogs are two of the most efficient teams in the country. The Zags rank ninth in KenPom net efficiency ratings, with the Cougars checking in at third. Both squads are favorites in the Round of 64, and if everything goes as planned, we could have an instant classic this weekend.
East Region: (7) St. Mary's Gaels vs (2) Alabama Crimson Tide
Potential Matchup: Round of 32
Plausibility: Very Likely

Much of the joy of the NCAA Tournament comes from watching contrasting styles versus unfamiliar opponents. That's exactly what we could get in the second round, with the Alabama Crimson Tide taking on the St. Mary's Gaels. Alabama plays with reckless abandon on offense, while the Gaels prioritize stout defensive play. On a neutral court, there's no telling whose brand of basketball would prevail.
East Region: (4) Arizona Wildcats vs (1) Duke Blue Devils
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Potential Matchup: Sweet Sixteen
Plausibility: Likely

Past iterations of the Arizona Wildcats have valued interior play, but their trio of elite guards has kept this year's Wildcats afloat. Stacking Arizona's big three against the Duke Blue Devils' scoring trio could be the recipe for one of the most entertaining games of the tournament. If everything goes as planned, the fourth-seeded Wildcats would face the top-seeded Blue Devils in the Sweet Sixteen.
East Region: (6) BYU Cougars vs (2) Alabama Crimson Tide
Potential Matchup: Sweet Sixteen
Plausibility: Unlikely

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Assuredly, the BYU Cougars versus the Alabama Crimson Tide would end up being one of the highest-scoring games of the tournament, if not of all-time. Both teams rank inside the top 11 in offensive efficiency, but we've seen BYU dial up the intensity more recently. The non-stop action would be akin to an all-star game, with little to no effort being emphasized on defense. If these teams end up meeting in the Sweet Sixteen, whatever the total is, bet the over.
South Region: (2) Michigan State Spartans vs (5) Michigan Wolverines
Potential Matchup: Elite Eight
Plausibility: Unlikely

There's nothing quite like an in-state rivalry game, particularly on the biggest stage. We saw the Michigan State Spartans and Michigan Wolverines battle it out twice this season, and we were robbed of the trilogy in the Big Ten Tournament. Nevertheless, these teams can still meet once more this season, if the Spartans and Wolverines make it to the Elite Eight. Michigan might finally be able to avenge those regular season losses.
West Region: (2) St. John's Red Storm vs (1) Florida Gators
Potential Matchup: Elite Eight
Plausibility: Likely

When the tournament committee put together their rankings, they must have been hoping for the St. John's Red Storm and Florida Gators to meet in the Elite Eight. According to KenPom, Florida ranks first in the country in offensive efficiency. Likewise, the Johnnies are the top-ranked defensive squad. Consequently, this would be the premier matchup of the tournament, pitting strength against strength. Fingers crossed, the West Region plays out the way it should.
South Region: (11) North Carolina Tar Heels vs (9) Creighton Bluejays
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Potential Matchup: Elite Eight
Plausibility: Very Unlikely

This is the poetic matchup that every college basketball fan should be rooting for in the Elite Eight. The North Carolina Tar Heels and Creighton Bluejays have come up short of expectations this season. However, a deep run in the NCAA Tournament would all but erase all of those lackluster efforts. If these teams meet up in the Elite Eight, one would be guaranteed a spot in the Final Four, changing the narrative of their entire campaign.
Final Four: (8) Louisville Cardinals vs. (2) St. John's Red Storm
Potential Matchup: Final Four
Plausibility: Extremely Unlikely

Imagine the hoopla around Rick Pitino facing off against his former school. Pitino was behind the Louisville Cardinals' helm for 17 years before a 'pay for play' scandal ended his tenure. A brief reprieve overseas and Pitino was brought on to lead St. John's back to glory. He could have a chance to avenge his departure, but the chances of that happening appear unlikely.
Final Four: (1) Houston Cougars vs (1) Duke Blue Devils
Potential Matchup: Final Four
Plausibility: Coin Toss

Analytically, the Houston Cougars and Duke Blue Devils are comparable. Houston ranks third in net efficiency, falling two places shy of the top-ranked Blue Devils. While Duke wields an offensive advantage, the Cougars play a more ferocious brand of defensive basketball. Watching these teams duke it out at the Alamodome is the dream matchup everyone should be rooting for.
National Championship: (11) North Carolina Tar Heels vs (1) Duke Blue Devils
Shoot your shot! Cash in with our four- and five-star College Basketball Picks and buzzer-beating Player Props.

Potential Matchup: National Championship Game
Plausibility: Extremely Unlikely

After what we witnessed in the ACC semifinal, how could you not be rooting for this rematch in the National Championship Game? The North Carolina Tar Heels erased a 21-point halftime deficit versus Duke, only to collapse in the waning moments of the contest. Ultimately, the Tar Heels did just enough to be included in the field of 68, but their season won't be complete unless they find a way to atone for their missteps versus their hated rival.
Midwest Region: (9) Gonzaga Bulldogs vs (1) Houston Cougars
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Potential Matchup: Round of 32
Plausibility: Very Likely

If the basketball Gods are fair and just, this will be the second-round matchup that everyone looks forward to. The Houston Cougars and Gonzaga Bulldogs are two of the most efficient teams in the country. The Zags rank ninth in KenPom net efficiency ratings, with the Cougars checking in at third. Both squads are favorites in the Round of 64, and if everything goes as planned, we could have an instant classic this weekend.

March Madness 2025: The Top 10 Dream Matchups We Want

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