The 2025 March Madness season is in full swing, with Selection Sunday just around the corner. As teams across the country compete for automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament, the stakes are higher than ever. With the recent victory of the No. 2 seed Colorado State over No. 5 seed Boise State in the Mountain West Tournament, a bid thief has emerged, securing a spot in the Big Dance and leaving other teams on the bubble sweating it out.
Colorado State’s win was not only a triumph for the team but also a game-changer for the Mountain West Conference. With the Rams clinching an automatic bid, the league is now on track to send at least three teams to the NCAA Tournament, with the potential for that number to rise to five. The bubble teams within the conference, like Boise State and San Diego State, will be eagerly awaiting the Selection Show to see if they make the cut.
In addition to the Mountain West Tournament, several other conference championships unfolded on a loaded Saturday slate of games. No. 1 seed Akron staged a dramatic comeback against No. 2 seed Miami (Ohio) in the MAC Tournament final, while South Carolina State faced a heartbreaking loss to top-seeded Norfolk State in the MEAC Tournament final.
As we approach Selection Sunday, the tension and excitement are palpable across college basketball. Bubble teams are on edge, hoping for favorable outcomes in the remaining conference tournaments. The final champions are yet to be crowned, with the AAC, A10, Ivy League, Big Ten, and SEC all set to determine their winners in thrilling matchups.
Conference Tournament Drama Unfolds
The conference tournament action on Saturday was nothing short of exhilarating, with several high-stakes games keeping fans on the edge of their seats. From Duke’s victory in the ACC final to St. John’s dominance in the Big East final, the day was filled with memorable moments and unexpected outcomes.
One of the standout games was the MAC final between Akron and Miami (Ohio), where the Zips pulled off a remarkable comeback to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. With a transition lay-up in the dying seconds, Nate Johnson sealed the win for Akron in a game that will be remembered for years to come.
Another heart-stopping contest took place in the MEAC final, where South Carolina State suffered a devastating loss to Norfolk State in bizarre circumstances. Despite a game-tying basket in the final moments, a misunderstanding by one of the players led to Norfolk State taking the lead and ultimately clinching the victory.
The Road to Selection Sunday
As the final conference tournaments wrap up, all eyes are now on Selection Sunday, where the 68-team bracket for the NCAA Tournament will be revealed. Bubble teams are hoping for favorable outcomes in the remaining games, with the potential for bid thieves to shake up the field.
In the coming hours, the drama and intrigue will only intensify as teams battle it out for conference supremacy and a chance to punch their ticket to the Big Dance. From VCU’s quest for inclusion in the NCAA Tournament to Yale’s pursuit of a third victory over Cornell, the stakes are higher than ever as the season reaches its climax.
As the clock ticks down to the Selection Show on CBS, the college basketball world is buzzing with anticipation and excitement. The final champions will be crowned, and the field for March Madness will be set, ushering in a new chapter of thrilling competition and unforgettable moments.
