On March 29, Beijing Time, the 2025 NCAA National Championship, commonly known as "March Madness", continued with the Round of 16. In the four games that ended today, the University of Kentucky lost to the University of Tennessee and was eliminated from the Round of 16. Meanwhile, the University of Houston scored a last - second victory over Purdue University to secure the final spot in the Elite Eight.
1. Michigan State University Squeaked Through
In the earliest - ended game, Michigan State University defeated the University of Mississippi 73 - 70 and advanced to the Elite Eight. In the first half, the University of Mississippi had the upper hand. Jeremy Breakfield's put - back gave them an 8 - point lead 2 minutes and 15 seconds before halftime. However, the University of Mississippi went cold afterwards. Jace Richardson made two three - pointers in a row, and by the end of the first half, Michigan State University had narrowed the gap to 2 points. In the second half, the balance of victory gradually tilted towards Michigan State University. In the decisive stage, Tre Holloman made consecutive free throws, ultimately helping Michigan State University seal the win. Among Michigan State University players, Jace Richardson was the most outstanding. He went 6 for 8, scoring 20 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. It's worth noting that in the latest draft projection list, this combo guard is ranked in the top 15 of the first round. Additionally, Cohen Carr went 6 for 10, getting 15 points and 3 rebounds. For the University of Mississippi, Pedulla went 9 for 17, scoring 24 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists and making 2 steals. Moreover, this game was the 14th time that legendary Michigan State University coach Tom Izzo had overcome a halftime deficit to achieve a comeback in his tournament resume, tying the record of Duke University's legendary coach, Coach K, and ranking first in history.
2. University of Kentucky Eliminated in Round of 16
The University of Tennessee defeated the University of Kentucky 78 - 65 and also advanced to the tournament's quarter - finals. In this game, the University of Tennessee controlled the game situation in the first half and led the University of Kentucky by as many as 19 points at one point. However, starting from 2 minutes and 50 seconds before halftime, the University of Kentucky gradually stopped the bleeding. In the second half, they kept trying to reverse the passive situation. Nevertheless, the University of Tennessee maintained an advantage of about 10 points with stable offense and defense and finally won the game. For the University of Tennessee, senior guard Zakai Zeigler went 5 for 13, scoring 18 points, grabbing 1 rebound and dishing out 10 assists. For the University of Kentucky, Lamont Butler went 7 for 10, scoring 18 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists and making 1 steal.
3. Auburn University Advanced Easily
Auburn University defeated the University of Michigan 78 - 65 and successfully advanced to the tournament's quarter - finals. For the University of Michigan, junior center Daniel Wolf went 9 for 18, making 2 of 4 three - pointers, scoring 20 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing out 1 assist and blocking 1 shot. For Auburn University, guard Tahad Pettyford went 7 for 14, making 2 of 7 three - pointers, getting 20 points, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. In the latest draft projections, both young men have prospects of being selected in the late first round or early second round of this year's draft. In addition, Auburn University's inside player Johnny Bloom went 9 for 21, making 1 of 3 three - pointers, scoring 22 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, dishing out 1 assist and making 2 steals. In the first half, the two teams had a fierce battle. Auburn University took a slight lead thanks to the performances of Bloom, Pettyford and Denver Jones. In the second half, Auburn University's advantage began to show. With a more aggressive open - court attack, they gradually took a double - digit lead. On the contrary, the University of Michigan's double - center tactic seemed a bit against the trend. In the final stage of the game, Auburn University maintained the advantage and sealed the win with accurate free throws.
4. University of Houston's Exquisite Last - Second Win
In the latest - ended game, the University of Houston scored a 62 - 60 last - second victory over Purdue University to secure the final spot in the Elite Eight. Also, with the University of Houston's advancement, all the top seeds from the four regions in this year's March Madness have locked in their spots in the quarter - finals. In this game, the two teams had a very intense battle. At halftime, Purdue University led by 2 points. In the second half, both teams fought for every possession, and the suspense of victory or defeat lasted until the last moment. Although the University of Houston once built a double - digit lead, Purdue University, under the leadership of its core playmaker Braden Smith, never gave up. With 35 seconds left in the game, Purdue University made a three - pointer to tie the game at 60. After this assist, Smith astonishingly had 15 assists in the whole game. But the best was yet to come. On the last play of the game, the University of Houston inbound the ball from the baseline and executed an extremely exquisite play. Milos Uzun re - entered the court after inbounding the ball, received a pass from a teammate and forced a layup to score with 0.9 seconds left. Thanks to this near - last - second win, the University of Houston successfully advanced to the quarter - finals. Throughout the game, apart from the last - second shot, Uzun went 8 for 17, making 6 of 9 three - pointers, scoring 22 points, grabbing 3 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. Undoubtedly, he was the hero of the University of Houston's victory. Purdue University's core point guard Braden Smith also fought with all his might. He went 2 for 7, making 1 of 5 three - pointers, scoring 7 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing out 15 assists and blocking 1 shot.
