March Madness Scores 2025: Second Round Recap

The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament's second round has delivered exhilarating performances, unexpected upsets, and moments that will be etched in March Madness history. 

As teams battled for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16, fans and bettors alike were treated to a spectacle of high-stakes basketball. 

But what were the scores? What trends did we see? And what do we need to know for the next round? Let's delve into the standout games, individual heroics, and the betting insights that shaped this thrilling round.​

Contents

1. Top Seeds Navigate Challenges
2. Thrilling Finishes and Buzzer-Beaters
3. Betting Insights and Trends for the March Madness Second Round Scores
4. Looking Ahead to Round 3
5. How to Max Your Winnings in the Coming Rounds

Top Seeds Navigate Challenges

The journey for top-seeded teams is seldom without hurdles, and the second round tested their mettle.​

Florida Gators (1) vs. UConn Huskies (8)

In a nail-biting encounter, the Florida Gators narrowly edged out the UConn Huskies with a 77-75 victory. Florida's All-American guard, Walter Clayton Jr., was instrumental, scoring 13 of his 23 points in the final eight minutes, including pivotal three-pointers that sealed the win. 

Florida’s victory over the reigning back-to-back champs propels the Gators to their first Sweet 16 since 2017. 

Duke Blue Devils (1) vs. Baylor Bears (9)

The Duke Blue Devils showcased their dominance, running the Baylor Bears out the gym en route to an 89-66 win. 

Sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor delivered a career-high 25 points, sinking seven three-pointers, while freshman sensation Cooper Flagg contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Duke's cohesive play and defensive prowess allowed them to cruise to an easy second round win.

Thrilling Finishes and Buzzer-Beaters

The essence of March Madness lies in its unpredictability, and the second round delivered moments of sheer drama.​

Maryland Terrapins (4) vs. Colorado State Rams (12)

In a game that epitomized tournament excitement, Maryland's freshman forward Derik Queen sank a buzzer-beating fadeaway jumper to clinch a 72-71 victory over Colorado State. 

The Rams had taken a late lead with a three-pointer with under 10 seconds to play, but Queen's composure under pressure catapulted the Terrapins' to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016. ​

Betting Insights and Trends for the March Madness Second Round Scores

For sports bettors, the second round offered valuable lessons and trends to consider:​

• Close Games Favor Underdogs Against the Spread: Underdogs performed better in the Round of 32, going 10-6 against the spread.
  
  
• Top Seeds Covering Spreads: Dominant performances by teams like Duke indicate that top seeds can be reliable in covering substantial spreads, especially when key players are in peak form.​
  
  
  
  

Looking Ahead to Round 3

As the tournament progresses to the Sweet 16, several compelling storylines emerge:​

• Conference Clashes: Matchups between familiar conference foes add an extra layer of intrigue and excitement, as teams contend with the challenges of facing well-known adversaries.​
  
  
• Underdog Momentum: Teams that have secured upset victories carry momentum and confidence into the next round, potentially continuing their Cinderella stories.​
  
  
• Premium: Standout individuals, such as Walter Clayton Jr. and Cooper Flagg, will be pivotal in their teams' quests for a National Championship, with their teams going as far as they take them.

How to Max Your Winnings in the Coming Rounds

The second round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament delivered everything fans and bettors could hope for—gripping contests, unexpected upsets, and crucial betting insights. From Florida's hard-fought victory over UConn to Duke’s dominant performance against Baylor, the battle for a place in the Sweet 16 provided no shortage of drama.

Maryland’s last-second heroics and the resilience of underdogs further reinforced the thrill and unpredictability of March Madness. With the stakes rising and fresh trends emerging, bettors have a prime opportunity to refine their strategies ahead of the next stage of the tournament.

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