The Road to the Big Dance: 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament Preview

As the college basketball season reaches its climax, teams across the nation are vying for a coveted spot in the 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Let's dive into the latest updates, including teams that have secured their automatic bids and those teetering on the edge of the tournament bubble.

Tickets Punched: Automatic Bids Secured

Several teams have clinched their spots in the tournament by winning their respective conference championships. Here's a rundown of the programs that have secured automatic bids:

High Point Panthers (Big South Conference): Achieved their first-ever tournament appearance with a stellar 29–5 record.
SIU Edwardsville Cougars (Ohio Valley Conference): Also making their tournament debut, boasting a 22–11 record.
Omaha Mavericks (Summit League): Secured their inaugural tournament berth under unique circumstances, as the ineligible University of St. Thomas won the conference but couldn't participate in the NCAA Tournament.
Lipscomb Bisons (ASUN Conference): Returning to the tournament for the second time, their first appearance since 2018.
Saint Francis Red Flash (Northeast Conference): Making their second appearance, with the last in 1991.
Troy Trojans (Sun Belt Conference): Earning their third tournament appearance, the first since 2017.
Gonzaga Bulldogs (West Coast Conference): Continuing their dominance with a 27th tournament appearance.

NCAA Basketball Bubble Watch: Teams on the Edge

As Selection Sunday approaches, the fate of several teams hangs in the balance. Here's a look at the projected "Last Four In" and "First Four Out":

Last Four In:

Indiana Hoosiers: A strong finish in the Big Ten tournament could solidify their spot.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Consistency has been an issue, but key wins have kept them in the conversation.
Utah Utes: A solid season, but a few late losses have put them on the bubble.
St. Mary's Gaels: Despite a strong record, a lack of marquee wins leaves them vulnerable.

First Four Out:

Syracuse Orange: Inconsistency and a weak non-conference schedule may keep them out.
Florida State Seminoles: Early-season struggles have them on the outside looking in.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: Missed opportunities in conference play have hurt their chances.
Virginia Tech Hokies: Despite a strong start, they've faltered down the stretch.

Conference Tournaments: The Final Countdown

Several conference tournaments are underway, providing teams with a last-ditch effort to secure an automatic bid or bolster their at-large resumes. Notably:

Big Ten Tournament: Features 15 teams battling for supremacy, with Michigan State emerging as a potential No. 1 seed if they clinch the title.
American Athletic Conference Tournament: All 13 teams are competing, with Memphis leading the pack as the top seed.

Get Ready for Tip-Off – and the Pre-Game Party!

With Selection Sunday just around the corner, teams are making their final pushes to impress the committee. Fans can expect thrilling games, unexpected upsets, and the emergence of Cinderella stories as the tournament unfolds. And speaking of getting ready—if you're planning to watch the action live or just want to celebrate with fellow fans, be on the lookout for upcoming Pregame Sports bar crawls! There's no better way to get hyped for the biggest tournament of the year than by hitting up the best bars in town, taking advantage of exclusive drink specials, and soaking in the electric atmosphere with other die-hard fans. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming events in your city. See you at the bar and on the road to the championship!