Expert Predictions For First Four Games in 2025 NCAA March Madness

Xavier Basketball

The NCAA Tournament bracket has been filled. Teams across the country have a chance to win a national championship now that they are in the field of 68.

It all starts with the First Four. Four of these teams were the last four teams in the Tournament, while the other four teams playing in Dayton are 16-seeds looking to advance to play one of the favorites to win the whole thing.

We give you some predictions, starting with the games that will take place on Tuesday.

Zach Freemantle #32 of the Xavier Musketeers reacts in the second half of a quarterfinal game against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament. Xavier will now play in the First…


Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Alabama State vs. Saint Francis

The winner of this game gets the honor of taking on the number-one overall seed in the Tournament, Auburn. First, they have to win in Dayton.

This is a game between one team that is under .500 on the year and one that is one of the hottest teams in the country, finishing the year winning 10 of their last 11 games.

Alabama State is the latter, and they will likely win this game and advance to take on the Tigers of Auburn.

Read more: Biggest Snubs From 2025 March Madness Selection Sunday

San Diego State vs. North Carolina

Both of these teams were holding their breath on Selection Sunday. Fans were most shocked about North Carolina making the field.

San Diego State played in the national championship just a couple of seasons ago. While only one player still on the roster played in that game, they are still a much better team than the Tar Heels. They should advance.

American University vs. Mount St. Mary’s

The winner of this game gets to face off against Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils, so that’s the reward for coming out of Dayton with a victory. What a reward!

Mount St. Mary’s gets in after winning their first MAAC title by beating Iona. They have a win over a Power 5 team, unlike American. Neither team is coming in particularly hot, but Mount St. Mary’s is the better team.

Xavier vs. Texas

The final matchup between bubble teams is perhaps the most intriguing First Four matchup this year. Both teams are eager to prove that they deserve to be in the NCAA Tournament.

Texas plays in the toughest conference in the country, as the SEC got 14 teams into the NCAA Tournament. Their schedule was absolutely brutal because of that.

The Musketeers won seven straight games before falling to Marquette in the Big East Tournament. They are the hotter team coming into this matchup, and they should win the game.

More Newsweek College Basketball: Biggest Seeding Mistakes in 2025 NCAA Tournament

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