March Madness 2025 Schedule and How To Bet On Key Dates
The 2025 NCAA Tournament will once again bring three weeks of thrilling college basketball, where 68 teams compete for the national title. With its unpredictable nature, the tournament captivates fans and bettors alike. Understanding the schedule and knowing when to place wagers can make all the difference in finding value during March Madness.
March Madness 2025 Schedule
The NCAA tournament begins with Selection Sunday on March 16 at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, when the full bracket is revealed. From there, the action unfolds across multiple rounds leading up to the championship game.
First Four: March 18-19
The tournament kicks off with the First Four, where the lowest-seeded at-large teams and automatic qualifiers compete in four matchups. These games determine the final spots in the Round of 64 and often deliver intense battles as teams fight to keep their seasons alive.
- Betting Insight: The First Four games are usually tightly contested, making point spreads and totals particularly interesting. Lower-scoring battles are common due to nerves and defensive intensity.
First and Second Rounds: March 20-23
Once the full 64-team bracket is set, the First Round (March 20-21) and Second Round (March 22-23) take center stage. Over two action-packed days, 32 games determine which teams advance, followed by 16 matchups in the next round.
- Betting Insight: These rounds are prime opportunities for moneyline bets on upsets, as lower-seeded teams often pull off surprises. Bettors should pay attention to mid-major teams with experienced rosters, as they frequently challenge higher seeds. Live betting is also valuable, as early trends in shooting percentages and defensive adjustments shape outcomes.
Sweet 16: March 27-28
By this stage, only 16 teams remain, and matchups feature well-tested contenders. The level of play rises, and teams that have adjusted well to the tournament atmosphere often separate themselves.
- Betting Insight: The Sweet 16 is where favorites tend to cover spreads more consistently. With fewer distractions and more rest days, top teams often showcase their talent. Prop bets on star players can also hold value as rotations tighten.
Elite Eight: March 29-30
The tournament’s final regional round determines which four teams advance to the Final Four. The intensity reaches its peak, with squads playing for a trip to the biggest stage in college basketball.
- Betting Insight: At this point, the matchups become more tactical, with coaching adjustments playing a significant role. Totals tend to trend lower due to defensive intensity. Second-half bets can be valuable, as teams either extend leads or attempt desperate comebacks.
Final Four: April 5 (Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas)
The last four teams standing meet at the Alamodome in San Antonio for a chance to compete for the national championship. The stage is massive, and nerves often play a role in determining outcomes.
- Betting Insight: Historically, first-half unders have been profitable in the Final Four, as teams take time to adjust to the larger arena and national spotlight. Experienced rosters tend to perform better under pressure, making team experience a key factor in betting.
NCAA Championship Game: April 7 (Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas)
The tournament concludes with the national championship game, where one team cuts down the nets as the 2025 NCAA champion. This game often delivers some of the most unforgettable March Madness highlights, from last-second buzzer-beaters to dominant performances on the biggest stage. Fans and bettors alike analyze these moments, as past championship trends can offer insights into future matchups.
- Betting Insight: The championship game often features shorter spreads, as both teams have proven their strength. Free-throw shooting can play a critical role in covering spreads late in the game, so researching team percentages from the line is essential.
How to Bet on Key Dates
Betting on March Madness requires strategy, patience, and a keen understanding of team trends, matchups, and betting lines. With so many games taking place in a short span of time, finding value in the betting market is crucial. Early-round upsets, tight spreads in the later stages, and live betting opportunities all present different ways to approach the tournament.
One key factor is how March Madness odds fluctuate as teams advance, with sportsbooks adjusting lines based on performance and betting trends. Identifying these shifts early can help bettors find value before the market reacts.
- Track Early Line Movements: Oddsmakers adjust lines based on early betting action. Jumping on favorable numbers before the public reacts can offer an edge.
- Look for Live Betting Opportunities: In-game wagering allows bettors to take advantage of momentum shifts and mismatches that become apparent as games progress.
- Analyze Coaching Styles: Certain coaches thrive in tournament settings due to adjustments and late-game execution. Betting on teams with experienced coaching staff can be an advantage.
- Consider Tournament Experience: Teams with veteran players often handle pressure better than squads relying on freshmen. This matters in late-game free-throw situations and defensive execution.
- Manage Bankroll Wisely: With so many games in a short span, it’s easy to overextend. Spreading bets across different markets—such as moneylines, spreads, and totals—can help balance risk.
Maximize the Madness
March Madness 2025 promises weeks of high-intensity basketball, with countless opportunities for fans and bettors to engage. The schedule’s structure presents unique betting angles, from the unpredictable early rounds to the tactical Final Four and championship game. By understanding how matchups evolve and adjusting betting strategies accordingly, fans can maximize their enjoyment of the tournament while making informed wagers.