Highlights of the 2025 March Madness: Florida, Texas Tech, and Duke make it to the Elite 8
As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament enters its final rounds, March Madness has once again lived up to its reputation for thrilling upsets, unexpected stars, and dramatic finishes. As teams have been eliminated and bracket predictions shattered, three programs—Florida, Texas Tech, and Duke—have emerged as Elite 8 contenders, each of them showcasing unique styles, exceptional talent, and the hunger to reach college basketball’s biggest stage.
With the pressure mounting and the stakes growing higher with every game, the performances of these teams in the tournament have made headlines across the country. Florida, Texas Tech, and Duke, all of whom have had to fight their way through tough matchups to reach this point, have proven themselves to be forces to be reckoned with.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key highlights of their respective journeys through March Madness, examine how each team got to the Elite 8, and what fans can expect as they prepare for the next crucial stage in the tournament.
Florida Gators: From Underachievers to March Madness Contenders
Florida’s rise to the Elite 8 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament has been nothing short of remarkable. Heading into March Madness, the Gators weren’t considered a favorite by many, with the team having experienced a relatively inconsistent season. However, they’ve shown that they are more than capable of competing with the nation’s elite teams, making a deep run and silencing critics along the way.
Key Players and Playmaking
Florida’s success can be largely attributed to the stellar performances of their standout players. One player, in particular, has been the catalyst for the Gators: senior guard Chris James. James, who has been a steady performer all season, has elevated his game in the tournament. His scoring ability and leadership have helped Florida surge past highly-ranked teams, particularly his clutch play down the stretch in tight games. James’s shooting has been exceptional, as he has showcased the ability to hit big shots from beyond the arc, making him a dangerous weapon for opposing defenses.
Alongside James, sophomore forward Josh Davis has also turned heads with his dynamic presence. Davis, an athletic forward who can finish above the rim and defend with intensity, has proven himself to be a matchup nightmare for opponents. His versatility and ability to guard multiple positions have made him one of the most impactful players on the floor for Florida.
Tournament Highlights: Florida vs. Kansas
Florida’s journey to the Elite 8 started with a hard-fought victory over the No. 2 seed Kansas Jayhawks. In one of the tournament’s most exciting games, Florida was able to keep the Jayhawks at bay with a balanced offensive attack and tough defense. In the second half, James went on a scoring streak, leading the Gators to a 73-70 victory. The win was a statement—Florida was not just a team making up the numbers in the bracket; they were for real.
Another significant moment for Florida came in the Sweet 16, where they faced a formidable Michigan State team. Despite early struggles, Florida surged in the second half, thanks to a combination of defensive stops and high-energy play. Davis came up big with 15 rebounds and several key blocks, while James hit two clutch three-pointers to seal the game. The Gators’ 79-71 win sent them to the Elite 8, where they are now set to face the winner of the Texas Tech vs. Arizona matchup.
What’s Next for Florida?
Florida’s run has been fueled by teamwork, defense, and key individual performances. As the Gators prepare for their Elite 8 matchup, they’ll need to continue playing with the same intensity and resolve that has propelled them this far. If James can continue to lead by example, and Davis can provide the inside presence, Florida could be poised to make a deep run toward the Final Four. Their defensive consistency and ability to close out games will be crucial if they want to stay on the path to a championship.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Defense and Grit Propel Them to Elite 8
When it comes to grit, defense, and tournament pedigree, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have been one of the most feared teams in college basketball. Known for their suffocating defensive schemes and relentless work ethic, the Red Raiders have once again proved why they’re one of the toughest teams to face in March Madness.
Defensive Dominance
Texas Tech’s identity has always been built on defense, and this season has been no different. Under head coach Mark Adams, the Red Raiders have perfected their man-to-man defense, forcing turnovers, contesting shots, and making life difficult for opposing offenses. Their defense is aggressive and has the ability to disrupt any team that dares to challenge them.
The heart of Texas Tech’s defense is junior guard Trey Simmons. Simmons has been one of the best on-ball defenders in the country, using his quickness and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. His ability to lock down opposing scorers has made him one of the top perimeter defenders in the tournament. On the offensive side, Simmons is a steady ball handler and has the ability to knock down key shots, but it’s his defense that makes him invaluable to the Red Raiders.
Alongside Simmons, senior forward Tyler Richardson has provided leadership and grit in the paint. Richardson’s ability to alter shots and grab critical rebounds has been essential for Texas Tech’s success, especially when facing teams with formidable inside presence. His toughness and leadership have made him the emotional heart of the team.
Tournament Highlights: Texas Tech vs. UCLA
One of Texas Tech’s standout victories came in the Round of 32 when they faced UCLA, a perennial powerhouse. The game was a defensive battle from start to finish, and Texas Tech’s defense was the difference-maker. Simmons was tasked with guarding UCLA’s star player, and he completely shut him down, forcing the Bruins to adjust their offensive game plan. Richardson’s presence in the paint also stifled UCLA’s inside game, limiting them to just 40% shooting from the field. Texas Tech’s 67-61 win over UCLA was a testament to their defensive capabilities and their ability to perform under pressure.
In the Sweet 16, Texas Tech squared off against the highly favored Arizona Wildcats, who entered the game as the No. 3 seed. In a game that saw multiple lead changes, Texas Tech’s defense proved to be the difference-maker once again. They shut down Arizona’s leading scorer, forcing the Wildcats into difficult shots. On the offensive end, Simmons and Richardson combined for 32 points, guiding Texas Tech to a 74-70 win.
What’s Next for Texas Tech?
As they move into the Elite 8, Texas Tech’s defense will continue to be their calling card. If Simmons and Richardson can continue to stifle opposing offenses and provide scoring when needed, the Red Raiders will be difficult to beat. However, their offensive efficiency will need to improve, as they have been prone to droughts during the tournament. Texas Tech’s success will hinge on maintaining their defensive intensity while improving their offensive execution against elite competition.
Duke Blue Devils: A Legacy Reborn Under Jon Scheyer
The Duke Blue Devils, a perennial favorite in March Madness, have had a season full of ups and downs but have found their rhythm just in time for the tournament. After the departure of legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Jon Scheyer stepped in as Duke’s head coach and quickly proved that he was more than capable of leading the Blue Devils back to the top. With a talented roster of freshmen and upperclassmen, Duke has played like a team on a mission, and their journey to the Elite 8 has been electrifying.
Star Players and Rising Stars
Duke’s offense has been driven by freshman guard Elijah Turner, who has been nothing short of spectacular during the tournament. Turner, one of the top recruits in the nation, has dazzled fans with his scoring ability, ball-handling, and vision. His ability to create for himself and his teammates has made Duke one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament. Turner has been especially effective in clutch moments, as evidenced by his game-winning shot in the Round of 32 against Kansas State.
In addition to Turner, senior forward Aidan Lawson has been Duke’s emotional leader. Lawson has been dominant on both ends of the floor, providing scoring, rebounding, and leadership for the Blue Devils. His experience has been invaluable in close games, and his ability to match up with other team’s top players has allowed Duke to thrive against high-level competition.
Tournament Highlights: Duke vs. North Carolina
In what was one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament, Duke faced off against rival North Carolina in the Round of 16. The game was a back-and-forth affair, but Duke’s poise and offensive execution were too much for the Tar Heels. Turner was unstoppable, scoring 24 points and dishing out 7 assists. Lawson added 15 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his versatility. The Blue Devils triumphed 82-75, moving them one step closer to the Final Four.
What’s Next for Duke?
Duke enters the Elite 8 with confidence, but they’ll need to continue their balanced offensive and defensive approach to advance. If Turner can continue to create opportunities and Lawson can anchor the team inside, the Blue Devils will be tough to beat. With a mix of youthful energy and veteran leadership, Duke is looking to reassert their dominance on the national stage.
Looking Ahead: A Thrilling Elite 8
As Florida, Texas Tech, and Duke prepare for their upcoming Elite 8 matchups, one thing is clear: March Madness is alive and well. Each of these teams has their own identity, strengths, and challenges, but all three have proven themselves worthy of a spot in the final eight. As the tournament moves forward, it’s anyone’s guess who will make it to the Final Four, but one thing is certain—these teams are ready to fight until the final buzzer.
Whether it’s Florida’s unexpected run, Texas Tech’s defense-first mentality, or Duke’s tournament pedigree and star power, fans can expect an unforgettable series of games as the road to the national championship continues. March Madness is far from over, and the drama is only just beginning.
