Top teams may face early upsets in tournament

The first weekend of the 2025 NCAA Tournament is likely to see some surprises. Upsets are common in March Madness, especially in the early rounds. Many favor the high-seeded teams, but history shows that lower-seeded teams often pull off surprises. Here are five teams that could face early exits in the tournament. First, Iowa State, a No. 3 seed, is without their top player, Keshon Gilbert, in their opening game. They will face a challenging Lipscomb team known for its three-point shooting. Even if they win, they could struggle in the next round against powerful teams like North Carolina or Ole Miss. Second, Texas A&M, the No. 4 seed, faces No. 13 Yale, a school with a reputation for first-round upsets. Their record shows they have struggled against top teams. If they aren’t prepared, they could be eliminated quickly. Third, Kentucky, another No. 3 seed, meets No. 14 Troy, considered one of the strongest 14-seeds. The Wildcats have had defensive issues this season, which could lead to trouble against a high-performing Troy team. Fourth, Houston, a No. 1 seed, is one of the dominant teams in college basketball. However, their free throw shooting has been weak, which could hurt them in tight games. Although they should win their first match, the second round could be tough against Gonzaga or Georgia. Lastly, Auburn, also a No. 1 seed, started the season strong but lost three of their last four games. They are expected to get through the initial round, but may face a tough challenge from either Louisville or Creighton in their next game. As the tournament progresses, it’s clear that anything can happen in March Madness. Fans should brace for potential upsets and surprises in the coming days.