March Madness 2025: UConn’s Dynasty Ends, Texas Hires Sean Miller, Duke Advances & More
By Rakibul Hasan, Owner of Trendy Web Stories USA | March 24, 2025
The second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament delivered seismic shifts, heart-stopping finishes, and the end of a historic dynasty. From UConn’s stunning exit to Texas’ blockbuster coaching hire, here’s everything you need to know from a weekend that redefined college basketball—and beyond.
1. UConn’s Reign Ends: Florida Stuns the Two-Time Champs
Final Score: No. 1 Florida 77, No. 8 UConn 75
The Game-Changing Moment
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida’s sharpshooting guard, drained back-to-back 3-pointers in the final three minutes, erasing a 61-59 deficit and silencing UConn’s bid for a three-peat. Clayton’s 23 points, including 15 in the second half, cemented his legacy as a clutch performer.
Key Takeaways:
UConn’s Streak Snapped: The Huskies’ 13-game NCAA tournament winning streak—the longest in men’s history—came to a crushing end.
Dan Hurley’s Emotional Farewell: “There’s honor in how we went down,” said Hurley, fighting tears postgame. “It took NBA-level shots to beat us.”
Florida’s Resilience: The Gators overcame 16 turnovers and UConn’s physical defense, proving their No. 1 seed was no fluke.
What’s Next?
Florida advances to the Sweet 16, while UConn faces an offseason of reflection. Hurley vowed to “rewire” after back-to-back titles: “Success can cloud your perspective.”
2. Texas Dumps Rodney Terry, Targets Sean Miller
Breaking News: Texas fired head coach Rodney Terry and is finalizing a deal with Xavier’s Sean Miller.
Why the Move Makes Sense
Miller’s Pedigree: 487 career wins, 13 NCAA tournaments, and Elite Eight runs at Arizona and Xavier.
Texas’ Ambition: After back-to-back first-weekend exits, AD Chris Del Conte seeks a coach who can compete for titles.
Revenge Factor: Miller’s Xavier squad eliminated Texas in the First Four just days ago.
Reaction:
Rodney Terry’s Legacy: Terry led Texas to the 2023 Elite Eight but couldn’t sustain momentum.
Miller’s Challenge: Revive a program hungry for its first Final Four since 2003.
Quote of the Day:
“Del Conte doesn’t make a move unless he’s got his guy locked in. Miller checks every box.” — ESPN’s Jeff Borzello
3. Kansas State Stuns Kentucky in Women’s OT Thriller
Final Score: No. 5 Kansas State 80, No. 4 Kentucky 79 (OT)
Hero of the Night
Temira Poindexter shook off an 0-for-6 start to hit eight 3-pointers, including a clutch corner triple in overtime. Her 24 points powered Kansas State to its first Sweet 16 since 2002.
Wild Finish:
Georgia Amoore (18 points) missed three potential game-winners in the final 21 seconds.
Kentucky’s 23 wins weren’t enough to survive K-State’s resilience.
What’s Next?
Kansas State faces USC or Mississippi State in Spokane. “This team refuses to quit,” said coach Jeff Mittie.
4. Duke Survives Oregon Despite Fournier’s Absence
Final Score: No. 2 Duke 59, No. 10 Oregon 53
Stars Step Up
Ashlon Jackson: Hit 5 threes, scoring 14 of her 20 points in a game-changing third quarter.
Toby Fournier’s Mystery Absence: The ACC Rookie of the Year was sidelined with an undisclosed illness.
Key Stats:
Duke outscored Oregon 22-9 in the third quarter.
Deja Kelly (20 points) couldn’t overcome Oregon’s second-half shooting woes (29% FG).
Coach Kara Lawson’s Take:
“We found out Toby wasn’t playing right before tip-off. This team’s grit defines us.”
5. Sergio Garcia’s Open Championship Heartbreak
Golf Drama: Garcia missed a 3-foot putt in Macau, costing him a spot in The Open at Royal Portrush.
What Happened?
Garcia needed a top-3 finish at the International Series Macau but settled for fourth after the costly miss.
LIV Golf rivals Carlos Ortiz, Patrick Reed, and Jason Kokrak snatched the qualifying spots.
Garcia’s Legacy:
Two-time Open runner-up (2007, 2014).
Next chance: Earn a spot via LIV’s individual points race (currently 3rd behind Rahm and Niemann).
Quote:
“I’ll keep fighting. The Open is in my blood.” — Sergio Garcia
What’s Next in March Madness?
Men’s Sweet 16 Matchups to Watch
No. 1 Florida vs. No. 4 Maryland
Can Clayton Jr. stay hot against the Terps’ top-10 defense?
No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 2 Michigan State
Tom Izzo’s Spartans face a Cyclones squad that allows just 62 PPG.
Women’s Cinderella Alert
No. 10 Oregon’s Exit: Only 4 double-digit seeds remain (No. 11 Drake, No. 12 FGCU, No. 12 Princeton, No. 10 Vanderbilt).
