The first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament wrapped up Friday night, and while 32 teams remain, the excitement level isn’t where many fans hoped it would be.
For the first time since 2017, all the top four seeds in each region advanced to the second round, going a perfect 16-0. That dominance has left some basketball fans underwhelmed, as they were expecting chaos, Cinderella stories, and last-second heroics.
Instead, the tournament’s opening act has been largely predictable. No. 13-16 seeds failed to pull off a single upset, and while a few double-digit seeds advanced, the lack of shocking results has led to complaints that this year’s tournament feels uninspiring. Fans took to social media to vent, calling the first round “boring” and “too chalky” after a string of lopsided games.
Fans Frustrated By Lack Of NCAA Drama
March Madness is known for its unpredictability, but this year’s opening round lacked the kind of jaw-dropping moments that define the tournament. The absence of buzzer-beaters and overtime thrillers has left fans craving more excitement.
“Four upsets in the round of 64 has made for a boring tournament so far (not counting 8-9 games),” one fan tweeted, summing up the sentiment shared by many.
4 upsets in the round of 64 has made for a boring tournament this far (Not counting 8-9 games) #MarchMadness
— ExtendHubertDavis (@Coopersadog) March 22, 2025
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Another added, “I love the NCAA Tournament, but this has to be the most boring year of first-round games I can remember. Where were the buzzer beaters? Close games and overtimes? Surprising upsets? Hope the second-round games are more entertaining.”
I love the NCAA Tournament, but this has to be the most boring year of first round games I can remember. Where were the buzzer beaters? Close games and overtimes? Surprising upsets? Hope the second round games are more entertaining. #MarchMadness
— Andrew Tuttle (@CoachTuttle) March 22, 2025
Bracket-watchers also noted the lack of surprises.
One fan wrote, “After the 1st round, I went 25/32 on my picks. That’s with picking upsets like UNC, UCSD, and Yale. It’s been a chalky/boring ride so far, but it’s because the tournament is so incredibly top-heavy.”
After the 1st round I went 25/32 on my picks. That’s with picking upsets like UNC, UCSD, and Yale.
— Jordan🗽 (@jweis04) March 22, 2025
It’s been a chalky/boring ride so far, but it’s because the tournament is so incredibly top heavy.
While the opening round may not have delivered fireworks, the tournament is far from over. The second round could bring the drama fans are waiting for as underdogs get another shot at shaking up the bracket. After all, March Madness has a way of delivering when it matters most.
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