Breaking down best March Madness 2025 games today: Saturday’s top contests

A look at the key March Madness 2025 games to watch on Saturday:

(12) McNeese vs. (4) vs. Purdue

12:10 p.m., CBS

Say this for McNeese coach Will Wade: He’s not one for beating around the bush.

Reportedly heading to N.C. State after the season, Wade has been up-front with his players and the media rather than playing coy like so many coaches do in that situation.

To extend his time at McNeese, he’ll need his team to slow Purdue stars Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, who combine to average 36.4 points a game.

(10) Arkansas vs. (2) St. John’s

2:40 p.m., CBS

Rick Pitino vs. John Calipari. What more can you ask for?

(5) Michigan vs. (4) Texas A&M

5:15 p.m., CBS

Michigan narrowly escaped UC San Diego in the first round with a 68-65 win, but that’s nothing new for the Wolverines: They have eight wins by three points or fewer since Feb. 1.

Will their close-game luck continue against Texas A&M?

(9) Creighton vs. (1) Auburn

7:10 p.m., TBS

Despite having lost three of its last four games entering the tournament, Auburn earned the No. 1 seed, but those red flags popped up in the first round against 16-seed Alabama State, only leading by one late in the first half before pulling away for an 83-63 win.

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All eyes Saturday will be on the frontcourt battle between Auburn’s Johni Broome, a Naismith Player of the Year contender, and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner — though it was Bluejays guard Jamiya Neal who went off for 29 points and 12 rebounds in a first-round rout of Louisville.

(6) BYU vs. (3) Wisconsin

7:45 p.m., CBS

This isn’t your father’s Wisconsin team.

Traditionally known for a deliberate pace and low-scoring offense, the Badgers have been turbo-charged this season, averaging 79.9 points a game.

Both teams rank in the top 30 in 3-pointers attempted per game, so which squad can knock more down likely will head to the Sweet 16.

(8) Gonzaga vs. (1) Houston

8:40 p.m., TNT

The NCAA Selection Committee did Houston few favors by putting Gonzaga in its region as an 8-seed despite ranking as a top 10 team in KenPom.com’s efficiency metrics.

The Zags showed what they were capable of with an 89-68 thrashing of Georgia in the first round.

(7) UCLA vs. (2) Tennessee

9:40 p.m., TBS

Get ready for a wrestling match. UCLA coach Mick Cronin and Tennessee counterpart Rick Barnes both prefer a slow pace and boast two of the nation’s stingiest defense.

Keep an eye on Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier, who lit up Wofford for 29 points in the first round.