The Sweet 16 bracket for the 2025 NCAA Tournament is finalized. The lone double-digit seed in the Sweet 16 is No. 10 Arkansas, which triumphed over No. 2 St. John’s on Saturday in the John Calipari-Rick Pitino clash.
Seven of the remaining 16 teams are from the SEC: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.
On Sunday, Alabama overcame St. Mary’s, 80-66, Ole Miss beat Iowa State, 91-78, Florida narrowly defeated UConn, 77-75, and Kentucky topped Illinois, 84-75.
Following Kentucky’s victory, the SEC’s X account shared a brief three-word message for the Wildcats, who secured their spot in the next round.
“OH SO SWEET.”
Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Fiserv Forum. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Fiserv Forum. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Benny Sieu-Imagn Images In his first season as head coach, Mark Pope has led Kentucky to the next round after wins over Troy and Illinois.
This marks the first occasion since 2019 that Kentucky has advanced beyond the second weekend.
Dayton transfer Koby Bream spearheaded the effort with 23 points and six rebounds, while Oklahoma transfer Otega Oweh contributed 15 points and San Diego State transfer Lamont Butler added 14 points, in a well-rounded team performance.
Drexel transfer Amari Williams chipped in eight points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, with the transfers making significant impacts for Kentucky.
Next, Kentucky faces SEC rival Tennessee. This season, Kentucky has beaten Tennessee twice, and a third win would send the Wildcats to the Elite Eight.
Kentucky and Tennessee will play on Friday at 7:39 pm ET in Indianapolis.