With Selection Sunday fast approaching, March Madness automatic bids are being punched as college basketball conference tournaments heat up. The road to the NCAA Tournament is filled with surprises, upsets, and historic firsts. Here’s a breakdown of the teams that have officially secured their spots in the 2025 NCAA Tournament so far.
Teams That Have Clinched Automatic Bids
SIUE Makes History in the Ohio Valley Conference
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Cougars have officially clinched their first-ever March Madness appearance by winning the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Championship. SIUE dominated Southeast Missouri State with a 69-48 victory, cementing their place in the tournament as one of the first teams to qualify.
High Point Panthers Secure Big South Title
The High Point Panthers locked up their first NCAA Tournament berth by winning the Big South Conference Tournament. Their victory adds another exciting storyline to this year’s March Madness field.
Drake Takes Missouri Valley Conference Crown
The Drake Bulldogs punched their ticket to the Big Dance on Sunday, winning the Missouri Valley Conference Championship. The Bulldogs will look to carry their momentum into the NCAA Tournament and become this year’s Cinderella team.
Omaha Advances by Default in the Summit League
In a unique situation, Omaha earned an automatic bid after St. Thomas was ruled ineligible for the Summit League Championship due to their transition from Division III. This means Omaha is heading to March Madness without playing in the championship game.
Troy Captures Sun Belt Title
The Troy Trojans are headed to March Madness after clinching the Sun Belt Conference Championship. Their strong performance in the tournament has solidified their status as a potential upset threat in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
More Automatic Bids on the Line
Today, four more teams will earn automatic berths, with the West Coast Conference (WCC) Tournament Final serving as the highlight of the night. Additionally, the Northeast Conference (NEC) and Horizon League will determine their champions and send more teams to the Big Dance.
In the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament, No. 12 seed Delaware pulled off a stunning 82-72 upset over No. 1 seed Towson to advance to the championship game. Delaware will try to complete their Cinderella run and secure their spot in March Madness 2025.
Power Five Tournaments Are Heating Up
While mid-major teams are securing their spots, the Power Five conferences are just getting started. The Big 12 and ACC will be the first major conferences to tip off their tournaments, setting the stage for more drama and potential bid stealers.
One of the biggest storylines in the ACC is the downfall of NC State, who fired Kevin Keatts just days after their early exit from the tournament. This comes less than a year after their historic Cinderella run to the 2024 Final Four, which saw them win five straight ACC Tournament games before advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1983.
What’s Next in March Madness 2025?
With conference tournaments in full swing, expect more surprises, buzzer-beaters, and thrilling upsets as teams battle for their NCAA Tournament dreams. Keep an eye on tonight’s action, as more teams will officially join the field of 68.
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