Championship Preview – April 8, 2025
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship is set: Auburn Tigers vs Duke Blue Devils. After weeks of madness, two elite programs remain to battle for the national title Monday night in Glendale, Arizona. Here’s a full breakdown of the matchup, key players, and what to expect.
Team Profiles
🔶 Auburn Tigers
- Head Coach: Bruce Pearl
- Tournament Record: 5-0
- Key Wins: Baylor, Florida
- Strengths: Interior scoring, shot-blocking, pace
🔷 Duke Blue Devils
- Head Coach: Jon Scheyer
- Tournament Record: 5-0
- Key Wins: Kentucky, Houston
- Strengths: Perimeter shooting, late-game execution, guard depth
Key Matchups
🏀 Johni Broome (Auburn) vs Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
A frontcourt duel between two All-Americans. Broome brings size and footwork, while Filipowski spaces the floor and excels in clutch situations.
🏀 Tre Donaldson (Auburn) vs Tyrese Proctor (Duke)
Both point guards will be tasked with tempo control and composure under pressure. The winner of this battle could swing the game.
Betting Line (as of April 8)
- Spread: Duke -1.5
- O/U: 142.5
Prediction
This matchup comes down to composure, shooting, and rebounding. While Auburn has the edge in physicality, Duke’s guard play and versatility should prevail late.
✅ Pick: Duke 71, Auburn 68
✅ Most Outstanding Player: Kyle Filipowski
✅ Best Bet: Under 142.5
Championship History Notes
- Duke seeks its 6th national title (first since 2015).
- Auburn is playing for its first-ever NCAA Championship.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
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