March Madness is back, and Thursday is set to be a thrilling day of college basketball. Fans across the country will be glued to their screens, and productivity will take a backseat. Let's dive into some of the most anticipated matchups.

First up, Creighton and Louisville are set to face off. Creighton, led by their towering star Ryan Kalkbrenner, will be a force to reckon with. Meanwhile, Louisville, the ACC runner-up, has the home-court advantage, playing just 90 minutes from their campus. This game promises to be a battle of strength and strategy.

Next, VCU takes on BYU. VCU is known for its impressive mid-major teams and young, talented coaches. Ryan Odom, who led UMBC to a historic upset in 2018, is at the helm. Will he pull off another surprise? BYU, on the other hand, has a solid team that could give VCU a run for their money.

Georgia and Gonzaga are also set to clash. Gonzaga, usually a top seed, is having an off year but still boasts a strong squad. Senior guard Ryan Nembhard is a standout player, leading the nation in assists. Georgia will need to bring their A-game to take down this experienced team.

The coaching matchup between Arkansas and Kansas is one to watch. John Calipari and Bill Self are legends in the coaching world, with over 1, 700 career victories between them. This game will be a test of their strategies and the players' skills. St. John's fans will be paying close attention, as they're set to face the winner.

Yale is looking to make history again after their upset last year. They'll be facing Texas A&M, a tough opponent with a skilled guard in Wade Taylor IV and a coach with a proven track record. Can Yale pull off another big win?

Lastly, UC San Diego makes their NCAA Tournament debut against Michigan. The Tritons will be facing a red-hot Michigan team, fresh off a Big Ten Tournament victory. Michigan's twin 7-foot big men, Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin, will be a challenge for UC San Diego. Can the underdogs pull off an upset?

These games are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you're cheering for the underdogs or the favorites, Thursday's matchups are not to be missed.

March Madness 2025: Thursday's Top Picks

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