3 Best NCAA Tournament Cinderella Picks: UC San Diego, VCU, and Gonzaga Lead 2025 Sleepers
When coaches and fans reminisce about March Madness, Cinderella stories often dominate the conversation. Here are three compelling underdogs poised for deep runs in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Basketball player celebrates victory triumphantly
UC San Diego (+360 to reach Sweet Sixteen)
- Nation's longest win streak (15 games)
- Five experienced upperclassmen starters
- Top-10 in offensive and defensive turnover percentage
- Strong 37% three-point shooting
- Favorable matchup vs turnover-prone Michigan
- Winnable second-round game against Yale/Texas A&M
Happy man in yellow shirt
VCU (+350 to reach Sweet Sixteen)
- Won 12 of last 13 games
- #1 in opponent effective field goal percentage
- Top-41 in both offensive and defensive efficiency
- Strong matchup against BYU's turnover-prone guards
- Favorable path through Wisconsin in Round of 32
Gonzaga (+470 to reach Elite Eight)
Basketball players jumping for layup
- Won 9 of last 10 games
- #2 ranked offense (87 points per game)
- 9th in KenPom Net Rating
- Potential favorable matchup vs Houston (struggling offense)
- Easier Sweet Sixteen matchup vs Purdue/Clemson
- Seeking 10th straight Sweet Sixteen appearance
Each team offers a unique combination of momentum, experience, and favorable matchups that could fuel a deep tournament run. Their attractive odds provide excellent value for bettors looking to capitalize on March Madness upsets.