This time last year, the ACC and Big East were entering the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament with a combined record of 14-1 and comprising seven teams of the Sweet 16 field. By contrast, the Big Ten and SEC placed just two teams apiece among the final 16 in 2024 after the conferences earned eight bids each to the Big Dance.

It’s been three long days, but the men’s NCAA tournament returns Thursday with 16 teams just two wins away from the Final Four.

Both Pitinos have been eliminated from 2025 March Madness, and now they'll coach against each other in the fall for the 2026 Big East title (along with all the other teams in contention, of course).

Richard Pitino is the new head basketball coach at Xavier, joining his legendary father in the Big East coaching ranks. He heads to Xavier from New Mexico, where he led the Lobos to the past two NCAA Tournaments.