March Madness Day 1: Upsets and Highlights from the NCAA Tournament

General

March Madness has officially kicked off, and Day 1 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament did not disappoint. With thrilling games and unexpected outcomes, fans were treated to a day filled with excitement and drama.

The first major upset came from No. 12 McNeese, who shocked No. 5 Clemson in a nail-biting finish. McNeese dominated the first half, limiting Clemson to a mere 13 points, a performance that left fans and analysts alike in disbelief. The game ended with a close score of 69-67, marking a significant moment for McNeese as they advanced in the tournament.

Hot on the heels of this upset, No. 11 Drake made headlines by defeating No. 6 Missouri, securing their first tournament win in 54 years. This victory not only highlights Drake’s resilience but also adds to the unpredictability of this year’s tournament.

In more traditional matchups, both St. John’s and Arkansas secured victories, setting the stage for an anticipated showdown between two legendary coaches, Rick Pitino and John Calipari, in the Round of 32 on Saturday. Meanwhile, the ACC faced a disappointing start, with both Clemson and Louisville exiting the tournament early, leaving only Duke and North Carolina to carry the league’s hopes forward.

Here’s a recap of the Day 1 results from the NCAA tournament:

  • No. 9 Creighton 89, No. 8 Louisville 75
  • No. 4 Purdue 75, No. 13 High Point 63
  • No. 3 Wisconsin 85, No. 14 Montana 66
  • No. 1 Houston 78, No. 16 SIU Edwardsville 40
  • No. 1 Auburn 83, No. 16 Alabama State 63
  • No. 12 McNeese 69, No. 5 Clemson 67
  • No. 6 BYU 80, No. 11 VCU 71
  • No. 8 Gonzaga 89, No. 9 Georgia 68
  • No. 2 Tennessee 77, No. 15 Wofford 62
  • No. 10 Arkansas 79, No. 7 Kansas 72
  • No. 4 Texas A&M 80, No. 13 Yale 71
  • No. 11 Drake 67, No. 6 Missouri 57
  • No. 7 UCLA 72, No. 10 Utah State 47
  • No. 2 St. John’s 83, No. 15 Omaha 53
  • No. 5 Michigan 68, No. 12 UC San Diego 65
  • No. 3 Texas Tech 82, No. 14 UNC Wilmington 72

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more surprises and unforgettable moments. With the stage set for more thrilling matchups, the excitement of March Madness is only just beginning. Stay tuned for further updates and highlights as the tournament unfolds.