March Madness Officially Underway: First Four Recap and Tournament Outlook

The madness has begun. After navigating the preliminary rounds known as the First Four, the NCAA Tournament is officially poised to tip off its main event on Thursday. Many basketball enthusiasts still consider this date the true starting point of the tournament, the moment where brackets are irrevocably busted and Cinderella stories begin to blossom.

The First Four, however, served its purpose, trimming the field of hopefuls down to a lean and mean 64 teams. These play-in games, held in Dayton, Ohio, provided drama, upsets (or near-upsets), and a glimpse into the potential for deep runs from unexpected contenders. Let’s dive into the winners and losers of the First Four and explore some storylines brewing as the tournament gets into full swing.

First Four Victors: Sleeper Team Potential?

History suggests that a First Four victory can be a powerful launching pad. In 12 of the past 13 years that included these play-in games, at least one team that fought its way into the 64-team bracket managed to advance to at least the second round. More remarkably, VCU (2011) and UCLA (2021) went on improbable runs all the way to the Final Four after surviving the First Four gauntlet.

This historical precedent bodes well for North Carolina and Xavier, two No. 11 seeds that emerged victorious from their play-in contests. North Carolina now faces a challenging matchup against No. 6 seed Ole Miss, while Xavier squares off against No. 6 seed Illinois. Could we witness an early upset? These First Four survivors, battle-tested and brimming with confidence, certainly have the potential to shake things up.

Mount St. Mary’s: A Force in the Paint

If you appreciate old-school basketball with a focus on interior scoring, Mount St. Mary’s dominant 83-72 victory against American was a spectacle to behold. The game featured a highlight reel of rim-rattling dunks and an efficient offensive system that kept American on its heels.

Mount St. Mary’s offense flowed seamlessly, fueled by the inside dominance of big men Jedy Cordilia and Dola Adebayo, who each poured in 22 points. Their relentless attacks near the basket drew defensive attention, which in turn created opportunities for outside shooters. The Mountaineers capitalized, knocking down nine 3-pointers and showcasing an offensive versatility that exceeded the expectations for a typical 16-seed. Their performance hinted at a team capable of more than just a token appearance in the first round.

North Carolina and the Illusion of Bias

The selection of North Carolina as one of the final at-large bids sparked controversy, primarily due to the involvement of athletic director Bubba Cunningham as the chairman of the tournament selection committee. While rules stipulated that Cunningham recuse himself from the room during discussions about North Carolina’s candidacy, his presence as chairman inevitably created at least the perception of bias.

Cunningham is slated to receive a bonus exceeding $75,000 for the team’s NCAA Tournament selection, according to his contract. Reaching the Sweet Sixteen would trigger another bonus.

North Carolina’s resume, while solid, was not without its blemishes. An 8-0 record against "Quad 2" opponents and a respectable NET ranking were counterbalanced by a concerning 1-12 record against "Quad 1" opponents. The team’s performance in the ACC Tournament, where they won two games, helped their case, but the shadow of Cunningham’s role loomed large.

However, North Carolina responded to the criticism in emphatic fashion, dismantling San Diego State by a score of 95-68. The dominant performance silenced many of the doubters and suggested that the Tar Heels might be a dangerous team to face in the tournament.

Prayers Answered: Alabama State Advances

The emotional rollercoaster of the First Four was epitomized by Alabama State’s nail-biting victory against St. Francis. Television cameras captured Stacie Madlock, the wife of Alabama State coach Tony Madlock and mother to Hornets forward TJ Madlock, with her head in her hands during the tense final moments of the game. Ultimately, her prayers were answered. Alabama State secured the win with a dramatic last-second basket, sending St. Francis home and igniting a celebration.

Texas Coach on the Hot Seat

The pressure is mounting on Texas coach Rodney Terry. The Longhorns’ loss to Xavier, after squandering an eight-point halftime lead, did little to alleviate the concerns surrounding his job security. With Texas now out of the tournament, Terry’s future remains uncertain.

The Plight of the 16-Seeds

The First Four continues to present a challenging obstacle for the No. 16 seeds that are forced to compete in play-in games despite earning automatic bids by winning their respective conference tournaments. In the past, these conference tournament champions were guaranteed a spot in the 64-team bracket. However, tournament expansion changed the landscape, relegating the four lowest-seeded automatic bids on the 16-seed line to fight for their right to play a No. 1 seed.

San Diego State: The Real Dud of Selection Sunday?

While much of the criticism was directed at North Carolina’s selection, San Diego State’s lackluster performance against the Tar Heels raised questions about their worthiness of a tournament bid. The Aztecs’ defense, typically a source of strength, was shredded by North Carolina’s torrid shooting.

North Carolina guard RJ Davis, a seasoned NCAA Tournament veteran, enters the first-round game against Ole Miss on fire after sinking all six of his 3-point attempts against San Diego State. If Davis maintains his hot hand, Ole Miss could be in for a long night.

West Virginia’s Dismal Week

West Virginia endured a disastrous few days. First, the selection committee omitted the Mountaineers from the tournament field despite their impressive 19-13 record and six victories against "Quad 1" opponents. Then, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey delivered a bizarre and embarrassing press conference, threatening legal action in response to North Carolina’s selection.

To compound matters, West Virginia lost its first game in the Big 12 Tournament to Colorado, a team with 20 losses. The final blow came when coach Darian DeVries departed for Indiana after just one season at West Virginia. In short, West Virginia was left with no bid, an embarrassing governor, and no coach.

The stage is now set for the main event of March Madness. With the First Four in the rearview mirror, the remaining 64 teams are ready to battle for supremacy. Expect thrilling upsets, unforgettable moments, and the emergence of new stars as the tournament unfolds. The madness has only just begun.