March Madness First Round: Highs, Lows, and Lingering Questions
The opening act of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has concluded, leaving a trail of bracket busters, triumphant underdogs, and reaffirmations of power among the elite. While the absence of a truly unforgettable buzzer-beater might leave some craving more dramatic finishes, the first round delivered on its promise of upsets, compelling storylines, and intense competition, setting the stage for a thrilling second round. From the initial field of 68 teams, 32 remain, each with their eyes set on the ultimate prize. As we transition into the next phase, several key takeaways emerge from the whirlwind of Friday’s games.
Cooper Flagg Shuts Down Doubts, Duke’s Title Hopes Soar
The health of Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg was a major talking point leading into the tournament. Despite facing a seemingly manageable opponent in No. 16 seed Mount Saint Mary’s, the Blue Devils’ national championship aspirations were inextricably linked to Flagg’s well-being. Concerns about potential limitations stemming from a recent injury were quickly dispelled. Within the opening minutes, Flagg asserted his dominance, absorbing contact while driving to the basket for a basket and a foul, showcasing the same electrifying player capable of winning national player of the year honors.
He logged 22 minutes of impactful play, displaying no visible signs of discomfort. Flagg wreaked havoc on both ends of the court near the rim, contributing 14 points, a team-high seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. While more challenging competition awaits in the second round against Baylor, Flagg’s dominant debut should alleviate any lingering doubts about his physical condition and solidify Duke’s position as a leading title contender. The ability of a freshman to control the tempo of the game and show up on both ends of the court, shows a strong chance for Duke to win it all.
Colorado State’s Cinderella Run Continues
Just two weeks ago, Colorado State’s NCAA Tournament chances appeared bleak. Fast forward to the present, and the Rams are dancing into the Round of 32, fueled by an improbable hot streak. A dominant second-half performance, spearheaded by a career-defining outing from sophomore guard Kyan Evans, propelled the 12th-seeded Rams past No. 5 seed Memphis in a thrilling upset.
Colorado State’s momentum is undeniable, as their winning streak now stretches to 11 games. Each victory was crucial in securing their bid to the Big Dance. The Rams have validated the notion that a strong conference tournament showing can seamlessly translate into March Madness success. Making their first second-round appearance since 2013, Colorado State’s potent offense gives them a legitimate shot at reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1969.
Big Ten Dominance: A Conference on a Roll
The Big Ten Conference has enjoyed an exceptional start to the tournament, with all five of its participating teams advancing to the second round. Michigan managed to stave off an upset attempt by UC San Diego, while higher-seeded teams such as Purdue and Wisconsin comfortably dispatched their double-digit seeded opponents. Furthermore, UCLA delivered a statement victory, dismantling Utah State by a resounding 25 points.
Maryland added to the conference’s success on Friday, cruising to a decisive win against Grand Canyon. With Illinois, Michigan State, and Oregon still to play, the Big Ten has a strong opportunity to further solidify its dominance and send a significant contingent of teams to the Sweet 16. The conference is a force to be reckoned with, and their strong showing should not be taken lightly.
Memphis’ March Misery Deepens Under Hardaway
Penny Hardaway has undeniably revitalized the Memphis basketball program, bringing a renewed sense of relevance to his alma mater. However, that success has yet to translate into meaningful March Madness achievements. Despite commendable performances from Dain Dainja and Colby Rogers, Memphis visibly missed the presence of Tyrese Hunter as the Tigers’ offense faltered in the second half, allowing Colorado State to surge ahead and secure the upset victory.
Questions surrounding Memphis’ ceiling under Hardaway are growing. While the Tigers have consistently reached the 20-win mark in each of his seven seasons at the helm, that success has only yielded four NCAA Tournament appearances. More concerning is Hardaway’s underwhelming 1-3 tournament record, which includes two consecutive one-and-done exits. This latest loss might be the most disheartening, considering Memphis’ No. 5 seed represented their highest seeding since 2009. With their best chance in years to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009 squandered, Memphis is left to ponder whether they are simply a mid-major program unable to perform on the biggest stage.
ACC’s Tournament Troubles Continue
North Carolina’s defeat to Mississippi epitomized a disappointing tournament for the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tar Heels followed a familiar script, falling behind early before staging a late comeback that ultimately fell short in a narrow 71-64 loss. North Carolina’s inclusion in the tournament field was already a subject of debate. Now, with their elimination, three of the four ACC teams have been eliminated after only two days.
Duke stands as the ACC’s lone remaining hope, and a national championship victory would undoubtedly salvage some pride for the conference. However, even a Duke title would not erase the overall struggles of the ACC throughout the season and in the early rounds of the tournament. It has been a season to forget for the Atlantic Coast Conference and the lack of talent is a cause for concern for all teams in the conference.
