March Madness Day 1: A Thrilling Start to the NCAA Tournament
The first day of March Madness is always a spectacle, and 2025 was no exception. With upsets, blowouts, and nail-biting finishes, the opening day of the men’s NCAA tournament delivered 13 hours of non-stop college basketball action. Let’s dive into the highlights and key takeaways from all 16 first-round games, complete with expert analysis and predictions for the next round.
Day 1 Results and Takeaways
Here’s a breakdown of the most recent games, starting with the latest:
Texas Tech vs. UNC Wilmington
Final: Texas Tech beats UNC Wilmington, 82-72
How Texas Tech won: Despite missing their third-leading scorer, Chance McMillian, due to an upper body injury, Texas Tech managed to secure a victory over UNC Wilmington. The Red Raiders were led by super senior Kerwin Walton, who scored a career-high 27 points, including 8-of-19 from deep. Walton’s performance was crucial in maintaining a lead, especially during a sluggish second half. Darrion Williams also contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds, despite dealing with an ankle injury. Texas Tech will need McMillian back and more consistent performances to make a deep tournament run. — Eli Lederman
Michigan vs. UC San Diego
Final: Michigan beats UC San Diego, 68-65
How Michigan won: Michigan narrowly escaped an upset against UC San Diego, holding on for a 68-65 win. The Wolverines started strong with a 10-0 run and led by 14 at halftime. However, turnovers plagued Michigan, allowing UCSD to close the gap. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, UCSD’s leading scorer, fouled out with seven points, which helped Michigan secure the win. The Wolverines limited UCSD to 38.7% shooting, a key factor in their victory. — Jeff Legwold
St. John’s vs. Omaha
Final: St. John’s beats Omaha, 83-53
How St. John’s won: St. John’s turned a close first half into a blowout victory over Omaha, thanks to a 17-5 run to start the second half. RJ Luis Jr. led the Red Storm with 22 points and 8 rebounds. St. John’s defense, ranked in the top three nationally, stifled Omaha, holding them to 25.7% shooting. The win sets up a matchup against Arkansas in the next round. — Mike Reiss
UCLA vs. Utah State
Final: UCLA beat Utah State, 72-47
How UCLA won: UCLA’s defense was the story of the game, as they held Utah State to 28.6% shooting. Skyy Clark led the Bruins with 14 points, and six players scored at least eight points. Despite Utah State’s coaching changes, they made it to the tournament, a testament to their resilience. — Ben Baby
Drake vs. Missouri
Final: Drake beats Missouri, 67-57
How Drake won: Drake controlled the game against Missouri, outscoring them 38-22 in the paint. Bennett Stirtz led the Bulldogs with 21 points, while Tavion Banks added nine rebounds. The win marks Drake’s first NCAA tournament victory since 2021. — Eli Lederman
Texas A&M vs. Yale
Final: Texas A&M beats Yale, 80-71
How Texas A&M won: Texas A&M’s efficient offense and strong defense were too much for Yale. Pharrel Payne led the Aggies with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Yale struggled with 29% shooting in the first half and couldn’t recover. — Jeff Legwold
Arkansas vs. Kansas
Final: Arkansas beats Kansas, 79-72
How Arkansas won: Arkansas found their rhythm in the final minutes to defeat Kansas. Jonas Aidoo led with 22 points, and Johnell Davis hit a crucial 3-pointer to seal the win. Kansas’ zone defense slowed Arkansas, but the Razorbacks prevailed. — Mike Reiss
Tennessee vs. Wofford
Final: Tennessee beats Wofford, 77-62
How Tennessee won: Tennessee’s talent was evident from the start, with Chaz Lanier scoring 29 points. Zakai Zeigler added a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists. Tennessee’s depth and scoring options were too much for Wofford. — Ben Baby
Gonzaga vs. Georgia
Final: Gonzaga beats Georgia, 89-68
How Gonzaga won: Gonzaga capitalized on Georgia’s turnovers, scoring 25 points off 13 turnovers. Khalif Battle led with 24 points, and Ryan Nembhard’s eight assists tied him for fifth all-time in NCAA single-season assists. — Eli Lederman
BYU vs. VCU
Final: BYU beats VCU, 80-71
How BYU won: BYU’s flurries of scoring runs were too much for VCU. Egor Demin and Richie Saunders combined for 31 points, and BYU shot 50% from the field. The Cougars face Wisconsin next. — Jeff Legwold
- Second round opponent: Wisconsin
- BYU’s chances to advance to the Sweet 16: BYU’s offensive performance against VCU bodes well for their matchup against Wisconsin. Egor Demin’s shooting will be crucial, but Wisconsin’s strong offense poses a challenge. — Jeff Borzello
McNeese vs. Clemson
Final: McNeese beats Clemson, 69-67
How McNeese won: McNeese’s business-like approach led to a historic win over Clemson. Brandon Murray scored 21 points off the bench, and Quadir Copeland added 16. McNeese’s first tournament win sets up a second-round matchup. — Mike Reiss
Auburn vs. Alabama State
Final: Auburn beats Alabama State, 83-63
How Auburn won: Auburn’s depth and shooting were too much for Alabama State. Miles Kelly led with 23 points, and Auburn’s late first-half run secured the win. The Tigers face Creighton next. — Ben Baby
- Auburn’s second round opponent: Creighton
- Auburn’s chances to advance to the Sweet 16: Auburn’s depth and shooting make them a tough opponent for Creighton. Miles Kelly’s performance will be key, but Creighton’s defense poses a challenge. — Myron Medcalf
Houston vs. SIU Edwardsville
Final: Houston beats SIUE, 78-40
How Houston won: Houston’s hot shooting in the first half set the tone for a dominant win. Milos Uzan led with 16 points, and J’Wan Roberts returned from injury to contribute. Houston advances to face the winner of Gonzaga and Georgia. — Eli Lederman
Wisconsin vs. Montana
Final: Wisconsin beats Montana, 85-66
How Wisconsin won: Wisconsin’s size and efficient shooting were too much for Montana. John Blackwell led with 19 points, and the Badgers outrebounded Montana 40-29. Wisconsin faces BYU next. — Jeff Legwold
- Second round opponent: BYU
- Wisconsin’s chances to advance to the Sweet 16: Wisconsin’s offense has improved, and their size will be a challenge for BYU. Limiting Egor Demin’s space will be key. — Jeff Borzello
Purdue vs. High Point
Final: Purdue beats High Point, 75-63
How Purdue won: Purdue’s rebounding edge and scoring from Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith secured the win. High Point kept it close, but Purdue’s depth prevailed. — Mike Reiss
Creighton vs. Louisville
Final: Creighton beats Louisville, 89-75
How Creighton won: Creighton’s offense, led by Jamiya Neal’s 29 points, was too much for Louisville. The Bluejays face Auburn next. — Ben Baby
- Creighton’s second round opponent: Auburn
- Creighton’s chances to advance to the Sweet 16: Creighton’s offense gives them a chance against Auburn, but the Tigers’ talent is formidable. Jamiya Neal’s performance will be crucial. — Myron Medcalf
Originally Written by: ESPN
