March Madness Day 2: Anticipation Builds as 32 Teams Take the Court
March Madness is in full swing, and after an exhilarating Day 1 of the NCAA tournament, fans are eagerly awaiting the action-packed Day 2. With 32 teams set to hit the court on Friday, basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat with over 12 hours of non-stop hoops action. Whether you’re a die-hard fan planning to watch every single game or someone who prefers to keep up with the scores online, there’s plenty to look forward to.
One of the most anticipated moments of the day is the NCAA tournament debut of Duke superstar Cooper Flagg. Flagg is making his return from an ankle injury that sidelined him for two games during the ACC tournament. Fans are eager to see if he can lead Duke to victory and make a significant impact on the tournament.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina Tar Heels are riding high after a big First Four win. The question on everyone’s mind is whether they can maintain that momentum and pull off an upset against Ole Miss. It’s a matchup that promises to be thrilling, with both teams eager to advance to the next round.
For those who want to stay updated on all the action, ESPN has you covered with live updates, results, and analysis from their team of writers stationed across the country. You can jump to the full schedule, live updates, or check out the results and analysis as the games unfold.
Key Matchups to Watch
- No. 13 Akron vs. No. 4 Arizona – 7:35 p.m. (truTV)
- No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 8 UConn – 9:25 p.m. (TNT)
- No. 11 Xavier vs. No. 6 Illinois – 9:45 p.m. (CBS)
- No. 15 Bryant vs. No. 2 Michigan State – 10 p.m. (TBS)
- No. 12 Liberty vs. No. 5 Oregon – 10:10 p.m. (truTV)
These matchups are sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama as teams battle it out for a spot in the next round. With so much at stake, every game is a must-watch.
Day 1 Recap: Highlights and Surprises
Day 1 of the tournament was filled with thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes. Here’s a quick recap of some of the standout games:
Maryland vs. Grand Canyon
Final: Maryland beat Grand Canyon 81-49
How Maryland won: Despite an early lead by Grand Canyon, Maryland quickly took control with a 9-0 run and never looked back. The Terrapins had five players scoring in double digits, including DeShawn Harris-Smith with 11 points off the bench. They shot an impressive 50.8% from the field.
Ole Miss vs. North Carolina
Final: Ole Miss beat North Carolina 71-64
How Ole Miss won: Ole Miss held a commanding lead for most of the game, but North Carolina’s late surge made it a nail-biter. A crucial 3-pointer by Sean Pedulla helped Ole Miss secure the win. The Rebels’ strong rebounding and backcourt performance were key factors in their victory.
Saint Mary’s vs. Vanderbilt
Final: Saint Mary’s beat Vanderbilt 59-56
How Saint Mary’s won: Saint Mary’s overcame a halftime deficit by dominating the paint and outrebounding Vanderbilt. Despite two missed 3-point attempts by Vanderbilt in the final seconds, the Gaels held on for the win, advancing to the Round of 32.
Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s
Final: Duke beat Mount St. Mary’s 93-49
How Duke won: Duke’s victory was never in doubt as they cruised to a 44-point win. The Blue Devils’ defense stifled Mount St. Mary’s, who struggled to score throughout the game. Duke now faces Baylor in the next round.
Colorado State vs. Memphis
Final: Colorado State beat Memphis 78-70
How Colorado State won: Colorado State’s Kyan Evans led the charge with a season-high 23 points, helping the Rams overcome a halftime deficit. Despite a strong performance by Memphis’ Dain Dainja, Colorado State advanced to the second round.
Iowa State vs. Lipscomb
Final: Iowa State beat Lipscomb 82-55
How Iowa State won: Iowa State’s defense was the star of the show, holding Lipscomb to a season-low 55 points. The Cyclones’ offense was also impressive, with Milan Momcilovic leading the way with a 20-point game.
Alabama vs. Robert Morris
Final: Alabama beat Robert Morris 90-81
How Alabama won: Despite a strong performance by Robert Morris’ Amarion Dickerson, Alabama’s late-game execution secured their victory. Grant Nelson provided a crucial boost off the bench for the Crimson Tide.
Baylor vs. Mississippi State
Final: Baylor beat Mississippi State 75-72
How Baylor won: Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe hit two critical free throws in the final moments to secure the win. Despite a late surge by Mississippi State, Baylor held on to advance to the next round.
As Day 2 unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling moments and surprises. Stay tuned for all the action and updates as the tournament continues to captivate basketball fans across the nation.
Originally Written by: ESPN
