The college basketball world is buzzing as March Madness returns, bringing weeks of excitement, drama and unforgettable moments. Every year, the tournament delivers surprises, with underdog teams making deep runs and top programs facing shocking upsets. This season is expected to be no different.
One of the most intense games out of the East bracket in this round of 64 was between Siena and Duke. Siena controlled much of the game and appeared poised to pull off a major upset. However, Duke rallied late, mounting an impressive comeback to narrowly escape and avoid an early exit. St. Thomas students Christopher Augustin and Anthony Bostowick shared their thoughts on the tournament, “I am really excited for the tournament, March is the best time of the year for basketball,” Bostwick replied. “I just want to see who will be upset first in this tournament,” said Augustin.
The first games of the tournament kicked off on March 19, and the opening round in the East and Midwest regions has already delivered plenty of excitement. Here are the results from the first round:
East Side
#1 Duke Def. #16 Siena. 71-65
#2 UConn St. Def. #15 Furman 82-71
#3 Michigan St. Def. #14 North Dakota St. 92-67
#4 Kansas Def. #13 Cal Baptist 68-60
#5 St. John’s Def. #12 Northern Iowa 79-53
#6 Louisville Def. #11 South Florida 83-68
#7 UCLA Def. #10 UCF 75-71
#9 TCU Def. #8 Ohio St. 66-64
Midwest Side
#1 Michigan Def. #16 Howard 101-80
#2 Iowa St. Def.#15 Tennessee St. 108-74
#3 Virginia Def. #14 Wright St. 82-73
#4 Alabama Def. #13 Hofstra 90-70
#5 Texas Tech Def. #12 Akron 91-71
#6 Tennessee Def. #11 Miami (Ohio) 78-56
#7 Kentucky Def #10 Santa Clara 89-84
