Friday's NCAA Tournament Recap: Upsets & Look Ahead

The NCAA Tournament's first round concluded on Friday, March 21, 2025, delivering the excitement and unpredictability fans anticipate. The day featured significant upsets, dominant performances, and thrilling finishes that left a lasting impact on brackets nationwide.​

NCAA Tournament's Big Upsets of the Day

Several lower-seeded teams defied expectations, leading to substantial bracket disruptions:​

• (12) Colorado State Defeats (5) Memphis, 78-70: Colorado State showcased resilience and tactical prowess to overcome Memphis, marking a significant upset in the tournament's first round. ​

• (10) New Mexico Overcomes (7) Marquette, 75-66: New Mexico surged ahead late in the game, stunning Marquette and securing their first NCAA tournament win in over a decade. 

Look Ahead to Saturday

​As the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament progresses, Saturday, March 22, 2025, features eight thrilling second-round matchups. Here's a brief overview of each game:​

(4) Purdue vs. (12) McNeese – 12:10 p.m. ET | CBS

Purdue enters this matchup after a solid first-round performance, showcasing their balanced offense and tenacious defense. McNeese, fresh off a stunning upset over Clemson, aims to continue their Cinderella story. The Boilermakers must contain McNeese's momentum to avoid an unexpected exit. ​

(2) St. John's vs. (10) Arkansas – 2:40 p.m. ET | CBS

St. John's demonstrated their offensive prowess in the opening round, while Arkansas secured a hard-fought victory to advance. This game promises an exciting clash of styles, with St. John's fast-paced attack facing Arkansas's resilient defense. ​

(4) Texas A&M vs. (5) Michigan – 5:15 p.m. ET | CBS

Both teams impressed in their first-round games, setting the stage for a competitive showdown. Texas A&M's disciplined approach will be tested against Michigan's dynamic offense. The outcome may hinge on which team controls the tempo. ​

(3) Texas Tech vs. (11) Drake – 6:10 p.m. ET | TNT

Texas Tech's defensive intensity faces a challenge from Drake, who pulled off an upset in the first round. Drake's confidence is high, but they'll need to overcome the Red Raiders' pressure to advance further. ​

(1) Auburn vs. (9) Creighton – 7:10 p.m. ET | TBS

Auburn showcased their dominance in the first round, while Creighton emerged victorious in a closely contested game. The Tigers' depth and athleticism make them favorites, but Creighton's resilience could lead to a thrilling contest. ​

(3) Wisconsin vs. (6) BYU – 7:45 p.m. ET | CBS

Wisconsin's methodical playstyle contrasts with BYU's high-scoring offense. This matchup will likely be decided by which team can impose their rhythm and exploit mismatches. ​

(1) Houston vs. (8) Gonzaga – 8:40 p.m. ET | TNT

Houston's top seed reflects their consistent excellence, but Gonzaga's experience in high-pressure games makes them a formidable opponent. Expect a tactical battle with both teams vying for a spot in the Sweet 16. ​

(2) Tennessee vs. (7) UCLA – 9:40 p.m. ET | TBS

Tennessee's balanced squad faces UCLA, a team with a storied tournament history. The Volunteers' defensive strength will be tested against the Bruins' offensive versatility, promising an engaging finale to the day's action. ​

These matchups offer a mix of powerhouse programs and potential upsets, embodying the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament.

Bracket Carnage: Only 121 Perfect Brackets Remain

The first round of the tournament has once again proven just how impossible it is to predict a perfect bracket. After Alabama’s win over New Mexico, only 0.12% of brackets remained flawless.

But the real chaos? One poor soul started the tournament 0-22, finally getting their first correct pick when Ole Miss secured a win in their first-round matchup.

By the end of Friday night, the first round had wiped out nearly every remaining perfect bracket, leaving just 121 perfect brackets standing out of more than 24 million entries. If history tells us anything, they won’t last much longer!

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