“March Madness is upon us, and the excitement is palpable. The NCAA tournament has transformed college basketball into a thrilling spectacle, with Cinderella stories unfolding and powerhouse teams clashing in the most unpredictable of ways. As the nation holds its collective breath, we’re bringing you live updates, scores, and bracket analysis to keep you in the loop.
Today, we’re tracking two crucial matchups that will determine the fate of several tournament hopefuls. In one corner, the highly-regarded Kentucky Wildcats face off against the scrappy Troy Trojans, while in the other, the Golden Eagles of Marquette take on the rugged New Mexico Lobos. Each game is a chance for teams to prove their mettle, with the very next victory hanging precariously in the balance.
North Carolina vs. Ole Miss
Did two days of discourse over whether North Carolina belonged in the NCAA tournament light a fire under the Tar Heels? It sure looked that way Tuesday night when they jumped all over San Diego State early en route to an emphatic First Four victory. A bigger test awaits Friday against a senior-laden Ole Miss team that finished above .500 in this year’s historically strong SEC. A team that wins in the First Four often advances in the main bracket. North Carolina is capable of making the second weekend this year.
Colorado State vs. Memphis
Let’s cheat and go with one that oddsmakers don’t even deem an upset. No. 12-seeded Colorado State is actually a 1.5-point favorite over fifth-seeded Memphis, according to BetMGM. The surging Rams have won 15 of 17, fueled by Nique Clifford blossoming from a good player to a dominant one. Memphis earned its No. 5 seed with a strong November and December, but the Tigers slipped outside the top 50 in major predictive metrics after too many tight games against American Athletic Conference also-rans. And now they’re without injured guard Tyrese Hunter, one of their three top players.
Games to Skip
Robert Morris vs. Alabama
The best team Horizon League champ Robert Morris has beaten this season is … Milwaukee? Youngstown State? Cornell? The Panthers are not ready for the waves of talent Alabama will throw at them, even if Grant Nelson sits this one out.
Player to Watch
Cooper Flagg’s Return from Injury
While Duke could beat Mount St. Mary’s by 25-plus with its backups, there is a reason to tune in to this 1-16 mismatch. This is expected to be the first opportunity to see how spry Cooper Flagg looks after the sprained left ankle he suffered during the ACC quarterfinals last week. Flagg is the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and the favorite to win national player of the year. How quickly he recovers is the key to Duke’s title hopes.
Women’s NCAA Tournament Schedule
Friday Afternoon Channel Guide
Men’s and women’s schedule:
- 11:30 a.m. — No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Iowa State (ESPN2)
- 12 p.m.. — No. 4 Kentucky vs. No. 13 Liberty (ESPN)
- 1:30 p.m.. — No. 8 Utah vs. No. 9 Indiana (ESPN2)
- 2 p.m.. — No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 14 Stephen F. Austin (ESPN)
- 2:30 p.m.. — No. 5 Kansas State vs. No. 12 Fairfield (ESPNEWS)
- 3:30 p.m.. — No. 2 TCU vs. No. 15 Fairleigh Dickinson (ESPN2)
- 3:30 p.m.. — No. 4 Baylor vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon (ESPNU)
Notable Matchups and Times
A team that wins in the First Four often advances in the main bracket. North Carolina is capable of making the second weekend this year. Less than two months ago, Kansas State entered the top 10 in the AP poll after starting the season 19-1. Since then, the Wildcats have gone just 7-6, costing themselves a top-four seed and the chance to host their first two NCAA tournament games. A big reason for Kansas State’s struggles was the absence of center Ayoka Lee, who has appeared in only one game since Jan. 19 as a result of foot injuries. She’s set to return and will be a key factor in the Wildcats’ chances.
Must-See Women’s Games
- Michigan vs. Iowa State
- Kansas State vs. Fairfield
Player to Watch
Ayoka Lee’s Return from Injury
Less than two months ago, Kansas State entered the top 10 in the AP poll after starting the season 19-1. Since then, the Wildcats have gone just 7-6, costing themselves a top-four seed and the chance to host their first two NCAA tournament games. A big reason for Kansas State’s struggles was the absence of center Ayoka Lee, who has appeared in only one game since Jan. 19 as a result of foot injuries. She’s set to return and will be a key factor in the Wildcats’ chances.
Conclusion
As the dust settles on the first round of the NCAA tournament, one thing is clear: March Madness has lived up to its reputation once again. In a day filled with thrilling upsets and nail-biting finishes, Kentucky’s dominant performance against Troy and Marquette’s narrow escape against New Mexico stole the headlines. Our live updates, scores, and bracket analysis provided readers with a front-row seat to the action, capturing the essence of the tournament’s unpredictability and excitement.
The significance of these early-round matchups cannot be overstated. For teams like Kentucky, a strong start sets the tone for a deep tournament run, while for underdogs like New Mexico, a valiant effort can inspire a program for years to come. As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only continue to rise, with each game carrying the weight of a team’s championship aspirations. The implications of these early-round results will be felt throughout the bracket, as teams adjust their strategies and refocus their efforts in pursuit of the coveted national title.
As we look ahead to the next round of games, one thing is certain: the madness is only just beginning. With powerhouses like Kentucky and Marquette looking to make a deep run, and dark horses waiting in the wings, the possibilities are endless. As the tournament unfolds, we’ll be here to bring you every twist and turn, every buzzer-beater and heartbreaking defeat. So, buckle up, folks – the real March Madness is only just getting started. And as the old adage goes, “survive and advance” – but for these teams, it’s not just about surviving, it’s about thriving in the face of adversity, and etching their names into the history books.