The NCAA Tournament's first weekend saw No. 1 seeds face various challenges, but the Duke Blue Devils emerged as a dominant force. They not only secured victories with margins exceeding 20 points but also welcomed back star player Cooper Flagg from injury. Flagg's performance was impressive, showcasing growth from a season's worth of experience combined with some pre-March Madness recovery time. With Tyrese Proctor shooting a remarkable 13 for 16 from three-point range, Duke solidified its status as a title favorite, demonstrating exceptional focus on both offense and defense.
In a thrilling matchup, All-American guard Walter Clayton rose to the occasion, delivering crucial shots that propelled the Florida Gators to a significant victory over UConn. This win, particularly against the defending champions, enhances their profile and justifies their standing at No. 2 in the NCAA committee rankings. The narrow margin of victory underscores the Gators' resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
The Houston Cougars put on a defensive clinic, restricting SIU-Edwardsville to just 40 points and limiting their shooting to 30.6%. While they faced a more challenging game against Gonzaga, the Cougars held on for a five-point win. Houston has been in formidable form, not losing a game in regulation since a meeting against a ranked opponent, and they appear well-prepared to tackle quality teams in the Midwest Regional.
Despite having a shaky start, the Auburn Tigers turned their performances around, overcoming a 31-32 deficit against Alabama State with a dominant second-half display that led to a 20-point victory. They followed this with a solid win over Creighton. However, their slow starts are a concern, especially given their recent struggles. The Atlanta-hosted regional may provide the energy they need to boost their performance.
Tennessee's opening weekend was characterized by exceptional defensive play, as they held both Wofford and UCLA to under 62 points. The Volunteers displayed a strong performance, particularly once Chaz Lanier and their perimeter players found their shooting rhythm. Their consistent top-five ranking remains intact after solid performances.
The Alabama Crimson Tide experienced contrasting outcomes in their games. They faced a scare against Robert Morris, only to bounce back with a comfortable win over Saint Mary's. Their defensive presence and inside play were key to their success, providing optimism for future matches even as their three-point shooting remains a concern.
Michigan State faced a tough challenge from New Mexico but emerged victorious, which should boost their confidence heading into the Sweet 16. While they didn't display their best form, the way they closed out the game signals that they are still a formidable contender in the tournament.
Derik Queen delivered a captivating buzzer-beater, propelling Maryland to San Francisco with renewed momentum. Their strong performances against Grand Canyon and Colorado State have raised their stock and aligned them more closely with their predictive metrics ranking.
JT Toppin has gained recognition for his outstanding play, averaging 18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in wins over UNCW and Drake. Though Texas Tech's overall standing remains unchanged, Toppin's performance, especially with St. John's exit, has certainly caught the attention of basketball fans.
The Arizona Wildcats showcased their shooting prowess in the opening weekend, defeating Akron by 28 points and winning a nail-biter against Oregon. With the best tournament three-point shooting percentage at 48.9%, they also demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, setting the stage for their continued success.
The Villanova Wildcats showed resilience and determination with strong performances against Troy and Illinois. Despite a season filled with defensive shortcomings, they have stepped up their game during the tournament, making them a noteworthy underdog in their region.
Continuing their winning streak, BYU has become one of the highest-rated offensive teams in the tournament. Their ability to score 91 points against Wisconsin while facing defensive challenges highlights their offensive capabilities, making them a team to watch in the East Regional.
Michigan had a rocky start to their tournament, barely surviving against UC San Diego before regaining control against Texas A&M. The inconsistency in their performances is concerning, but with players like Roddy Gayle stepping up, they are still in contention.
Purdue cruised through their matches against High Point and McNeese, securing their eighth Sweet 16 appearance under Matt Painter. Their strong performances, especially from Trey Kaufman-Renn, have kept them steady in the rankings.
Ole Miss delivered one of the most remarkable two-game performances of the tournament, defeating both North Carolina and Iowa State. With a commendable three-point shooting percentage of 48.7%, they will need to maintain this momentum as they face tougher competition ahead.
