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March Madness 2018: 10 Nail-Biting First-Day Surprises

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NCAA Basketball Tournament 2018: 10 Nail-Biting First-Day Surprises

It’s called March Madness for a reason. Not only did thousands of brackets go down the drain, but after the first day of the 2018 NCAA basketball tournament, there were plenty of things that will keep you on the edge of your seat this weekend.

10 Nail-Biting First-Day Surprises

  1. The Bracket-Busting Buffalo The No One Saw Coming

Who could’ve seen this coming? The Buffalo Bulls defeating Arizona was the shocker that kicked off the first round of March Madness.

Even with NBA lottery pick Deandre Ayton, the Wildcats were unable to crack a Bulls team that was firing on all cylinders.

Arizona and practically everyone else was shell-shocked but it just goes to show that anything can and will happen in this tournament.  

  1. The Pac-12 That Went Down In Flames

Nothing went right for the Pac-12 this year; Arizona checked out as did UCLA and Arizona State.

And, USC didn’t even make it to the Big Dance because they weren’t invited by the selection committee.

  1. A Cinderella In The Making?

But, all eyes are on Loyola-Chicago after they defeated No. 6 seed Miami-Fl with a last second buzzer-beater from Donte Ingram.

This team could go even further when they face Tennessee on Saturday; in fact, to expect them to reach the Sweet 16 isn’t farfetched.

  1. There Was No Fairy Godmother For These Cinderellas

On the other hand, all those hopeful Cinderellas such as No. 14 seed Stephen F. Austin, No. 13 seed UNC-Greensboro, No. 12 seed Davidson, No. 12 seed South Dakota State, and No. 11 seed San Diego State were all close but no cigar when it came down to it.

All of them could’ve been bracket-busting stories; instead, they saw their hopes fade away.

  1. Will The Man Bun Come Back After Gray?

Houston’s Rob Gray might bring back the man bun; at least, that might be the case in Houston.

The senior guard lit up the scoreboard with 39 points and tipped in the game-winning shot (along with a hardy handful of jumpers) to lead his team past San Diego State into the second round.

  1. The Dark Horse That Sent Trae Young Packing

Little was known of Rhode Island, but after sending Oklahoma and its star Trae Young with their tails between their legs, they deserve to be named this year’s dark horse.

Expect the Rams to make it much further into the tournament.

  1. Way To Go SEC

4-0, that’s the record for SEC teams through the first day. Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, and Alabama have all made it through to the second round.

Arkansas fell today to Butler, but Texas A&M beat Providence which leaves Auburn and Missouri who could give this conference an even more solid showing in this tournament.

  1. “Apologies Chris Holtmann”

Were you on the bandwagon that cried out the Jackrabbits were going to beat Ohio State? So were many other media members; but, first-year coach Chris Holtmann silenced the naysayers by winning.

  1. Devonte' Graham Has Got This

Devonte Graham, the Big 12 player of the year, made sure Kansas was serious by putting up 29 points, six assists, and six rebounds.

His contribution led them past Penn State, a dangerous No. 16 seed that kept everyone guessing until the last minutes.  

  1. Who Is Duke’s MVP?

Is it Marvin Bagley III? Maybe you think it is Grayson Allen or perhaps Wendell Carter Jr? Perhaps, but judging by the first game it might have been freshman point guard Trevon Duval, who put up 19 points and dished out eight assists in Dukes’ win over Iona.

Duke might not make it out of the Midwest region, but if they do expect great things from Duval.

By the way, did you watch this video?

Have you busted out on your bracket? Then jump on to our Sweet 16 Bracket Contest while there’s still time if you want to win great prizes. Read all about it here

 

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