Wichita, Kansas – March Madness lived up to its name as surprises unfolded on the first day of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Fans were left in awe as the 11th-seeded Drake University upset the sixth-seeded University of Missouri Tigers, with Bulldog supporters chanting “Overrated SEC” during the game.
The SEC sent a record 14 out of its 16 teams to the tournament this season, showcasing its strength. Auburn, one of Thursday’s two No. 1 seeds, displayed dominance with an 83-63 victory over Alabama State. Additionally, Texas A&M and Tennessee from the SEC also advanced to the next round.
Meanwhile, the University of Houston, the other No. 1 seed in action on Thursday, secured a win over SIU-Edwardsville. Despite the historic rarity of a No. 16 seed beating a No. 1 seed, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson emphasized the importance of including schools from smaller conferences like the Ohio Valley Conference in the tournament.
However, Missouri faced a tough loss against a team led by first-year coach Ben McCollum, who previously clinched four NCAA Division II national titles. McCollum’s Bulldogs from Drake, the sole representative of the Missouri Valley Conference, advanced to the second round for the first time since 1971.
The biggest upset of the day occurred in Providence, Rhode Island, where McNeese State from the Southland Conference stunned fifth-seeded Clemson with a thrilling 69-67 victory. This historic win marked MSU’s first NCAA tournament victory.
Despite the victory, MSU coach Will Wade already has plans to join North Carolina State as the head coach after the tournament concludes. The NCAA tournament’s first day highlighted the resilience of one-bid leagues, with Drake and McNeese State rising as exceptional contenders.
As the tournament progressed, the focus shifted to the upcoming games, including a matchup between two-time defending champion Connecticut and the Oklahoma Sooners. Simultaneously, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament began, sparking debates over the top seed between UCLA and the University of South Carolina. It’s a time for teams to shine on the court as they strive for a coveted spot at the Women’s Final Four in Tampa.