Indianapolis, Indiana- The first round of the NCAA Tournament has brought about some major upsets, leaving many brackets in shambles across the country. One of the most shocking upsets came from the No. 14 Oakland Golden Grizzlies, who defeated the No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats, turning the bracket world upside down.
According to the NCAA, only 0.06% of brackets remained perfect after Oakland’s stunning victory, with just 2,178 brackets left unscathed in their own game. The madness continued as NC State, another No. 11 seed, managed to knock off a No. 6 seed, further decreasing the number of flawless brackets in the competition.
The chaos continued as Duquesne, Oregon, and NC State, all No. 11 seeds, pulled off impressive victories over higher-ranked opponents, causing more bracket mayhem. With each upset, the number of perfect brackets dwindled, showcasing the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
Even with the odds stacked against them, some brackets managed to survive the madness, including one owned by Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. The resilience of these few perfect brackets serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that makes the NCAA Tournament a must-watch event every year.
As the tournament progresses, the NCAA reported that only 2.43% of brackets remained perfect after eight games, a significant improvement from the previous year. Early upsets of top-seeded teams like Virginia and Arizona set the stage for an exhilarating tournament, with unexpected outcomes keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite the chaos and unpredictability, there is still hope for those aiming for a perfect bracket. While the road may be challenging, the thrill of watching underdogs rise to the occasion is what makes March Madness truly special. So, as the tournament continues, brace yourself for more upsets, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments that define the spirit of college basketball.