March Madness Day 2 Recap: Stunning Upsets and Key Insights for the Round of 32

Impressive Performances and Key Insights

The second day of the NCAA Tournament delivered unforgettable moments, setting the stage for an intense Round of 32. Here’s a breakdown of the key games and what to watch for next.

(12) Colorado State vs. (5) Memphis

• Final Score: Colorado State 78, Memphis 70
• Key Player: Kyan Evans erupted for 23 points, including crucial 3-pointers, to secure the upset.
• Next Matchup: Colorado State faces Maryland, relying on their hot 3-point shooting to challenge the Terrapins.

(10) New Mexico vs. (7) Marquette

• Final Score: New Mexico 75, Marquette 66
• Key Player: Donovan Dent’s 21 points and ability to draw fouls were pivotal in the Lobos’ victory.
• Next Matchup: New Mexico takes on Michigan State, where Dent’s free-throw efficiency will be key.

(9) Oklahoma vs. (8) UConn

• Final Score: UConn 67, Oklahoma 59
• Key Player: Alex Karaban’s clutch 3-pointer late in the game kept UConn’s title hopes alive.
• Next Matchup: UConn faces Florida, leveraging their championship experience.

(9) Baylor vs. (8) Mississippi State

• Final Score: Baylor 75, Mississippi State 72
• Key Player: VJ Edgecombe’s late free throws sealed the win for the Bears.
• Next Matchup: Baylor battles Duke, with freshmen guards Robert Wright and Edgecombe under the spotlight.

(11) North Carolina vs. (6) Ole Miss

• Final Score: Ole Miss 71, North Carolina 64
• Key Player: Sean Pedulla’s late 3-pointer helped the Rebels survive a Tar Heels’ rally.
• Next Matchup: Ole Miss faces Iowa State, with Dre Davis’s explosiveness being a key factor.

(11) Xavier vs. (6) Illinois

• Final Score: Illinois 86, Xavier 73
• Key Player: Will Riley’s dominant second-half performance led the Illini to victory.
• Next Matchup: Illinois takes on Kentucky, with their 3-point shooting crucial for success.

(16) Mount St. Mary’s vs. (1) Duke

• Final Score: Duke 93, Mount St. Mary’s 49
• Key Player: Cooper Flagg’s 14 points in limited minutes showed his readiness for tougher challenges.
• Next Matchup: Duke faces Baylor, with Flagg’s health being a major storyline.

(16) Norfolk State vs. (1) Florida

• Final Score: Florida 95, Norfolk State 69
• Key Player: Walter Clayton Jr.’s 23 points, including four 3-pointers, sparked the Gators.
• Next Matchup: Florida battles UConn, aiming to continue their fast-scoring waves.

(15) Robert Morris vs. (2) Alabama

• Final Score: Alabama 90, Robert Morris 81
• Key Player: Grant Nelson’s late return from injury provided a boost for the Crimson Tide.
• Next Matchup: Alabama faces Saint Mary’s, needing to impose their tempo from the start.

(15) Bryant vs. (2) Michigan State

• Final Score: Michigan State 87, Bryant 62
• Key Player: Jase Richardson’s 15 points highlighted a dominant second half for the Spartans.
• Next Matchup: Michigan State takes on New Mexico, with offensive rebounding being a key factor.

(14) Lipscomb vs. (3) Iowa State

• Final Score: Iowa State 82, Lipscomb 55
• Key Player: Milan Momcilovic’s 20-point outburst powered the Cyclones.
• Next Matchup: Iowa State faces Ole Miss, with Momcilovic’s scoring being critical.

(14) Troy vs. (3) Kentucky

• Final Score: Kentucky 76, Troy 57
• Key Player: Otega Oweh’s all-around performance (13 points, 6 assists) led the Wildcats.
• Next Matchup: Kentucky battles Illinois, where Oweh’s consistency will be vital.

(13) Grand Canyon vs. (4) Maryland

• Final Score: Maryland 81, Grand Canyon 49
• Key Player: DeShawn Harris-Smith’s 11 points off the bench sparked the Terrapins.
• Next Matchup: Maryland faces Colorado State, with their interior defense being a key factor.

(13) Akron vs. (4) Arizona

• Final Score: Arizona 95, Akron 63
• Key Player: Jaden Bradley’s 19 points led a balanced scoring effort for the Wildcats.
• Next Matchup: Arizona takes on Oregon, with Trey Townsend’s resurgence being pivotal.

(10) Vanderbilt vs. (7) Saint Mary’s

• Final Score: Saint Mary’s 59, Vanderbilt 56
• Key Player: Mitchell Saxen’s double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) sealed the win.
• Next Matchup: Saint Mary’s faces Alabama, aiming to control the game’s pace.

(12) Liberty vs. (5) Oregon

• Final Score: Oregon 81, Liberty 52
• Key Player: Jackson Shelstad’s 17 points led the Ducks to a dominant performance.
• Next Matchup: Oregon takes on Arizona, with their interior defense being crucial.

Stay tuned as the Round of 32 promises even more thrilling matchups and Cinderella stories!