March Madness: Upsets Shake NCAA Tournament First Round

SEATTLE, WA — March 21, 2025 — The first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, known as March Madness, is underway, bringing a thrilling mix of expected victories and surprising upsets. The tournament kicked off with fierce matchups, including ninth-seeded Liberty clinching a victory over eighth-seeded Oregon in a game packed with intensity.

At Climate Pledge Arena, the Liberty Flames secured their place in the Round of 32 with a hard-fought win against the Ducks. This upset highlights the unpredictability that characterizes March Madness every year.

Friday’s games see the return of some key players, notably the Blue Devils‘ National Player of the Year co-favorite who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury. The Duke Blue Devils, one of the leading teams of this tournament, are poised to make a significant impact as they progress in the bracket.

“Having our star player back is a huge boost for us,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “We know that every game is a battle, particularly in this tournament.”

This year’s tournament has already displayed its fair share of excitement, with the No. 12 seed upsetting a No. 5 seed earlier on, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Notably, Colorado State, who have won their last ten games, are seen as dark horses in this tournament.

As the tournament unfolds, the matchup of the night is poised to be between the eighth-seeded Huskies and the ninth-seeded Flames, with the former aiming to achieve their third consecutive national title, something not accomplished in over half a century.

In an earlier game, St. John's faced off against Omaha, securing a dominant 83-53 victory. Head coach Rick Pitino praised his team and the way they executed their game plan. “We’ve been working hard to ensure we play as a cohesive unit, and the results reflect that,” Pitino stated postgame.

As schools like Kentucky, Arkansas, and Kansas navigate the first round, the competition is intense. Kansas faced unexpected exit after a 79-72 loss to Arkansas, which marks one of the Jayhawks’ earliest exits in recent history. “It’s disappointing to go out this early,” said Kansas coach Bill Self. “We were prepared, but just didn’t execute.”

With numerous games still set to unfold, excitement and tension fill the air as the NCAA Tournament continues through its initial rounds. Fans from around the country are eagerly awaiting the outcomes, ready to celebrate victories and reflect on the inevitable upsets that make March Madness one of the most captivating events in sports.