March Madness 2025: Biggest Upsets, Highlights & Scores from Day One
March Madness 2025 has officially begun, and the first day of the NCAA Tournament was nothing short of spectacular. With 16 thrilling matchups, fans witnessed shocking upsets, dominant performances, and last-minute heroics. Here’s a full breakdown of the action-packed opening day.
🚨 Shocking Upsets That Shook the Bracket
🔥 No. 12 McNeese Stuns No. 5 Clemson (69-67)
One of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far came when No. 12 McNeese shocked No. 5 Clemson in a nail-biting 69-67 victory. The Cowboys dominated defensively in the first half, holding Clemson to an abysmal 13 points—one of the lowest-scoring halves in tournament history.
Despite a strong second-half comeback attempt from Clemson, McNeese held on for the win, sending shockwaves through the bracket. This marks their first NCAA tournament victory in over two decades!
🐶 No. 11 Drake Ousts No. 6 Missouri (67-57)
Another major upset saw No. 11 Drake take down No. 6 Missouri, 67-57. Led by Bennett Stirtz’s 21 points, Drake’s offensive efficiency and tight defense overwhelmed Missouri. This victory propels the Bulldogs into the next round, keeping their Cinderella story hopes alive.
🏀 Dominant Performances by Top Seeds
🚀 No. 1 Houston Crushes No. 16 SIU Edwardsville (78-40)
Houston showed why they’re a top-seeded powerhouse with a commanding 78-40 victory over SIU Edwardsville. Their stifling defense and sharpshooting from the perimeter made this a one-sided affair from the start.
💪 No. 1 Auburn Handles No. 16 Alabama State (83-63)
Auburn also flexed its dominance with an 83-63 win over Alabama State. With a balanced scoring attack and a strong presence in the paint, Auburn looks like a serious contender for the championship.
⚡ No. 2 Tennessee Rolls Past Wofford (77-62)
Tennessee played a solid game, defeating No. 15 Wofford by a comfortable 77-62 margin. Their defensive intensity and three-point shooting were key to securing the win.
🔥 Close Calls & High-Intensity Battles
⚔️ No. 10 Arkansas Upsets No. 7 Kansas (79-72)
In another surprise result, No. 10 Arkansas managed to take down No. 7 Kansas with a strong 79-72 win. Arkansas outplayed Kansas in the second half, proving they could be a serious threat moving forward.
🎯 No. 8 Gonzaga Survives No. 9 Georgia (89-68)
While the score suggests a comfortable win, No. 8 Gonzaga had to battle hard against No. 9 Georgia before pulling away late. Their experience in March Madness paid off as they made clutch shots down the stretch.
⏳ Late-Night Thrillers & Live Updates
🔴 No. 2 St. John’s vs. No. 15 Omaha
St. John’s, led by veteran coach Rick Pitino, took on Omaha in a late-night clash. Fans were eager to see how the Red Storm would perform in their return to the NCAA Tournament after a long absence.
〽️ No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 12 UC San Diego
Michigan entered the tournament with high expectations but faced an unexpected challenge from UC San Diego. The Tritons went on a 12-0 run in the second half, cutting Michigan’s lead to just one possession.
🤠 No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 14 UNC Wilmington
UNC Wilmington nearly pulled off another upset, tying the game early in the second half against No. 3 Texas Tech. However, the Red Raiders responded with a strong finish to take control.
📅 What’s Next?
The action continues with more Round of 64 games today, with teams fighting for a spot in the next round. Expect more surprises, buzzer-beaters, and bracket-breaking moments as March Madness unfolds!
📺 Where to Watch?
- TV: CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV
- Streaming: NCAA March Madness Live, Paramount+
March Madness 2025 is just getting started, and if the first day is any indication, this tournament will be one for the history books! Stay tuned for more updates and highlights.
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