The first round of March Madness is underway, and it has already delivered everything the tournament is known for – dramatic upsets, near shocks, and standout individual performances.
High Point stuns Wisconsin
High Point (12) produced the first major upset of the tournament, edging Wisconsin (5) 83-82 in a dramatic finish.
Embed from Getty ImagesChase Johnston delivered the decisive moment, converting a late layup – his first two-point field goal of the season – to seal an unlikely victory with just seconds remaining.
It was a complete team performance from High Point, led by Rob Martin, who recorded 23 points and 10 assists. Despite trailing by 10 early in the first half, HPU stayed within reach before taking the lead with just 11 seconds left.
Duke survives early scare
Duke (1) avoided what would have been one of the biggest upsets in tournament history, coming from behind to defeat Siena (16).
Cam Boozer led the comeback with a dominant 22-point, 13-rebound performance, reinforcing his status as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Embed from Getty ImagesTrailing by 11 at halftime, Duke showed their quality in the second half, taking the lead with four minutes remaining and never relinquishing it.
A warning sign for the top seed, but also a reminder of their resilience.
Arkansas make statement
Arkansas (4) delivered a convincing win over Hawaii (13), winning 97-78.
Darius Acuff Jr. dominated with 24 points and 7 assists, drawing comparisons to Allen Iverson with his explosive scoring and control of the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesArkansas dominated from the outset, leading by 18 at halftime and showcasing its depth with five players scoring in double figures.
They now face High Point in the second round, a classic March Madness clash between momentum and pedigree.
Texas upset BYU as Dybantsa shines in defeat
Texas (11) also caused an upset, beating BYU 79-71 in a controlled performance.
Texas led by nine at halftime and maintained composure throughout, limiting BYU’s ability to build momentum.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the loss, AJ Dybantsa delivered one of the standout individual performances of the round. The projected top-three pick recorded 35 points and 10 rebounds, underscoring his elite potential.
While BYU’s early exit is premature, Dybantsa’s draft stock remains firmly intact.
There’s Plenty More to Come
The first few fixtures of the opening round have already delivered the unpredictability that defines March Madness.
Upsets have arrived early, top seeds have been tested, and future NBA talent has taken centre stage. As we go deeper into the tournament, the chaos of March Madness will only intensify.
And if the first round is anything to go by, there are plenty more twists still to come.
Below, you can watch the Day One Recap of March Madness: