The madness is back and crazier than ever. Whenever you think you’re mentally prepared for the insanity that is March Madness, you never know what’s going to happen.
This recent tournament has been quite a historical one. University of Maryland, Baltimore County has become the first ever 16th seed team to ever beat a #1 seed, University of Virginia. UVA came into the tournament being the #1 team in the country and, in one game, the nationally ranked Cavaliers lost, 74-54. This was also UMBC’s first ever NCAA tournament win and it was quite a show. Unfortunately, though, the underdog Retrievers lost in the second round to 9th seed Kansas State, 50-43.
The underdogs have been on a roll this year as 13th seed University of Buffalo toppled over 5th seed University of Arizona, 89-68. Arizona is always a top contender for the national championship title and the Bulls snagged their chance for the title in the first round of play. This was also the Bulls’ first ever tournament win, but their run was put to an end by competitor University of Kentucky, 95-45, in the second round.
If your bracket wasn’t already destroyed, let’s keep the recap going. Reigning national champs from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill came into the tournament with a 2nd seed in the west. After an easy first round win over Lipscomb University, the Tar Heels were matched up against 7th seed, Texas A&M. The Aggies came off a big win against Providence College in the first round, and they were riding off that victory to crush UNC, 86-65.
Xavier University is another top contender for the national title each year. This year they came into the tournament with a #1 seed in the west and took a smooth win over 16th seed Texas Southern University, 102-83. Of course, following the trend of insane upsets this year, the Musketeers lost in the second round of play on Sunday to 9th seeded Florida State University 75-70.
In the Midwest, Duke University is still continuing into the Sweet 16 as planned. Top seeded Villanova University and University of Kansas have continued to play up to par (*knock on wood*). The Sweet 16 round of ball will be played this Thursday, March 22nd and Friday, the 23rd. Those who prevail through the madness will move onto the Elite Eight which will take place on Saturday, the 24th and Sunday, the 25th.
And don’t worry…you’re not the only one with a busted bracket. Here’s mine: