Nothing derails your NCAA Match bracket sooner than having certainly one of your Remaining 4 groups knocked out within the first spherical.
Yearly, there are a number of beautiful first-round upsets that rock the nation. Some Cinderella seeded low offers some nationwide energy the boot.
In the event you don’t consider me, ask Purdue.
The Boilermakers reached the nationwide title sport final season, however the earlier three tournaments had been nightmares.
There was the no-way-that-can-happen loss to No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson in 2023, the horrendous setback in opposition to No. 15 Saint Peter’s in 2022 and the atrocious defeat in opposition to No. 13 North Texas in 2021. In the event you return to 2016, you’ll discover a brutal double-overtime loss to No. 12 Little Rock.
Guess what — No. 13 seed Excessive Level is taking part in its first-ever NCAA Match sport on Thursday. And it drew No. 4 Purdue.
Listed below are 4 first-round March Insanity upsets to contemplate:
No. 12 UC San Diego vs. No. 5 Michigan
The Tritons (30-4) have received 15 straight video games and made the NCAA Match of their first season of eligibility. UC San Diego received at Utah State, a tough place for guests, so it actually could make the Wolverines sweat on a impartial flooring.
UC San Diego is named one of many prime educational universities within the West, and it seems to be prefer it carries over to the basketball crew. The Tritons are tied for the nationwide lead in fewest turnovers per sport (8.7) and so they rank sixth in scoring protection (61.6). Third-leading scorer Hayden Grey (11.2) is a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Participant of the Yr.
Now, Michigan (25-9) has the sting in athleticism, is used to taking part in on a nationwide stage and frequently faces robust groups within the Large Ten. However the Wolverines are one of many worst groups within the nation at defending the ball and commit 14.1 turnovers per sport.
There may be your 12-vs.-5 upset proper there.
No. 12 Colorado State vs. No. 5 Memphis
Mar 14, 2025; Fort Price, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Tyrese Hunter (11) reacts in opposition to the Wichita State Shockers in the course of the second half at Dickies Area. Necessary Credit score: Chris Jones-Imagn Photos The Rams (25-9) stormed their means down the stretch with 10 straight wins and acquired into the event by beating Boise State within the Mountain West event title sport. Six of these seven wins have been by double digits.
Colorado State additionally has a big-time participant carrying the squad in Nique Clifford (19.0 ppg, 9.7 rebounds), whose inventory has been rising with NBA expertise evaluators.
Memphis (29-5) has a sensational participant as properly in PJ Haggerty (21.8), who can actually replenish the ring. The Tigers confronted a troublesome nonconference schedule and have completed sturdy with eight straight wins. However Memphis was one-and-done final yr by shedding to Florida Atlantic, and we will see one other stumble taking place in opposition to the Rams.
No. 13 Excessive Level vs. No. 4 Purdue
Mar 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) reacts to creating certainly one of his career-high seven 3-pointers in opposition to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Mackey Area. Necessary Credit score: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Photos It’s laborious to fathom the Boilermakers (22-11) happening on Day One once more. However current historical past says you have to be conscious that it might occur. Large Ten Participant of the Yr Braden Smith (16.1 ppg, 8.7 assists) is probably going working laborious to verify one other fast departure received’t occur.
Excessive Level (29-5) has received 14 consecutive video games and hasn’t misplaced in two months. Meaning the gamers have the correct confidence stage to slay any crew susceptible to taking low-caliber opponents calmly.
If the Panthers hold it shut, the psychological sport kicks in for Purdue and the group begins rabidly cheering for Excessive Level. Oh yeah, we’ve seen this film earlier than.
No. 13 Yale vs. No. 4 Texas A&M
Mar 8, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Zhuric Phelps (1) dribbles in opposition to LSU Tigers guard Jordan Sears (1) in the course of the first half at Pete Maravich Meeting Middle. Necessary Credit score: Stephen Lew-Imagn Photos Hey, didn’t a No. 13 Yale ship a fourth-seeded Southeastern Convention crew residence within the first spherical final season? Positive did. That was Bruce Pearl and Auburn getting outplayed and outworked by an Ivy League crew.
John Poulakidas grew to become a family title by hitting 6 of 9 from 3-point vary and scoring 28 factors. Guess what — he’s again and able to add on to his 239 profession treys. Plus, Yale (22-7) is all the time well-coached by James Jones.
Aggies coach Buzz Williams will definitely go on preparation overload to keep away from turning into an upset sufferer. However when your crew enters the NCAA Match with 5 losses in seven video games, there’s a really actual likelihood your keep might be quick.
And that’s precisely what’s going to occur to Texas A&M (22-10).