The NCAA tournament's Round of 64 kicked off with several high-profile matchups featuring powerhouse teams including Duke, UNC, and NC State, each of whom entered the competition with varying expectations but emerged victorious in their opening games.
Duke Dominates Vermont
Despite entering the tournament on a two-game losing streak, Duke, seeded No. 4, demonstrated why they're perennial contenders by dispatching Vermont with a commanding 64-47 victory. Despite historical precedence—no team has won the national championship after losing their first conference tournament game—Duke's performance suggests they shouldn't be written off just yet.
In an impressive team effort, four starters from Duke scored in double figures, showcasing the depth and versatility of the squad. Surprisingly, Kyle Filipowski, one of Duke's leading lights, was limited to only 3 points against Vermont. Nevertheless, Duke's comprehensive team performance ensured a comfortable win.
The free-throw line was a significant factor in Duke's triumph, outscoring Vermont 20-2, an indication of their aggressive playstyle and ability to draw fouls. Vermont's Shamir Bogues put up a strong individual performance with 18 points, but Duke's collective effort was too much for Vermont.
Injury updates were a subplot in this contest, with Vermont’s TJ Long exiting the game due to an injury, mirroring Duke’s pre-game setback as Caleb Foster was sidelined with a stress fracture. Looking ahead, Duke is set to face either Wisconsin or James Madison, with expectations high for another strong performance.
NC State Secures First Tournament Victory Under Keatts
NC State's matchup against Texas Tech ended with an 80-67 victory for the Wolfpack, marking head coach Kevin Keatts's first NCAA tournament victory with the team. A standout performance from Ben Middlebrooks, who netted 21 points, underscored NC State's effective offense, which shot an impressive 51% from the floor.
This win not only advances NC State to the next round, where they will face the Horizon League champion, Oakland, but also boosts the team's confidence and momentum, something echoed by social media reactions from fans and analysts alike.
UNC Cruises Past Wagner
The University of North Carolina (UNC) bolstered its already impressive NCAA games record in North Carolina to 35-2, following a resounding 90-62 victory over Wagner. Armando Bacot led the charge with a double-double, scoring 20 points and securing 15 rebounds, showcasing his importance to the team’s aspirations in the tournament.
Jae'Lyn Withers contributed significantly with a season-high 16 points, reinforcing the team's deep roster. The victory sets up a much-anticipated clash with Michigan State in the next round, as UNC looks to leverage its home-state advantage and rich tournament pedigree for another deep run.
The emphatic start to their tournament campaign was captured succinctly by supporter Maggie Casey's expression of pride and confidence, "I'm thrilled for everything. Go Heels all day." Such sentiments reflect the enthusiasm surrounding UNC's potential in this year's NCAA tournament.
Looking Forward
As the tournament progresses, the performances of Duke, NC State, and UNC in the Round of 64 have laid down a marker for their competitors. With Duke overcoming a minor slump, NC State celebrating a milestone victory, and UNC continuing its dominant form in home-state games, the stage is set for an exciting continuation of the NCAA tournament.
The confidence brewing within these teams, coupled with the strategic depth displayed by their coaches, positions them as formidable contenders. As the tournament advances, all eyes will be on these teams to see if they can leverage their opening wins into deeper tournament runs, with the ultimate prize of a national championship in sight.
