Sat Mar 22 04:00:00 UTC 2025: ## March Madness Day 1: Upsets Rock the Bracket, Coaching Clash Set for Round of 32

**INDIANAPOLIS, IN –** The first day of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament delivered thrilling upsets and set the stage for a highly anticipated coaching showdown. Two double-digit seeds pulled off stunning victories, while several top seeds advanced, leaving the tournament bracket in a state of flux.

The biggest shock came early when No. 12 seed McNeese State defeated No. 5 Clemson 69-67. The Cowboys suffocated Clemson’s offense, holding them to a paltry 13 points in the first half. The upset was quickly followed by another as No. 11 Drake, in its first tournament win in 54 years, edged out No. 6 Missouri 67-57.

While the underdogs celebrated, several higher seeds secured their spots in the next round. No. 1 seeds Houston and Auburn cruised to victories, while No. 2 seeds Tennessee and St. John’s also advanced. St. John’s win sets up a highly anticipated Round of 32 matchup between head coach Rick Pitino and Arkansas’ John Calipari on Saturday.

The ACC had a disappointing start to the tournament, with both Clemson and Louisville suffering first-round exits, leaving only Duke and North Carolina to represent the conference. Other notable games included a close contest between No. 4 Texas A&M and No. 13 Yale, won by Texas A&M 80-71, and a nail-biting finish in the final game of the day, where No. 5 Michigan narrowly escaped with a win against No. 12 UC San Diego. Texas Tech also survived a late scare from UNC Wilmington to advance.

The day’s action provided plenty of excitement and left fans eager for more as the tournament progresses. The upsets highlight the unpredictable nature of March Madness and promise further excitement in the days to come.

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