The NCAA tournament's Round of 64 kicked off with electrifying matchups, showcasing powerhouse teams like Duke, UNC, and NC State, among others. Here's a breakdown of how these teams fared in their opening games, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling journey toward the national championship.
## Duke's Dominant Display
Despite entering the tournament on the back of a two-game losing streak, Duke made a strong statement with a commanding 64-47 victory over Vermont. Historically, no team has ever clinched the national championship after losing their first conference tournament game, but Duke, seeded No. 4, showed no signs of letting history dictate their fate.
The team's collective effort saw four starters scoring in double figures, although Kyle Filipowski, usually a key player for Duke, contributed just 3 points against Vermont. On the defensive end, Duke was formidable, limiting Vermont to a mere 47 points and outscoring them 20-2 at the free-throw line. Vermont's Shamir Bogues managed to notch up 18 points, but his efforts were not enough to challenge Duke's dominance.
Injuries did play a role, with Vermont's TJ Long exiting the game due to injury, while Duke's Caleb Foster was sidelined with a stress fracture. Looking ahead, Duke is set to face the winner of the Wisconsin versus James Madison matchup, with their sights firmly set on advancing further.
## NC State's Triumphant Victory
NC State also made their mark, securing an 80-67 win against Texas Tech. This victory marked Kevin Keatts' first NCAA Tournament win at the helm of NC State. The team's performance was stellar, with Ben Middlebrooks leading the charge with 21 points.
Shooting 51% from the floor, NC State's offensive prowess was on full display. Their next challenge will be against the Horizon League champion Oakland, as they aim to keep their momentum going.
## UNC Cruises Past Wagner
UNC left no room for doubt in their matchup against Wagner, cruising to a 90-62 victory. Armando Bacot was instrumental in the win, scoring 20 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Jae'Lyn Withers also stepped up, scoring a season-high 16 points.
The win brings UNC's NCAA games record in North Carolina to an impressive 35-2. Looking ahead, UNC will face Michigan State in what promises to be a highly anticipated contest.
## Social Media Buzz
The victories sparked excitement on social media, with fans and analysts alike sharing their thoughts on the performances. Travon Miles highlighted Kevin Keatts's milestone and NC State's growing momentum, while Maggie Casey showcased her support for UNC with enthusiastic "Go Heels all day" posts. The sentiment among fans is one of optimism, with one echoing the sentiment, "Everybody's got confidence now. Everybody."
## Looking Ahead
As the NCAA tournament progresses, these teams have set the tone for what is shaping up to be an unforgettable journey. With Duke, NC State, and UNC all advancing, the stage is set for more thrilling matchups and potentially history-making performances. The coming rounds will undoubtedly offer more excitement, as these teams continue to pursue the ultimate prize - the national championship.
