Full Breakdown
March Madness 2026: First Round Highlights and Upsets
3/21/2026, 5:48:00 PM
Key Upsets and Performances
The first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, showcased several thrilling upsets and standout performances. Notably, No. 12 High Point achieved a historic victory by defeating No. 5 Wisconsin 83-82, thanks to a last-second layup by Chase Johnston, who scored 14 points in the game. This marked High Point's first NCAA tournament win in school history. Head coach Flynn Clayman emphasized the need for mid-major teams to compete against higher-ranked programs during the regular season, stating, "Looks pretty obvious to me that high-majors need to play mid-majors during the season."
Another significant upset occurred when No. 11 VCU overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat No. 6 North Carolina 82-78 in overtime. Terrence Hill Jr. led VCU with 34 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final moments of overtime. This comeback was noted as one of the largest in NCAA tournament history, with VCU's coach Phil Martelli Jr. praising his team's resilience.
Notable Performances and Records
In addition to the upsets, several players delivered remarkable performances. Tarris Reed Jr. of No. 2 UConn dominated against No. 15 Furman, scoring 31 points and grabbing 27 rebounds, leading his team to an 82-71 victory. Reed's performance was pivotal, especially as UConn faced challenges with injuries to key players.
Kansas, the No. 4 seed, also advanced with a 68-60 win over No. 13 California Baptist, where Darryn Peterson scored 28 points. Meanwhile, No. 5 Purdue showcased their offensive prowess in a 104-71 rout of No. 15 Queens, with Braden Smith scoring 26 points and breaking the NCAA career assist record.
Competitive Landscape
The tournament saw a mix of expected outcomes and surprising results. While top seeds like No. 1 Arizona and No. 1 Michigan advanced comfortably, the performance of mid-major teams like High Point and VCU highlighted the unpredictability of March Madness. Duke, a No. 1 seed, faced a challenge against No. 16 Siena but ultimately secured a 71-65 victory, marking the first time a No. 1 seed trailed by double digits at halftime against a No. 16 seed.
Official Statements and Responses
Following the first round, various coaches and players reflected on their experiences. Hubert Davis, head coach of North Carolina, expressed disappointment over his team's early exit, stating, "I really wanted this group and these kids to experience more." In contrast, VCU's coach celebrated the team's comeback, emphasizing their character and determination.
What's Next
As the tournament progresses, teams will prepare for the second round, where matchups will include UConn facing UCLA and Kansas taking on St. John's. The excitement of March Madness continues as teams vie for a chance at the championship, with fans eagerly anticipating the next wave of surprises and standout performances.
