March Madness: Top performers from day one of the 2018 NCAA Tournament

The first day of March Madness provided the upsets and buzzer beaters that fans love about the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. Which performances stood out the most?

On the first day of basketball Christmas, Santa delivered plenty of presents. These were the top performances from day one of the NCAA Tournament.

Rob Gray

The Houston star turned in the best individual performance of day one, scoring 38 of the Cougars’ 67 points in a hard-fought win over San Diego State. Gray shot a blazing 12-25 from the field, including 4-6 from three, and weaved through the stout Aztec defense for the game-winning layup.

Buffalo

The Bulls not only pulled off the biggest upset of the day by knocking out popular Final Four pick Arizona (and ending the Pac-12’s season completely), but they dominated the Wildcats 89-68 and played with an endless amount of swagger.

Keenan Evans

It’s amazing how far this senior class for Texas Tech has come. The Red Raiders pulled out a 70-69 win against a tough Stephen F. Austin squad thanks to the heroics of Evans, who finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Loyola-Chicago

The first “upset” of the game (really, it should’ve been a pick ’em based), several Ramblers stepped up in their 64-62 win over Miami. From freshman Cameron Krutwig‘s impressive showing to Clayton Cluster‘s clutch jumper and a subsequent wink to the camera and Donte Ingram‘s game-winner, Loyola-Chicago proved their worth.

Alabama’s freshmen

Collin Sexton and John Petty combined for 45 points, six rebounds, and nine assists to lead the Crimson Tide to an 86-83 win over Virginia Tech. Alabama has the talent to give Villanova a run for their money in the second round.

Tennessee’s defense

The Vols shut down a good Wright State squad, limiting the Raiders 19-60 shooting from the field and 4-21 from distance in route to a 73-47 win. Tennessee is going to be a tough out for whoever they face.

Mike Daum

Today’s standout performer on a losing team. Daum dropped 27 points on Ohio State, but the trendy upset pick Jackrabbits could not pull out the win. Daum still got his moment to shine on the big stage though.

Rhode Island’s senior guards

E.C. Matthews and Jared Terrell held off a strong effort from Trae Young (28-5-7) by hitting several ice-water-in-the-veins shots to propel the Rams into a second-round date with Duke.

Next: 100 Best Players in the NCAA Tournament

There are 16 more games in store for tomorrow, so there will be plenty of chances for more madness.

Home/March Madness