Top 5 moments from Day One of 2023 NCAA Tournament
By Elijah Campbell
Maryland starts off the day with back and forth win over West Virginia
The massive slate of games started with the Maryland Terrapins squeaking out a thrilling win over the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Maryland got out to a rough start, as they committed six turnovers and scored only four points in the first nine minutes of the game but came back to make for a memorable tournament opener.
Both teams went on to be tied nine times and experienced 11 lead changes throughout the game. Maryland finally gained a multiple possession lead at 1:36 whenever Jahmir Young’s two free throws gave the Terps a 65-61 lead. West Virginia made it back to the line to cut it to two with just over a minute left.
The Mountaineers got an extra lifeline when Young committed a turnover with less than 30 seconds remaining. Tre Mitchell’s layup on the ensuing possession cut the WVU deficit to one with only eight seconds remaining. Young was promptly fouled on the inbounds but split two free throws with four seconds left. Kedrian Johnson’s three-pointer at the buzzer was no good, giving Maryland a win and a ticket to the second round where they will face Alabama.
It was a fun game and the perfect way to tip off a 16-game slate that was packed with upsets and close match-ups.