Winners and Losers from Day 1 of 2023 NCAA Tournament results

By Brian Emory | Mar 17, 2023

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 16: Garrett Hien #13 of the Furman Paladins steals a pass with 6.3 seconds remaining in their game against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 16, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Furman won 68-76. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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NCAA Tournament Ryan Langborg #3 of the Princeton Tigers blocks a shot by Courtney Ramey #0 of the Arizona Wildcats (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Winner #2: Princeton

The game was ugly, but that is the exact way Mitch Henderson wanted it.

Thursday afternoon’s matchup between the Princeton Tigers and Arizona Wildcats was the epitome of a low-scoring NCAA Tournament slobber-knocker that remained close throughout. Neither team could find a consistent rhythm, especially from deep. The two teams combined to shoot 7-41 on three-point attempts.

Occasionally it felt like the Wildcats were on the brink of pulling away for good. After only being up one point at the break, Arizona opened up a 10-point lead in the second half. While Princeton kept fighting back, the Wildcats still clung to a 55-50 lead with 4:45 remaining.

Then Arizona never scored again, and Princeton pulled away with a stunning 59-55 victory. Senior forward Tosan Evbuomwan led the Tigers with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.

https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1636490663868129280?s=20

Anytime a 15-seed beats a 2-seed it is a historic occasion, but this is the first time ever it has happened in three consecutive tournaments. Just a year ago, the Saint Peter’s Peacocks shockingly found themselves in the Elite 8 after stunning Kentucky in the Round of 64.

Perhaps 15-seeds keep making history and Princeton takes it a step further this year. It won’t be easy, but the Tigers will hope to prolong their stay at the NCAA Tournament Saturday when they clash with Missouri.

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