The 2024 males’s bracket is right down to 48 groups, and Kentucky isn’t considered one of them. This evident absence is only one headline for a match that is already residing as much as the March Insanity identify: 4 double-digit seeds superior in a collection of upsets. We nonetheless have 16 video games to go within the first spherical. Let’s take a fast take a look at how Thursday’s video games affect every area’s method ahead.
East area: No. 11-seed Duquesne’s dream run continued with an upset of 6-seed BYU and Washington State gained its first NCAA match recreation since 2008 — however Illinois and Iowa State stay the favorites to satisfy in a Candy 16 matchup between the No. 2 offense within the nation (the Illini) and the No. 2 protection within the nation (the Cyclones). Terrence Shannon Jr. is perhaps enjoying higher than any guard in faculty basketball proper now, however Iowa State has held 9 straight opponents to fewer than one level per possession. — Jeff Borzello
South area: We’ll have a double-digit seed within the Candy 16. No. 11 seed NC State carried over its momentum from the ACC match to beat 6-seed Texas Tech, and 14-seed Oakland shocked the game by knocking off 3-seed Kentucky. Do not depend out Greg Kampe and the Golden Grizzlies, both. I do not assume Jack Gohlke will hit 10 3s once more, however this can be a battle-tested group. The underside half of the bracket additionally opens up a bit. Does Marquette’s — or Florida’s — street to the Elite Eight get simpler? — Jeff Borzello
Midwest area: You possibly can name the Midwest the quiet area. Barely. Kansas performed itself into some nervous moments in opposition to 13-seed Samford, however the Jayhawks, Tennessee, Creighton and each different favourite not named South Carolina superior. No. 11 Oregon took the Gamecocks’ spot, and now Thursday’s winners eagerly await the anticipated arrival of Purdue. Issues did not go so nicely the final time the Boilermakers had been a No. 1 seed within the spherical of 64. Assuming Matt Painter’s group fares higher this 12 months, the main target can be on Purdue’s opponent within the spherical of 32. Will it’s Utah State or TCU? — John Gasaway
West area: Along with his crew’s win over Mississippi State, Tom Izzo reached the second spherical of the NCAA match for the twentieth time in his profession. Michigan State excelled offensively (44% from the 3-point line) and defensively and is now extra clearly a risk to top-seed North Carolina (+3.5 favourite). The Spartans had been 2-5 of their previous seven video games coming into the NCAA match. On Thursday, nevertheless, they regarded just like the crew many anticipated them to be once they began the season as a preseason top-10 squad. — Myron Medcalf
Relive the day’s motion throughout the nation under, and return for day two of the primary spherical on Friday.