The first day of the NCAA Tournament is in the books and College Basketball fans got exactly what they were looking for with an electric day of games. The day gave us some incredible upsets, plenty of exciting finishes, and some massive storylines with a few coaches heading into the offseason.
As always, some teams, coaches, and players seized the moment moving on to the 2nd round, while others crumbled under the bright lights ending their season with a sour taste in their mouths. So, who made a statement, and who fell flat on the big stage? Let’s break down the biggest winners and losers from Day 1 of the Big Dance:
Losers:
3. Pat Kelsey - Louisville
Leading up to the NCAA Tournament, Louisville fans threw a fit over the fact that they felt they deserved to be much higher than an 8 seed. The Cardinals then showed up for what was practically a home game flat getting in a 15 point hole to end the first half. Pat Kelsey's game plan did not work out as Creighton hit open three after open three. The loss now moves Kelsey to 0-5 in the NCAA Tournament in his career but, the biggest loss may come as everyone trolls him over his height.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
When the scoreboard showed Gonzaga was beating Georgia 30-5 with 11 minutes left in the first half, the game was all but, over for the Bulldogs. Nothing went right for Georgia while everything went right for Gonzaga as they shot 60% from three and 55% from the field while Georgia shot 19.2% and 35.0%. The biggest reason Georgia is a loser is the fact that the NCAA Tournament Committee clearly miss-seeded Gonzaga putting Georgia up against one of the best teams in the Country.
1. Bill Self - Kansas
In back-to-back seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks have entered the season with the top ranked team and didn't survive the first weekend of the tournament. For the third straight year, Kansas hasn't made a Sweet Sixteen which is the longest stretch of Bill Self's tenure at Kansas while this was the first time in Bill Self's tenure that Kansas was a one-and-done. Kansas will have to rebuild the roster this offseason but, some pressure may start to mount on Self.
Winners:
3. Drake
For the first time since 1971, the Drake Bulldogs have won a game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs had lost four straight first round games but, they snap the streak against Missouri. Bennett Stirtz was electric for the Bulldogs constantly score while dishing out some incredible lobs. The Bulldogs will have a tough matchup against Texas Tech but, as the Red Raiders showed cracks, Drake will have a chance to pull off the upset.
2. John Calipari - Arkansas
After getting embarrassed in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament by Oakland, John Calipari badly needed to win to kick off the NCAA Tournament. Not only does John Calipari get a win but, he beats Bill Self and Kansas in a game where the Razorbacks got Boogie Fland back from injury. After starting 0-5 in SEC play it looked like Arkansas may miss the NCAA Tournament but, to get a win in his first year at Arkansas is a great result for Arkansas even though their run isn't over.
1. Will Wade - McNeese
While NC State has reached an agreement with Will Wade, he won't be the coach of the NC State Wolfpack for at least a few days. Coming into this matchup against Clemson, the biggest talking point was McNeese's disadvantage inside but, that didn't show up in this game as McNeese outrebounded Clemson while grabbing 18 rebounds. Wade is set to leave McNeese but, he's rewarded the school that took a chance on him by winning the program's first ever NCAA Tournament game.
Will Wade is very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, excited. pic.twitter.com/FmyBAXfVml
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 20, 2025