The NCAA tournament's Round of 64 got underway with several high-profile matchups, showcasing teams with storied histories and high rankings, including Duke, UNC, and NC State. Each team brought its own narrative into the tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling commencement to March Madness.
### **Duke Dominates Vermont**
Duke, entering the tournament seeded No. 4, faced Vermont, showcasing a dominant performance with a final score of 64-47. This victory was particularly notable as Duke had come off a two-game losing streak, which made some question their potential in the tournament. Historically, no team has claimed the national championship after losing their first conference tournament game, a statistic Duke aims to overturn.
Despite the team's collective success, Kyle Filipowski, one of Duke's standout players, had an unusually quiet game scoring only 3 points against Vermont. However, the balanced attack was evident as four starters managed to score in double figures, highlighting Duke's depth and ability to distribute scoring responsibilities. Additionally, Duke's defense was on full display, notably outscoring Vermont 20-2 at the free-throw line. Unfortunately, both teams faced challenges with injuries: Vermont's TJ Long left the game, and Duke's Caleb Foster was sidelined with a stress fracture. Looking ahead, Duke will face either Wisconsin or James Madison, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting matchup.
### **NC State's Historic Win**
NC State secured a victory against Texas Tech with an impressive 80-67 score. This win marked coach Kevin Keatts' first NCAA Tournament victory with NC State. Ben Middlebrooks emerged as a standout performer, scoring 21 points and contributing significantly to the Wolfpack's shooting efficiency, which was over 50% from the floor. This high-level performance has set the momentum for NC State, which will next face the Horizon League champion, Oakland. The upcoming games hold the promise of further showcasing NC State’s capabilities and potentially deepening their tournament run.
### **UNC's Strong Performance**
UNC faced Wagner and secured an emphatic 90-62 victory. Armando Bacot led the way with a commanding performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Jae'Lyn Withers also shone brightly, achieving a season-high 16 points. This victory extends UNC's impressive NCAA games record in North Carolina to 35-2, an enviable home-court advantage that has often inspired the team and its fans. Next, UNC is set to face Michigan State, a matchup that is anticipated to be a highlight of the next round.
### **Social Media Reactions**
The excitement of the NCAA tournament and the outstanding performances of the teams have not gone unnoticed on social media. Travon Miles highlighted Kevin Keatts's milestone with NC State, underlining the significant achievement and the positive momentum it brings to the team. Additionally, Maggie Casey expressed unwavering support for UNC with vibrant endorsements: "Go Heels all day." These sentiments capture the passion and enthusiasm surrounding college basketball, particularly during the fervor of March Madness.
### **Looking Ahead**
As the tournament progresses, the performances of Duke, NC State, and UNC have set a high bar. Each team has showcased its strengths, from Duke's resilience and team depth, NC State's efficiency and individual standout performances, to UNC's commanding wins and home-court dominance. The coming matchups promise to bring more excitement, as the teams vie for the coveted national championship. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but for these programs, confidence is high, and the support is unwavering. "Everybody's got confidence now. Everybody," encapsulates the atmosphere surrounding these teams as they advance through the bracket, bringing thrilling basketball action to fans around the country.
