Friday’s action created the scene for some compelling NCAA Tournament matches. Although there are still 16 games left in the first round to play on Saturday, we at least have an idea of who will play the duel for the right to make the Sweet 16.
Among the most convincing meetings is a duel between Illinois, No. 1 and Loyola Chicago, No. 8. The Ramblers won 71-60 over Georgia Tech, No. 8, while Illinois won Drexel 78-49.
A few Cinderella groups also have decent chances of advancing to the Sweet 16 on Sunday after unlikely wins on Friday. 15-seeded Oral Roberts tops the list, beating the upset of the day by the Ohio no. The Eagles will play the No. 7 seeded Florida on Sunday.
All in all, the Friday movie had comebacks, exciting finishes and some upheaval. Here are some take-away from the action, including a look at some more underdogs that did well.
North Texas shines
North Texas got cold at the end of the regular season, losing three games in a row in the conference U.S. tournament. Once there, the Mean Green got underway by winning four straight to secure the league’s automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament. That role continued in a monumental manner on Friday night when North Texas knocked out the No. 4-seeded Purdue 78-69 in overtime for the first NCAA Tournament victory in the program. The win means the Mean Green will be presented on Sunday against number 5 seeded Villanova.
Normally, this would be a tough match for an American conference group. But it has been well documented that Villanova is trying to find his way without star guard Collin Gillespie. The Wildcats came past Winthrop 73-63 on Friday, but they are still adjusting without their leader, and North Texas will deliver a Test.
Oregon’s role continues
North Texas was not the only championship tournament that could overcome the momentum gained last week to a solid first day in the Big Dance. After going through a trio of solid opponents in the Pac-12 tournament, Oregon kicked off No. 5 seed Tennessee 70-56 for the first victory of the program in the NCAA tournament since 1982.
The Beavers will go from one orange fight to another as they now have to tackle the No. 4 seeded Oklahoma State in the second round. But if recent results are an indication, the state of Oregon must be ready for the challenge.
Rutgers making history
Rutgers was robbed of his NCAA tournament chance last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Scarlet Knights are finally back in the Big Dance for the first time in thirty years this season and it looks like they want to stay. They won a 60-56 victory over Clemson, No. 7, on Friday and advanced through Sunday to play second-seeded Houston. The win was the first of the program in the NCAA Tournament since 1983, and Rutgers may not be finished yet. After navigating the glove of Big Ten play, the group will not be intimidated to see the Cougars in a second round.
2021 NCAA Tournament TV Schedule
CBS Sports will be with you all Friday to update this story with the latest from every game in the first round on Friday. Keep it closed here for scores, analyzes and highlights throughout the evening.