First Round of NCAA Tournaments Showcases Key Matchups and Potential Upsets

Men's and women's basketball tournaments begin with standout performances, underdog stories, and anticipated player returns.

The 2025 NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments are underway, with early games featuring top-seeded teams and potential upsets.
Colorado State, a 12th seed in the men's bracket, is favored to upset 5th-seeded Memphis, while analysts highlight UNC as another underdog to watch.
Duke's Cooper Flagg is expected to return from injury, boosting the team's chances in their first-round matchup against Mount St. Mary’s.
On the women's side, top teams like South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas are seen as championship contenders, with JuJu Watkins drawing significant attention.
Highlighted women's matchups include Michigan vs. Iowa State and Ole Miss vs. Ball State, with potential upsets from teams like Harvard and Murray State.