VCU Stuns UNC in Upset; Duke Survives Scare

VCU Stuns UNC in Upset; Duke Survives Scare

The NCAA Tournament delivered immediate drama as VCU, the 11-seed, pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the 6-seed North Carolina Tar Heels. UNC let a massive 19-point lead slip away in the second half, a collapse that mirrors issues they faced all season long.

Tar Heels’ Collapse Stuns on Opening Night

North Carolina seemed in control, holding a commanding 19-point lead in the second half. However, everything unraveled in the final six minutes of regulation. College basketball analyst Sean Farnum pointed to persistent problems for UNC. “It’s the problem that they had all season long,” Farnum stated. “It’s their inability to contain the bounce and defend at the point of attack.” The Tar Heels were beaten off the dribble multiple times, and a crucial game-tying shot by VCU highlighted these defensive lapses. Adding to their woes, UNC struggled with inbounds plays, committing a 5-second violation late in the game. These execution errors in critical moments proved costly.

The absence of player Caleb Wilson was also noted. Farnum suggested that with Wilson healthy, UNC might have been a higher seed. “If Caleb Wilson’s healthy, they’re not in they’re not a six seed. They’re probably more like a three seed,” he explained. Despite injuries affecting other teams, Carolina couldn’t overcome their own issues. The standard at UNC, as coach Hubert Davis would attest, is high. Giving up 47 second-half points and scoring only eight in the final 12 minutes of the game made a victory impossible. “You’re not winning an NCAA tournament game when you give up 47 points in the second 20 minutes of a contest,” Farnum concluded.

VCU’s Resilience Shines Through

VCU head coach Phil Martelli Jr. described his team’s performance as a testament to their resilience. “This group has been resilient from the get-go,” Martelli Jr. said. He recalled a similar comeback earlier in the season against Utah State, where they overcame a 17-point deficit. “I knew then I was like this group has a resilience about them that that will let them be successful,” he added. This victory against North Carolina was a perfect example of that characteristic.

The win was also a significant family moment for Martelli Jr. His father, legendary coach Phil Martelli Sr., was in attendance. “It’s incredibly special,” the younger Martelli said of sharing the moment with his dad. He also highlighted the presence of his brother, brother-in-law, and his wife, whose own collegiate success (reaching a national championship game) provided a humorous post-game comment. “She said, ‘You know, it’s nice you won one game in the NCA tournament, but I went to the national championship game,'” he shared.

VCU now looks ahead to their next game against the winner of Illinois and Penn. Martelli Jr. noted that they intentionally played their game late to gain more rest. “We have to get refocused. We’ve been talking about this all March. You know, get refocused,” he stated. He emphasized the need for mental preparation for their next opponent, acknowledging that both Illinois and Penn are deserving tournament teams. This win marks VCU’s first tournament victory in 10 years.

Duke Escapes Upset Against 16-Seed

Meanwhile, Duke, a number one seed, faced an unexpected challenge, narrowly escaping an upset against a 16-seed. The Blue Devils won by six points or fewer, a rare occurrence for a top seed. Historically, only seven other number one seeds have had such close calls in the first round. Three of those seven teams lost their very next game, and just one went on to reach the Final Four.

Sean Farnum cautioned against viewing any NCAA Tournament game as a guaranteed win. “You could never walk into an NCAA tournament game and legitimately say outwardly that this is a cakewalk,” Farnum advised. He shared his own experience of losing in the first round with a talented team. The biggest concern for Duke, according to Farnum, is their defense. “That’s what they hung their hat on all season long,” he said. The absence of Patrick Gungba significantly impacts their defense, forcing them to rely on zone defense, which proved effective in the second half by forcing outside shots.

Looking ahead, Duke faces TCU, a team Farnum described as disruptive. “This is going to be a very difficult test against a very disruptive defensive team by the Hornfrogs of Jamie Dixon,” he warned. TCU has notable wins this season, including victories over Florida and Wisconsin, and close games against Texas Tech and Michigan.

Nebraska Achieves Historic First Tournament Win

Nebraska also celebrated a significant moment, securing their first-ever NCAA Tournament win. This victory is a culmination of a program-changing season for the Cornhuskers, who reached a top-five ranking earlier in the year and achieved a 20-0 start. “Finally able to put a one in front of that zero and eight now putting just a one there. Uh, it’s a big step forward,” Farnum commented on the historic win.

Coach Fred Hoiberg’s philosophy of ball-sharing was evident, with the team recording 20 assists on 28 made field goals. Despite a slow start from three-point range, going 0-for-5, they finished the game shooting 14-of-34 from beyond the arc. Player Rink Mass, who missed last season due to injury, contributed significantly with 11 points, seven assists, and rebounds, showcasing his versatility. Farnum noted that “Everybody understands their role and how they have to execute.”

Nebraska’s next challenge is against Vanderbilt, who reached the SEC Championship game. Farnum sees it as an intriguing matchup, noting that Vanderbilt is a hot team, but one Nebraska is capable of beating.

Source: NCAA Tournament Reaction 🍿 UNC out in Round 1, Duke rallies to avoid upset | SportsCenter (YouTube)