March Madness 2025 kicked off with a bang on Day 1, delivering all the thrilling upsets, clutch performances, and jaw-dropping moments fans have come to expect from college basketball’s most electrifying tournament. As brackets around the country started to crumble, two unlikely programs, Drake and McNeese State, emerged as the biggest stories of the day, knocking off higher-seeded opponents in dramatic fashion. Here’s a full breakdown of all the key moments, scores, and highlights from Day 1 of March Madness 2025.
Drake Stuns Blue Blood: Topples Kentucky in Major Upset
One of the biggest shocks of March Madness 2025 came early in the day when No. 12 seed Drake Bulldogs upset No. 5 seed Kentucky Wildcats in a 74-69 thriller. Kentucky, known for its deep talent pool and storied history, struggled to find rhythm offensively against a tough and disciplined Drake squad.
Key Highlights:
- Drake’s star guard, Tucker DeVries, led the charge with 27 points, including a clutch 3-pointer with under a minute left.
- Kentucky’s top scorer, Reed Sheppard, was held to just 12 points, thanks to relentless perimeter defense.
- The Bulldogs out-rebounded the Wildcats 42-36 and forced 14 turnovers.
Drake’s victory is a testament to the unpredictable magic of March Madness 2025, where mid-majors can outplay the giants with heart, hustle, and precision.
McNeese State Pulls Off First-Ever NCAA Tournament Win
Equally astonishing was No. 14 seed McNeese State’s upset over No. 3 seed Baylor Bears, a perennial powerhouse. It marked McNeese’s first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, and they did it in style, winning 82-78 in overtime.
Game-Changing Moments:
- McNeese guard Shahada Wells exploded for 31 points and 6 assists, torching Baylor’s defense all game long.
- The Cowboys forced overtime with a buzzer-beating jumper from Christian Shumate.
- Baylor missed crucial free throws down the stretch, going just 10-of-18 from the line.
With this win, McNeese instantly became the Cinderella story of March Madness 2025, drawing national attention and wrecking millions of brackets.
Other Day 1 Scores and Notable Games
While the Drake and McNeese upsets stole headlines, March Madness 2025 Day 1 was loaded with action across all regions.
Top Seeds Hold Strong:
- No. 1 seed Purdue cruised past No. 16 Norfolk State with a 95-65 win. Zach Edey recorded a dominant double-double (24 points, 14 rebounds).
- No. 1 seed UConn defeated No. 16 Howard 88-71 behind a balanced attack and hot shooting from deep.
Nail-Biting Finishes:
- No. 7 seed Iowa State survived a scare against No. 10 seed USC, winning 72-70 thanks to a late steal and layup by Tamin Lipsey.
- No. 8 seed Arizona narrowly escaped No. 9 seed Memphis in overtime, 85-83.
Each of these games added to the excitement and unpredictability that defines March Madness 2025, keeping fans glued to their screens.
Bracket Busters and Shifting Projections
With Drake and McNeese State pulling off major upsets, the landscape of the March Madness 2025 bracket has already shifted. Many fans who picked favorites like Kentucky and Baylor to go deep are now scrambling.
Key Impact:
- Drake advances to face the winner of Miami vs. VCU, a matchup that now seems more open than ever.
- McNeese’s path includes a second-round clash against San Diego State, setting up another potential shocker.
The early shakeups highlight the volatility of March Madness 2025, a tournament where seedings often mean little once the games tip off.
Player of the Day: Shahada Wells (McNeese State)
In a day filled with standout performances, Shahada Wells stole the show. His 31-point explosion, leadership in crunch time, and fearless attack of the rim were instrumental in McNeese’s historic win.
Wells’ Stats:
- FG: 12/18
- 3PT: 4/7
- FT: 3/4
- Steals: 3
Wells has now etched his name into March Madness 2025 lore, becoming a national sensation overnight.
Social Media Eruption: Fans React to Upsets
Social media was ablaze throughout Day 1 of March Madness 2025, with fans and analysts alike reacting to the chaos.
Trending Hashtags:
- #DrakeMadness
- #McNeeseMiracle
- #BracketBusted
- #MarchMadness2025
From memes about blown brackets to praise for underdog grit, the online buzz only adds to the cultural phenomenon of March Madness 2025.
Coaches’ Reactions: Respect for Underdogs
Post-game interviews provided a glimpse into the mindset of coaches and players after a wild Day 1.
Coach Darian DeVries (Drake):
“We came here to win, not just participate. Our guys believe in themselves, and today they showed the nation what we’re capable of.”
Coach Will Wade (McNeese State):
“This is why we play the game. Our players fought for every possession, and we made history tonight. We’re not done yet.”
Such comments reinforce the intensity and ambition present throughout March Madness 2025, especially among teams looking to shock the world.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 Matchups to Watch
As Day 1 wraps up, March Madness 2025 rolls on with more excitement on the horizon.
Must-Watch Games:
- No. 6 seed Texas vs. No. 11 seed Michigan State: A clash of power conferences.
- No. 4 seed Duke vs. No. 13 seed Vermont: Potential for another upset.
- No. 2 seed Kansas vs. No. 15 seed Grand Canyon: Kansas aims to avoid the fate of Baylor.
Fans are eager to see if more underdogs will rise or if the favorites can steady the ship.
Statistical Leaders Day 1
The numbers tell part of the story for March Madness 2025.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahada Wells | McNeese State | 31 | 5 | 6 |
| Tucker DeVries | Drake | 27 | 7 | 3 |
| Zach Edey | Purdue | 24 | 14 | 2 |
| RJ Davis | UNC | 22 | 4 | 5 |
These standout performances fueled the excitement and set the tone for the rest of March Madness 2025.
Final Thoughts: March Madness 2025 Delivers on Day 1
If Day 1 is any indication, March Madness 2025 promises to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting tournaments in recent memory. With upsets from Drake and McNeese shaking up the bracket and igniting fan frenzy, the tournament’s opening day was a reminder of why this event captures the imagination of sports lovers everywhere.
From buzzer-beaters to breakout stars, March Madness 2025 Day 1 had it all—and with many games still to come, the madness is just beginning.