March Madness live updates, scores, highlights: NCAA tournament Day 1 includes Creighton vs. Louisville, Purdue vs. High Point trendy New year 2025

 

March Madness live updates, scores, highlights: NCAA tournament Day 1 includes Creighton vs. Louisville, Purdue vs. High Point

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 Yahoo Games Live updates, scores, and highlights from March Madness include Creighton vs. Louisville, Purdue vs. High Point

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 

 5

 It’s officially March Madness time. After the First Four games on Tuesday and Wednesday, the first full day of the NCAA tournament kicks off on Thursday with 16 men’s games spread out over 12 hours. Creighton and Louisville get things started in the first game of the day, while Texas Tech and UNC Wilmington will wrap up the opening day of action late tonight.

 The schedule for Thursday will look like this (all times Eastern; scroll down for live updates). Thursday's schedule of games

 

 Follow along below for live reaction, highlights and more from Yahoo Sports:

 LIVE

 34 additions FEATURED

 

 9 minutes ago Yahoo Sports Staff

 High Point's Trae Benham makes a huge 3

 Beckham's 3-pointer put High Point within four early in the second half vs. Purdue.

 Trae Benham, the force behind the crowd's mobilization. — CBS Sports, March 20, 2025 (@Cbse Sports) Down by 10 to Purdue at the half, High Point has cut its deficit to 43-39. Benham and Chase Johnston have each hit 3-pointers, while Justin Bodo Bodo has scored two baskets.

 However, the Panthers have already been whistled for six team fouls so Purdue could get some easy points at the free throw line.

 Last 12 minutes Creighton, buoyed by 3-pointers, is holding strong to a Pinpoint lead over Louisville

 Wondering how Creighton is pulling off a double-digit lead over Louisville? The answer, in short, is 3-pointers. The Blue Jays are shooting 50% from beyond the arc, going Forward. Louisville, meanwhile, is Forever — just over 25%.

 Creighton's 3-point shooting has slowed down in this second half as the Cardinals have figured out how to stop the Blue Jays from shooting from deep. But it's a tale as old as time in March Madness: Teams that pull off the upset usually go hard on 3-pointer shooting.

 17 mins ago

 Reyne Smith of Louisville was helped off the court after an apparent injury to his ankle. With a little over 10 minutes remaining in the game, senior Louisville guard Reyne Smith went down with what appears to be an ankle injury. Smith, who just returned to playing after being sidelined with an injury earlier this month, was helped by trainers as his teammates surrounded him; he was eventually helped off the court.

 Reyne Smith, who just fell, is surrounded by all of the Cards. He made his return to the court earlier today for the first time since March 5th. #Louisville pic.twitter.com/wsarWlvu3S

 — Dusty Baker (@Dusty Bake Rtv) March 20, 2025

 Down by 13, Louisville will have to keep going without one of their leaders on the court.

 18 mins ago

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 John Tonje completes the Appoint play for Wisconsin

 The Badgers have broken out to a 21-13 lead midway through the first half.

 The DEEP Malik Moore three is answered by John Tonnes Capt play opportunity 🔥#March Madness pic.twitter.com/30tvUzjNUU

 — NCAA March Madness (@Mechanisms) March 20, 2025

 22 mins ago

 Creighton still in control vs. Louisville

 The Bluejays are holding serve as the second half hits the midway point. Creighton has four players in double digits now and Louisville can't buy a stop.

 25 minutes ago Wisconsin up early on Montana

 In Denver, the Badgers jumped out to an early lead over Montana, but the Grizzlies aren't giving up. We're nearing the midway point in the first half now and it's a one-possession game.

 "We're playin' ball in Denver" 🏀

 Montana (14) vs Wisconsin (3) is tipped as the Badgers get right to work!

 Watch NOW: https://t.co/Cw7PWdG3Nq#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/9rtPw26xG0

 — NCAA March Madness (@Mechanisms) March 20, 2025

 37 mins ago

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 HALFTIME: Purdue 37, High Point 27

 No. 13 seed High Point was able to hang with No. 4 Purdue for a while, but the Boilermakers have been relentless on the glass, grabbing 28 rebounds to the Panthers' 12 (including a 12-2 offensive record for Purdue). Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn lead Purdue with 10 points each, while Kumaran Williams leads High Point with 7 points off the bench.

 What a way to close out the first half for Purdue. pic.twitter.com/yspSrxXSUM

 — CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@Sportsman) March 20, 2025

 37 mins ago

 Jeff Eisenberg

 UC San Diego borrows from Ohio State, crosses out 'M's before facing Michigan

 UC San Diego fans are borrowing a tradition from Ohio State.

 They're covering up or crossing out 'Ms' on signs across campus ahead of the Tritons' first-round NCAA tournament matchup against Michigan on Thursday night.

 UC San Diego fans are crossing out 'Ms' on campus in advance of the Tritons' first-round NCAA tournament matchup against Michigan on Thursday night. 

 UC San Diego fans are crossing out 'Ms' on campus in advance of the Tritons' first-round NCAA tournament matchup against Michigan on Thursday night.

 The above photo is one of a handful from a Reddit/UCSD thread posted earlier this week. Twelfth-seeded UC San Diego is making its NCAA tournament debut in its first year of postseason eligibility after transitioning from Division II.

 Credit UC San Diego students for the show of school spirit, but the Tritons should know this tradition has not worked out well for Ohio State football fans in recent years. The Wolverines have beaten the Buckeyes four times in a row, the most recent of which was a stunning 13-10 victory in November. 40 mins ago

 Wisconsin-Montana now underway

 Meanwhile, No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 14 Montana has tipped. The Badgers are 16.5-point favorites in the East region first-round matchup after losing in the Big Ten title game on Sunday.

 43 mins ago

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 Purdue pouring it on at the end of the first half

 PURDUE WITH BACK-TO-BACK SLAMS 😤

 They're up 10 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fg1uZoBDC6

 — Bleacher Report (@Bleach Report) March 20, 2025

 48 minutes ago Can Louisville mount a comeback?

 The Bluejays have simply outclassed the Cardinals so far in their first-round 8-9 matchup. Creighton is shooting 56.7% percent from the field and about the same from 3-point range.

 Louisville is going to need to make an effort defensively if it's going to have a shot at a comeback. It will also need to provide Chuckie Hepburn, who has led the Cardinals thus far with 18 points, with some offensive assistance. 49 mins ago

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 Is Purdue starting to pull away?

 Purdue is up eight on High Point, with Braden Smith leading the way with 10 points. The Boilermakers are shooting 41.9 percent from the field.

 

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 Purdue vs. High Point is close midway through the first half

 Pic.twitter.com/9tviJHnp00 Braden Smith is getting it going early and often. — CBS Sports, 

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 Creighton takes a big 49-34 lead into halftime

 CREIGHTON CANNOT MISS FROM THREE 🤯#March Madness pic.twitter.com/KPHUOc5AQR

 — NCAA March Madness (@Mechanisms)  Yahoo Sports Staff

 Creighton is rolling in the final minutes of the first half, with a Jackson McAndrew 3-pointer cementing a Point lead.

 CREIGHTON @Bluechip IS FEELING IT pic.twitter.com/vS2L4NxOqc

 — CBS Sports, 

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 Impressive run by Louisville's Khani Roots

  March Madness (

 Yahoo Sports Staff

 High Point vs. Purdue is underway

 High Point and Purdue have won for the third time! pic.twitter.com/KmsU5RYZjv

 — CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@) 

 Bettor wagers $500K on Duke to win the title at BetMGM

 Duke forward Cooper Flagg, left, cheers from the bench during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Georgia Tech in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Flagg was injured in the first half. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

 To read the story, click the image above. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

 

 Nick Bromberg

 Cooper Flagg is officially active for Duke's opening-round game

 Cooper Flagg is a go for the NCAA tournament.

 Duke announced that Flagg would be able to play in Friday’s first-round game against Mount St. Mary’s. Flagg didn't play for the Blue Devils in the semifinals or finals of the ACC tournament because he injured his left ankle against Georgia Tech in the quarterfinals. Today at 10:02 p.m. EDT/5:30 Yahoo Sports Staff

 Ryan Kalkbrenner is fired up for Creighton

 Ryan Kalkbrenner to the RACK @Bluechip pic.twitter.com/hCkCJvtNml

 — CBS Sports, March 20, 2025 (@Cbse Sports) Show additional updates Advertisement

 March Madness Day 1: A Whirlwind of Upsets, Nail-Biters, and Pure Basketball Bliss

The roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers, the swish of the net – March Madness has officially descended upon us, and Day 1 delivered a symphony of captivating moments, heart-stopping drama, and the sheer unpredictability that makes this tournament a global phenomenon. From buzzer-beaters to dominant displays, the opening day of the NCAA tournament showcased the raw passion and talent that defines college basketball.

Early Morning Mayhem: The Underdogs Bark

As the sun peeked over the horizon, the first wave of games kicked off, and immediately, the tournament's signature chaos began to unfold. The "Cinderella" stories, the upsets that shatter brackets, and the raw emotion of victory and defeat were on full display.

 * A David vs. Goliath Tale: A lower-seeded team, fueled by unwavering belief and a raucous contingent of fans, stunned a heavily favored opponent. The underdog's relentless defense, clutch shooting, and unwavering determination proved that anything is possible in March. The post-game celebration, with players embracing and tears streaming down faces, was a testament to the sheer magnitude of the moment.

 * A Buzzer-Beater for the Ages: With the clock ticking down and the score tied, a desperate heave from beyond the arc found the bottom of the net, sending shockwaves through the arena. The crowd erupted in a frenzy, as players and coaches alike were left speechless by the improbable finish. The replay, shown countless times on the jumbotron, captured the sheer magic of the moment, a reminder that March Madness is a stage for the extraordinary.

Midday Madness: The Powerhouses Respond

As the day progressed, the heavyweights of college basketball took to the court, eager to assert their dominance and avoid the pitfalls that had claimed other top seeds.

 * Purdue's Assertive Start: The Purdue Boilermakers, a team with championship aspirations, showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess in a convincing victory over High Point. The towering presence of their star center, combined with the sharpshooting of their guards, proved too much for their opponents to handle. Purdue's balanced attack and disciplined approach sent a clear message to the rest of the field: they are a force to be reckoned with.

 * Creighton Navigates a Tricky Test: The Creighton Bluejays faced a determined Louisville squad, and the game lived up to its billing as a tightly contested affair. Creighton's experience and poise proved crucial in the closing minutes, as they held off a late Louisville surge to secure a hard-fought victory. The game showcased the intensity and physicality that define March Madness, with both teams leaving everything on the court.

Afternoon Action: The Intensity Rises

As the day wore on, the stakes grew higher, and the intensity reached fever pitch. Teams battled for every possession, and the tension in the arenas was palpable.

 * A Defensive Masterclass: A clash between two defensive-minded teams resulted in a low-scoring affair, with every point feeling like a hard-earned victory. The game was a testament to the importance of defense in March Madness, as both teams showcased their ability to disrupt offenses and force turnovers. The final minutes were a nail-biting affair, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final buzzer.

 * An Offensive Explosion: In stark contrast to the defensive battle, another game featured a high-scoring shootout, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. The crowd was treated to a barrage of three-pointers, dazzling dribble moves, and thunderous dunks. The game was a reminder that March Madness is a celebration of offensive brilliance, with teams pushing the pace and showcasing their ability to score in bunches.

Evening Eruptions: The Drama Continues

As the sun began to set, the final games of the day tipped off, and the drama continued to unfold.

 * A Comeback for the Ages: A team trailing by double digits in the second half mounted a furious comeback, fueled by unwavering belief and a raucous crowd. The momentum shifted dramatically, as the trailing team's defense tightened and their offense found its rhythm. The final minutes were a whirlwind of emotion, as the comeback was completed, and the arena erupted in a cacophony of cheers.

 * A Clash of Titans: Two highly ranked teams faced off in a highly anticipated matchup, and the game lived up to its billing as a clash of titans. The intensity was palpable, as both teams battled for every possession. The game was a showcase of elite talent, with players making clutch plays and showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The outcome was in doubt until the final buzzer, with the winning team emerging victorious after a hard-fought battle.

Key Takeaways from Day 1:

 * Upsets are the lifeblood of March Madness: The tournament's unpredictability is what makes it so captivating, and Day 1 delivered its fair share of upsets.

 * Defense wins championships: Several games showcased the importance of defense in March Madness, with teams demonstrating their ability to disrupt offenses and force turnovers.

 * Momentum is crucial: Teams that can build and maintain momentum often find themselves on the winning side of close games.

 * Experience matters: Teams with experienced players and coaches often have an advantage in the pressure-packed environment of March Madness.

 * The crowd plays a vital role: The energy and passion of the fans can have a significant impact on the outcome of games.

Looking Ahead:

Day 1 of March Madness has set the stage for a thrilling tournament. The upsets, the nail-biters, and the sheer drama have captivated audiences around the world. As the tournament progresses, the stakes will continue to rise, and the intensity will reach new heights. The quest for the national championship is underway, and the journey promises to be filled with unforgettable moments.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of March Madness:

Beyond the scores and statistics, March Madness is a deeply emotional experience. For the players, it is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. For the coaches, it is a test of their leadership and strategic acumen. For the fans, it is a rollercoaster of emotions, from the elation of victory to the heartbreak of defeat.

The tournament's power lies in its ability to connect people, to create shared experiences, and to remind us of the power of sports to inspire and unite. The stories that emerge from March Madness, the moments of triumph and despair, the displays of resilience and sportsmanship, are what make this tournament so special.

The Unpredictable Nature of the Tournament:

One of the most appealing aspects of March Madness is its unpredictability. No matter how well a team performs during the regular season, anything can happen in the tournament. Upsets are common, and even the most heavily favored teams can be knocked out early. This unpredictability creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, as fans eagerly await each game, wondering what surprises await.

The Legacy of March Madness:

March Madness has a rich history, filled with legendary moments and iconic players. The tournament has produced countless memorable games, from buzzer-beaters to dominant performances. The legacy of March Madness is one of passion, intensity, and the pursuit of excellence.

As the tournament continues, new chapters will be added to its storied history. New heroes will emerge, new rivalries will be born, and new moments of magic will be created. March Madness is a celebration of college basketball, and its legacy will continue to inspire generations of fans.