March Madness kicked off with a bang on the first day of the month, Saturday, as the games showcased thrilling finishes, standout performances, and some well-deserved trophies for several teams that secured conference titles.
In the SEC, Auburn claimed the outright league championship after achieving its first victory at Rupp arena since 1988 and benefiting from a heartbreaking loss by Alabama against Tennessee. In the Big 12, Houston maintained its home dominance against Cincinnati, securing back-to-back outright Big 12 titles. Simultaneously occurring, in the Big East, St. John’s captured its first outright conference title as 1985 with a victory over seton Hall. Additionally, in the Summit League, Omaha’s impressive win over Oral Roberts marked their first championship since moving to Division I in 2011.
Bucknell and American tied for the Patriot League regular-season title with Bucknell winning the tiebreaker to secure the No. 1 seed in their conference tournament.
This was just a glimpse of all that transpired on this exciting day. Elsewhere,
Chucky Hepburn,
Eric Dixon and Tarris Reed delivered remarkable individual performances contributing to important team victories. On another note,
Kentucky’s season took an unfortunate turn with both an on-court loss and injuries affecting their roster. And when it comes to drama,
buzzer-beaters added excitement to several games — who doesn’t enjoy an exhilarating buzzer-beater?
Our team of experts provide all details about this thrilling day with a recap below.
Sports Winner: Auburn clinches outright SEC title
auburn ended a streak of 20 consecutive road losses against Kentucky while also securing an SEC title as they defeated No. 17 Wildcats by a score of 94-78 for their inaugural win at Rupp Arena since ’88.
Miles Kelly led his team with an impressive season-high tally of thirty points despite national player-of-the-year candidate
Johni Broome
finishing onyl nine points on three-of-nine shooting.
The triumph further solidified Auburn’s position as projected No.
one seed for NCAA Tournament while showcasing depth within their squad now boasting records of twenty-seven wins two losses (fifteen wins one loss SEC). —Dav id Cobb
Spoiler Alert: Texas’ season is nearing conclusion
the final blow dealt Texas’ aspirations for NCAA Tournament qualification came during their home game against Georgia where they faced another bubble contender needing victory desperately; trailing by seventeen points at halftime resulted ultimately leading them down into defeat losing eighty-three sixty-seven versus Bulldogs.
This marks Texas’ inaugural year competing within SEC which appears likely ending without making it into tournament field—first time missing out as two thousand nineteen—while coach Rodney Terry’s seat might potentially be heating up even more.—Cameron Salerno
Spoiler Alert: St.John’s captures outright Big East crown
A seventy-one sixty-one home triumph over Seton Hall secured St.John’s (No seven) its second-ever unshared regular-season championship within Big East—first such achievement as nineteen eighty-five.
Coach Rick Pitino donned all-white attire during this victorious effort marking penultimate game before postseason play begins under his leadership entering second year coaching program.
“I believe you develop desire towards winning,” Pitino stated postgame interview CBS News outlet adding further insight regarding mindset surrounding competition stating how losing isn’t taken lightly among players involved saying next morning brings possibility improve rather than dismissing defeats casually.”
The Johnnies have avoided feeling pressure lately boasting record standing twenty-six four overall seventeen two league play heading into final matchup—a road trip visiting Marquette next Saturday before postseason action commences. —Kyle Boone
Spoiler Alert:Iowa State achieves notable win defeating Arizona
iowa State managed maintain control throughout most parts despite Arizona attempting rally back during latter half resulting ultimately concluding eighty-four sixty-seven outcome favoring Cyclones behind balanced offensive efforts displayed throughout contest following consecutive losses suffered previously Houston oklahoma State thus providing much-needed bounce-back performance facing one top-tier opponents present within league standings. —Cameron Salerno Spoiler Alert:TAMU struggles continue
TAMU has experienced downturn recently dropping last four contests including recent defeat suffered away from home against Florida where score read eighty-nine seventy amidst ongoing challenges faced closing out remaining schedule ahead featuring matchups versus number one ranked Auburn followed closely thereafter LSU away game concluding regular season campaign leaving Aggies currently tied sixth place heading towards upcoming tournaments commencing shortly thereafter. —Cameron Salerno Spoiler Alert:Bama falters late allowing opponent steal win via last-second shot
No six ranked Alabama squandered nine-point lead entering second half culminating unfortunate result falling seventy-nine seventy-six after failing adequately defend Jahmai Mashack who executed perfect shot just prior expiration clock signaling end regulation period resulting crushing defeat experienced Crimson Tide players involved throughout contest reflecting disappointment felt amongst coaching staff members alike expressing sentiments regarding missed opportunities presented late-game scenarios encountered earlier today.” – Boone
Spoiler Alert:TAMU struggles continue
TAMU has experienced downturn recently dropping last four contests including recent defeat suffered away from home against Florida where score read eighty-nine seventy amidst ongoing challenges faced closing out remaining schedule ahead featuring matchups versus number one ranked Auburn followed closely thereafter LSU away game concluding regular season campaign leaving Aggies currently tied sixth place heading towards upcoming tournaments commencing shortly thereafter. —Cameron Salerno No six ranked Alabama squandered nine-point lead entering second half culminating unfortunate result falling seventy-nine seventy-six after failing adequately defend Jahmai Mashack who executed perfect shot just prior expiration clock signaling end regulation period resulting crushing defeat experienced Crimson Tide players involved throughout contest reflecting disappointment felt amongst coaching staff members alike expressing sentiments regarding missed opportunities presented late-game scenarios encountered earlier today.” – Boone Spoiler Alert:Bama falters late allowing opponent steal win via last-second shot
