The Round of 64 in the NCAA tournament kicked off with thrilling matchups featuring powerhouse teams such as Duke, UNC, and NC State. Each team entered their respective games with a unique backstory and left with memorable victories that set the stage for their journey ahead in the tournament.
### Duke Dominates Vermont
Despite entering the tournament on the heels of a two-game losing streak, Duke showcased why they are a force to be reckoned with, triumphing over Vermont with a decisive 64-47 victory. This win is particularly notable considering no team has ever clinched the national championship after losing their first conference tournament game, a challenge Duke is now set to overcome as the No. 4 seed.
The game was a team effort with four starters from Duke scoring in double figures, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the squad. However, Kyle Filipowski, one of Duke's standout players, had a surprisingly quiet night, scoring only 3 points against Vermont. Regardless, Duke's performance was strong enough to secure a victory and set them up for their next challenge against either Wisconsin or James Madison.
Vermont's Shamir Bogues put up a valiant effort, scoring 18 points, but Duke's overwhelming advantage at the free-throw line, outscoring Vermont 20-2, showcased their dominance. Despite the win, Duke's victory was not without its challenges, as Caleb Foster was sidelined with a stress fracture, and Vermont's TJ Long left the game due to an injury.
### NC State's Historic Victory
For NC State, their win against Texas Tech was more than just a game; it marked coach Kevin Keatts' first NCAA Tournament victory with the team. NC State's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as they clinched an 80-67 victory, shooting an impressive 51% from the floor. Ben Middlebrooks was the standout player for NC State, scoring 21 points and catalyzing the team's triumph.
With this victory, NC State looks forward to facing the Horizon League champion Oakland in their next matchup. The team's momentum and confidence are at an all-time high, with the social media highlight by Travon Miles emphasizing the significance of Kevin Keatts's milestone.
### UNC Cruises Past Wagner
UNC also made their mark in the Round of 64, securing a comfortable 90-62 win against Wagner. Armando Bacot led the charge with a dominant performance, scoring 20 points and snagging 15 rebounds. Jae'Lyn Withers also had an exceptional game, scoring a season-high 16 points, which contributed significantly to the team's success.
Next on the agenda for UNC is a highly anticipated clash with Michigan State. The team's remarkable track record in NCAA games hosted in North Carolina, now improved to 35-2, bodes well for their upcoming match. Fan support, as expressed by Maggie Casey with her enthusiastic "Go Heels all day" declaration, underscores the community’s rallying behind the team.
### Conclusion
As the NCAA tournament progresses, the victories by Duke, NC State, and UNC not only advance them further into the competition but also set an electrifying tone for what's to come. Each team has showcased their prowess, resilience, and determination to vie for the ultimate prize. With their next matchups set, the excitement only builds as fans and players alike anticipate the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead in their quest for the national championship. The sentiment shared, "Everybody's got confidence now. Everybody," encapsulates the prevailing mood – a mix of optimism, excitement, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
