By Dex Monroe|March 22, 2026|March 22, 2026|3 min read|🤖 AI-assisted

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March Madness Day 3: Upsets, Highlights, and Who's Advancing

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March Madness Day 3: Upsets, Highlights, and Who's Advancing

The first weekend of March Madness delivered thrilling upsets and nail-biting finishes. Here's a recap of Day 3 and a look at which teams are poised for a deep run.

March Madness is in full swing, and Day 3 did not disappoint. As the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament continues, fans witnessed thrilling matchups, buzzer-beaters, and some shocking upsets that left brackets in shambles. With every game, the stakes are rising, and teams are battling not just for victory, but for their season’s survival. The day kicked off with a major upset as No. 10 seed Oklahoma State took down No. 7 seed Michigan State in a hard-fought contest that showcased the Cowboys' resilience. Led by standout performances from guard Avery Anderson, who scored a game-high 24 points, Oklahoma State's defense stifled the Spartans' offense, holding them to just 38% shooting. This victory not only boosts their confidence but also significantly improves their chances of making a deep run in the tournament, as they now face a favorable matchup in the next round. Meanwhile, No. 2 seed Kentucky survived a scare against No. 15 seed Colgate, narrowly escaping an upset with a 78-74 win. The Wildcats, with their star player Oscar Tshiebwe contributing a double-double, proved their mettle, but their inconsistency raises questions about how far they can go. As the competition stiffens, Kentucky needs to tighten their defense and find a more reliable scoring rhythm to move deeper into March Madness. The day’s biggest shocker came as top-seeded Gonzaga fell to No. 8 seed North Carolina in a stunning 85-80 overtime thriller. Gonzaga, a favorite to win it all, struggled to contain the Tar Heels' fast-paced offense and were ultimately outdone by a late three-pointer from Caleb Love. This defeat sends ripples through the tournament as Gonzaga, once seen as unbeatable, now heads home early. North Carolina’s victory not only propels them forward but also serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of March Madness. In another highlight, No. 3 seed Texas cruised past No. 14 seed Stephen F. Austin with a commanding 82-56 win. The Longhorns demonstrated their depth and versatility, with a balanced scoring attack that saw four players reach double figures. Their strong defensive effort and ability to capitalize on turnovers will be key as they advance to face a more formidable opponent in the next round. As the tournament progresses, several teams have emerged as potential dark horses. No. 11 seed Syracuse, after defeating No. 6 seed LSU, is making a strong case for a Cinderella story. With their signature 2-3 zone defense flummoxing opponents and a potent scoring attack led by Buddy Boeheim, the Orange are a team nobody wants to face. Looking ahead, the next round promises to be electrifying. Teams like Oklahoma State and North Carolina will face off against higher seeds, presenting an opportunity for more upsets and drama. The pressure will be on as each team vies for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16. As fans gear up for the next phase of March Madness, it’s clear that anything can happen in this unpredictable tournament. Brackets are already in disarray, but the excitement only intensifies from here. Stay tuned as we continue to break down each round and analyze which teams are poised to make a historic run. With each game packed with intensity and unpredictability, March Madness proves once again why it’s the most exciting time of the year for college basketball fans. Keep your eyes peeled; the best is yet to come.

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#March Madness#NCAA#basketball#upsets#sports news

Source: www.espn.com

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