For the first time in seven years, Memphis is hosting "March Madness" — and it all started Friday, March 23.
Four games were on tap, and every single one of them were easy wins. Here's a recap of Games 1-4:
Game 1, Baylor (3) vs. Colgate (14)
The Baylor Bears roared their way to a 92-67 win over Colgate. That sees the Raiders are still winless in the NCAA Tournament after eight attempts. The Bears had four guys in double digits and shot over 60% from the floor.
"It's the ultimate goal to have a chance to compete for a national championship and just to be one step closer is amazing," Baylor forward Jalen Bridges said.
Game 2, Clemson (6) vs. New Mexico (11)
The Clemson Tigers beat the New Mexico Lobos 77-56. The Lobos coming off a Mountain West Championship looked flat, shooting under 30% from the floor compared to the Tigers 44%.
It marks the Tigers first win in the tournament since 2018 after bowing out to Rutgers in 2021.
Chase Hunter and PJ Hall, the only two players on that 2021 team led from the front putting up 35 of the Tigers 77 points.
"Coming into this tournament I wanted to make sure I made plays for everybody you know confident poised, you know I did that," Hunter said. "I love this team, making plays for this team, I love playing for this team, I'm ready to play again, I could do it again right now."
Game 3, Nebraska (8) vs. Texas A&M (9)
The Nebraska Huskers by far had the largest fanbase in attendance all day long but the Texas A&M Aggies silenced them 98-83.
Nebraska are yet to win a game in the NCAA Tournament in eight appearances.
The Aggies shot just 28% from beyond the arc all year long but when it mattered most they couldn't help but hit them - on Friday night they shot 13 3-pointers in the win.
"It feels good," Aggie guard Tyrece Radford said. "We try our best to live in the moment as long as we could. I told the team in the locker room, the job is not finished. Yes, it feels amazing to win. It's an honor to even be here. But we just can't get stuck on this win because we still have a long tournament ahead of us."
Game 4, Houston (1) vs. Longwood (16)
The Houston Cougars closed out the night with an absolute demolition of the Longwood Lancers 86-46.
The Lancers are yet to win a game in the NCAA Tournament.
The Cougars are trying to get back to the Final Four for the seventh time in program history and for the first time go all the way and win the championship.
"We don't really look at favorites or the seeding," Houston's Jamal Shead said. "They're a good team, and they were here for a reason. So we looked at it like another game where we have to have the right approach or we could have lost."
What's next?
The Madness in Memphis continues on Sunday.
Game 1: Baylor (3) vs. Clemson (6) at 5:10 p.m.
Game 2: Houston (1) vs. Texas A&M (9) at 7:40 p.m.
