Questions Raised, Questions Answered -March Madness Day 1

Chauny asks some questions after day 1 of March Madness and will revisit them throughout the tournament.

Courtesy: University of Oregon Athletics

Ladies and gentlemen, behold March Madness is all of its glory. With day one in the books, I’m going to bring up some questions. Some we’ll be able to answer at the end of day two, some it will take a few rounds, but just something to ponder as we take in all the action and keep track of the narratives and maybe some lore.

Spokane 1

1. Is this the year Ole Miss takes a leap? – The Rebels got a staple win in 2023 defeating Stanford to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 16 years. They defeated Ball State 83-65 and take on 4 Baylor in round two. Is this the year they extend that 2023 success?

2. Did UCLA show they were the #1 overall seed? – Round one as the top seed is all about taking care of business. Over in South Carolina, the Gamecocks put up 108 in their opening matchup against Tennessee Tech. UCLA put up a more demure 86 on a stout Southern team but will they come out and dominate more in round two?

3. Is LSU healthy enough to avoid an early tournament exit? – Friday the Tigers had practice and LSU beat writer Cory Diaz posted a picture of the compression shoes that both Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow will be wearing. Is that reason to be concerned?

4. Did Arizona State wait for Molly Miller’s postgame press conference to end before they hired her? Like we knew she was taking a P4 job and it was just a matter of where, but I swear that notification came like a few minutes after the final buzzer sounded. Sheesh.

Birmingham 1

1. Are Dawn’s youngest daycare attendees ready to get the keys to the program? – South Carolina came out and absolutely dominated in their 108-48 win over Tennessee Tech. Every single Gamecock that suited up scored in that game but it was freshman Joyce Edwards that led the way with 22. Sophomores Milaysia Fulwiley and Tessa Johnson were next with 15 and 11 respectively. Just pure eye test that trio could be an problem for the league for the next few years but the question is does Dawn trust them to take over now?

2. Can Indiana create matchup problems like they did last year? – The Hoosiers took care of Utah 76-68 and will face South Carolina. Last year Indiana was able to stretch the floor and create a matchup nightmare for the Gamecocks. They ran the offense pretty efficiently, can they put pressure on South Carolina’s defense?

3. How far will West Virgina’s defense take them? – Love a good gritty defensive team to muck up some matchups and punch their ticket. Can West Virginia muster enough offense to crash the dance at the Elite 8?

4. Is Oregon back? – Ok don’t involve Andrew, but after the gritty 77-73 overtime win over Vanderbilt Oregon looks primed to make a run for the first time since before the pandemic. After all the player departures and hitting rock bottom, is Oregon back?

Spokane 2

1. Is Kentucky ok? – That was scary. Liberty almost got them out the paint, literally. Was that just first round hiccup or is Kentucky in danger?

2. Can USC West outdo USC East? – Lindsey Gottlieb was one of the coaches displeased with her seeding as was Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks came out and dropped a cool 108 points and sent a message if you read between the line. Can SoCal show they should’ve been higher with a dominate performance of their own?

3. Is the pressure off UConn? – Everyone’s been seething about seeding and Geno Auriemma is surprisingly zen. While the narrative should be eventual #1 WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers cementing her place in college basketball history with a title, the focus seems to be every but there. Is the pressure of UConn and will that work in their favor?

Birmingham 2

1. Are you not entertained? – Did this section have and still have the most lit matchups?

2. Will the Hailey Van Lith Bowl deliver a cinematic experience? – It was a little sketchy for TCU early on and for Louisville all the way to the final buzzer, but both teams got the job done and will meet in round two. Will we get our money’s worth?

3. Is Notre Dame back? – The Fighting Irish lit SF Austin up to the tune of 106 points and gave fans hope after limping into the tournament. Unfortunately, Olivia Miles suffered a leg injury during the game and it’s got everyone waiting with baited breath on her status. If Miles can play, based on round one, is the Notre Dame back to their old form?

4. Will Texas prove a point? – Again, there’s been a lot of talk about who should be seeded where and I feel like the consensus is Texas is the problem and shouldn’t be where they are. Will they come out and put up gaudy numbers like their counterparts and send a message?