NCAA Tournament: Record Blowouts, No Upsets

0:00On March 21st, the 2026 men's NCAA basketball tournament has been full of lopsided scores rather than surprises. In the first round, 13 out of 32 games ended with margins of at least 20 points, setting a new record according to research. On Friday, all 16 favorites won their match-ups. The first perfect sweep like that since 1992. Florida's number one seed, crushed Prairie View A&M, 114-55, smashing tournament records for points, feel goals made at at. 45, shooting percentage at 64.3, assists at 29, and victory margin at 59. Experts point to the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness deals as reasons why underdog stories are fading. High point stands as the lone true mid-major still competing, and low seeds from 13 to 15 have gone winless in the first round two years. Running, a rare streak since the field expanded in 1985. Just a few double-digit seeds remain heading into the round of 32, including VCU, Texas, High Point, and Texas A&M.

1:06Six teams topped one. 100 points in the first round alone, another all-time high. With these blowouts dominating, eyes now turn to Saturday's second round action to see if any surprises finally break through.