Welcome back to another edition of Snagged Sports, where we ✨snag✨ all of the best stories in sports and serve them up on a screen near you. In today's edition, recapping a wild Day 1 of March Madness, the GOAT is letting go, and Mr. Covers looks to go better than even on Day 2. Let's get into it.

Main Character: The Bracket

The best tournament of the year has lived up to the hype after just one day of action. Top dogs were knocked off, late game action was alive and present across the country, and some teams showed their true colors. There is a lot to cover, so buckle in, it's going to be a wild read. 

The Busters

I won't say I told you so (@ Mr. Covers), but the Furman Paladins lead off the day defeating 4 seed Viriginia in stunning fashion. In what should be described as the 'horrendous heave', Furman intercepted the ball at the half court line, passed it out to guard, JP Pegue, and hit a three to go up 1 with just seconds to go.

Virginia failed to answer at the buzzer, and the Paladins got their first NCAA Tournament win in their first appearance since 1980. March its way of giving us storylines like this, and in 2023, the Paladins are the lovable team of the tournament thus far.

It was revenge of the nerds as the boys from Princeton knocked off the ACC Tournament Champions 59-55. Arizona becomes the first team to lose multiple times to a 15 seed, but to be fair, this Princeton team plays a lot better and a lot stronger than the number next to their name. Winning ugly is part of the tournament, and the Wildcats failed to do just that. 

Statement Wins

Duke

Don't look now, but the Dukies are all the way back after a very convincing win over Oral Roberts. ORU was one of the 12 seeds people were looking to make some noise, but after opening the game on an 11-0 run, there was no magic left in the tank for tournament star Max Abmas.

UCLA

The Bruins entered the tournament looking to prove they can still dominate teams without their star player, and dominate they did. UNC Asheville did not stand a chance at any point in this game, and with the experience they have with Tyger Campbell and Jaime Jaquez, this team can pick back up right where they left off.

Squeaking Out W's

Arkansas

The Razorbacks story of the season has been their inability to close out games, but it seems they might have figured something out as they closed out the Fighting Illini 73-63 in regulation. Devo Davis and Ricky Counsel lead the scoring for the Hogs, and star freshmen Nick Smith Jr. and Anthony Black did their thing to ensure an Arkansas W. They go on to face Kansas in the Round of 32. 

Tennessee

The Volunteers did their best to try and give this game away, but they locked it down when it mattered most to secure a 58-55 win over the Ragin' Cajuns. All credit to Louisiana for making up a 16 point deficit, but ultimately, the talent and experience from SEC play kicked in as Tennessee will move on to face Duke in the Round of 32.

 You May Not Have Seen THIS 👀

The GOAT is reportedly interested in selling his majority stake of the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan, who bought a majority stake of the team for $275 million in 2010, is looking to off-load his title of owner after a largely unsuccessful 13 year stint. 

MJ would still be involved in the minority stake of the franchise if he did in fact sell, but suitable buyers have yet to be made public. Get your 'crying Jordan' pics ready, because not having him on your team makes for a sad, sad day.

🤍 Wholesome Content 🤍

They often say the NFL is a brotherhood of athletes. Cowboys' QB Dak Prescott paid his respects to his longtime teammate Ezekiel Elliot with their infamous '214' tagline. Getting traded or cut from teams is part of the job, but at the end of the day, these guys create real friendships and bonds that last a lifetime. 

💰 The Cover Corner 💰

Thursday's Results:

😐 8-8 in all NCAA Tournament games

About last night...

First and foremost, I want to say that Rick Barnes will never cover a spread as long as I live. Tennessee could’ve easily won that game by 20+ but nope. The Texas A&M CC cover is one of the best things i’ve ever seen. There was no reason for that to have hit other than the month being the month of March.

Arizona took a giant poopy down their leg, and Princeton pulled off what I thought UNC Asheville was going to do. Also, a big congrats to Mr. Editor on having a 1-0 record because of the single worst pass in March Madness history courtesy of Virginia. 8-8, we will take it!

 🏀 CBB: NCAA Tournament First Round Picks

USC vs Michigan State: MSU 1H -0.5

Kennesaw State vs Xavier: KSU +12.5

This is a personal vendetta pick. I bet on Xavier in the Big East tourney and the failed me. I believe that how you play in the conference tourney can either fuel a team, or be a sign of what's to come in the big dance. I believe this is a sign of what is to come for Xavier.

UC Santa Barbara vs Baylor: UCSB +10.5

Bad Baylor Defense vs Good UCSB offense. Give me the points.

VCU vs Saint Mary’s: under 122.5

Vermont vs Marquette: over 144

Pitt vs Iowa State: Pitt +4.5

Transparency play here. I would not advise betting this, but I will be based on my belief in the Pitt Panthers for some reason. Again, I am not advising, but I am being transparent.

NC State vs Creighton: NC State 1H +2.5

Iona vs UCONN: under 141

FDU vs Purdue: FDU 1H +13

Providence vs Kentucky: over 144

Combined, these teams are 37-25-1 on the over this year. This is March, so give me the over.

Drake vs Miami: Drake +2 & Drake +110

I just do not believe in Miami whatsoever. That is all. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga: GC +15.5

FAU vs Memphis: over 153

I bet this earlier in the week, and I will be betting it again. There will be such a lack of defense in this game, and they have combined 35-30 on overs this year. Points points points!

Montana State vs Kansas State: over 139.5

Kent State vs Indiana: Kent State 1H +2.5

Arizona State vs TCU: TCU -5.5

I do not believe the hype on ASU. They are going to be liked and bet more because they have played more recently, but TCU is a really good team and should honestly be a 4 seed (@ Virginia).

As per usual, do you what you must with this valuable information.

🐣 Tweet of the Day 🐣

Brackets have officially been busted. After just the first day of the tournament, 0.0039% of all brackets are still perfect. Oh to be one of the lucky few...

Quick Hits 🥊

• Darius Slay, after reports of release from the Eagles, was given an opportunity to come back on a 2-year deal with Philly.

• Edwin Diaz, who got hurt celebrating with his team during the WBC, is out for the entirety of the MLB season.

• LIV Golf kicks off its second event of the season in Tucson, AZ today.

• Continue keeping up with all NFL Free Agency news with the 33rd Team.

• Mr. Editor has a bracket in the 99.9 percentile after Day 1, nbd.

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