Who won the first game of the 2023 March Madness? Taking a look at the team Alabama is facing in the first round
The first game of the 2023 March Madness was between the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders and the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks. It was a First Four matchup of two No. 16 seeds, with the winner facing No. 1 Alabama in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
It was a competitive game between the Islanders and Redhawks. However, it was marred by questionable calls and missed free throws from both teams. In the end, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi prevailed 75-71 to notch the program's first March Madness victory.
Jalen Jackson led the Islanders (24-10) with 22 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Isaac Mushila added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Harris had 23 points for the Redhawks (19-17), with Phillip Russell contributing 15 points and 10 assists.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi prevailed despite not having guard Terrion Murdix, who was the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Murdix missed the game with a knee injury and was in crunches watching from the bench.
Guard Ross Williams told ESPN after the game that the team dedicated the win to the injured teammate. Williams came off the bench to score 13 points and help the Islanders advance to the first round of March Madness.
"It was a consistent theme, 'Let's do this for T,'" Williams said. "T is an unselfish person – he'll give the shirt off his back –oso when you lose a guy like that, it brings the group closer together. We know we're not done yet. This is March."
Also Read: What happened to Suzy Merchant? Health issues and car accident explored as MSU women's coach steps down
Alabama to take on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the first round of March Madness
Alabama has been one of the best teams in the nation this season, earning the No. 1 seed for the South Region as well as the overall No. 1 seed. The Crimson Tide will ride on the shoulders of freshman Brandon Miller, who has been one of the best players in college basketball. Despite a controversy involving a murder case surrounding Miller, he is a projected lottery pick in this year's NBA draft.
The Crimson Tide were the SEC regular season and tournament champions. They have the second-best pace in the nation, and their defense remains one of the best. They are the favorites to advance to the second round of March Madness over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Meanwhile, the Islanders are the reigning back-to-back Southland Conference champions. They have a great offense, averaging 80.0 points per game and are on a hot streak. They have won 13 out of their last 14 games, including a 75-71 victory over Southeastern Missouri State for their first NCAA tournament win.
Also Read: Why did UNC decline to participate in NIT? Taking closer look at college's stance following historically disappointing season