The NCAA basketball tournaments for both men and women have commenced, bringing with them a mix of thrilling moments and one-sided victories. In the men's tournament, Alabama State made an early splash with a dramatic win over Saint Francis in the First Four round. However, their journey came to an abrupt end when they faced Auburn, one of the top-seeded teams. Meanwhile, Connecticut's match against Oklahoma showcased the resilience of Coach Dan Hurley’s team, securing a spot in the next round. On the women's side, Kentucky eked out a narrow victory over Liberty University, while higher seeds dominated their opponents with ease.

Tuesday marked the start of the NCAA men's basketball tournament with the First Four round held in Dayton, Ohio. Here, Alabama State created an instant classic as Amarr Knox sank the game-winning shot with just seconds remaining, defeating Saint Francis. This victory set the stage for what many hoped would be a week filled with similar nail-biting finishes. As the main rounds began, anticipation grew for more such dramatic endings. However, reality painted a different picture. Friday night's encounter between two-time defending champions Connecticut and ninth-seeded Oklahoma was anticipated to deliver another pulse-pounding conclusion. With less than six minutes left, the score was tied at 54-all. Yet, Connecticut displayed remarkable composure under pressure, pulling ahead with a decisive scoring run.

Coach Dan Hurley attributed his team's success to their experience navigating tough challenges throughout the season. "This group has been tested repeatedly," he remarked post-game. Their perseverance paid off as they advanced to face Florida, another powerhouse seeking its own piece of history. While UConn aims to extend their legacy, Florida looks to become the first team since UConn itself to clinch back-to-back titles.

In contrast, the women's tournament hasn't seen as many buzzer-beaters so far. Kentucky's contest against Liberty University ended on a close note, though not quite how one might expect. With seven seconds left, Georgia Amoore secured free throws that extended Kentucky's lead to four points. Despite Liberty's valiant effort with a last-second three-pointer, it wasn't enough to overturn the deficit. Amoore acknowledged Liberty's spirited performance despite being lower-ranked. Meanwhile, top and second seeds in the women's bracket cruised through their matches, averaging wins by nearly 50 points.

Likewise, in the men's competition, powerhouse teams like Auburn didn't disappoint their fans. After their miraculous victory earlier in the week, Alabama State faced a daunting task against Auburn. The stark difference in skill level became evident as Auburn triumphed comfortably by 20 points. This outcome underscores the disparity often witnessed during March Madness, where Cinderella stories occasionally give way to dominant performances from elite programs. As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain on whether surprises will continue or if traditional powerhouses will assert their dominance once again.