NCAA Tournament scores: Scores, upsets, highlights from Friday's early March Madness games

Colleen Thomas

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NCAA Tournament scores: Scores, upsets, highlights from Friday's early March Madness games image

The NCAA Tournament kicked off with some exciting finishes Thursday, but not much in the way of upsets — just two lower-seeded teams won. Would Friday's games buck the trend?

MORE: How to watch Friday's games | Interactive tournament bracket

Two of the top offenses in the nation kicked off Friday's March Madness games, and as expected, Michigan and Oklahoma State went down to the wire. The Wolverines took an eight-point lead late in the second half off of hot shooting, but the Cowboys snuck back in and forced Michigan to make free throws down the stretch to win it. The final? A scorching hot 92-91, Wolverines. 

And luckily, there were a couple more upsets. Two 11 seeds took down 6 seeds. First, USC hit a clutch 3-pointer to beat SMU, 66-65, and Rhode Island led Creighton almost the entire game to pull off an 84-72 upset.

There were plenty of highlights and big plays throughout the day. Check out the scores, stats and highlights below.

MORE: Friday's late March Madness games

NCAA Tournament scores

The first game on Friday was a battle between two of the best offenses in the country and it didn't disappoint. There were a bevy of 3-pointers, and Michigan took a lead it didn't relinquish thanks to some hot shooting in the second half. The Wolverines beat Oklahoma State, 92-91, to kick off Friday's madness.

(10) Oklahoma State vs. (7) Michigan

You'll want to see these highlights from the Michigan-Oklahoma State game. Trust me.

Michigan was on fire. Insane.

Jawun Evans is so, so hard to guard. 

The Cowboys are 8-for-9 from the field to start the half.

Michigan retakes the lead on this block and four-point play sequence.

What a beauty early in the first half from Oklahoma State.

(14) New Mexico St. vs. (3) Baylor

The game might've been close at half, but Baylor blew it open in the final 20 minutes. The Bears downed New Mexico State, 91-73. Check out highlights here:

Upset alert? New Mexico State drills a three to take the lead over Baylor, 40-38, at the half.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. with the massive block.

(9) Seton Hall vs. (8) Arkansas

The Razorbacks snuck by Seton Hall, 77-71. Check out highlights from the game:

Arkansas holds on for the win over Seton Hall after this questionable call.

Seton Hall is heating up. It's a close game with less than four minutes left.

I don't think so, Seton Hall.

Check out this nice assist from Seton Hall in the first half.

(14) Iona vs. (3) Oregon

Iona made a little run in the second half, but it wasn't enough to threaten Oregon. The Ducks advance after a 93-77 win. Full highlights here:

Iona is hanging on...but the Gaels still have a lot of ground to make up.

The Ducks are making this look easy.

(15) Jacksonville State vs. (2) Louisville

The slow start didn't deter the Cardinals. Louisville beats Jacksonville State, 76-60. Check out the full game highlights:

Louisville's not slowing down.

The Cardinals are starting to go on a roll. This is a nice pass and finish by Louisville.

Jacksonville State came out of the gate hot. Louisville...not so much.

(11) USC vs. (6) SMU

Our first upset of the day! USC takes down SMU, 66-65. Here are some highlights from the close finish:

This is an understatement: 

Take a look at the shot that put USC in the second round:

What. A. Putback.

(16) Texas Southern vs. (1) North Carolina

Everything is going right for the Tar Heels.

Marvin Jones has hops!

(11) Rhode Island vs. (6) Creighton

Could we have another 11-6 upset brewing? 

Rhode Island legend Lamar Odom is in the house!

Colleen Thomas

Colleen Thomas Photo

Colleen Thomas is an Associate Editor at Sporting News. She joined Sporting News in 2014.