The opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament can produce some unforgettable moments, devastating heartbreak, and lifelong memories. Check out some of the scenes from Jacksonville, one of the regional sites, over the past weekend as 68 teams battle for the national championship.
TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Before the players could hit the floor running, the teams departed for sunny Florida and a chance at a title.
Great to be in Jacksonville!
Let's get to work ? pic.twitter.com/OO80voXmxp
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) March 19, 2019
Next Stop: #DUUUVAL#FearTheTurtle | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/6ZARbi5b27
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) March 19, 2019
Wheels Up! Jacksonville, here we come! #HALLin #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/1xyvXF8z7j
— Seton Hall Basketball (@SetonHallMBB) March 19, 2019
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
On Wednesday, one day before basketball was played, the players and coaches of the teams met with the media to provide some light on the experience of playing in March Madness, the matchups with their opponents, and describing the challenges of winning a national title.
After meeting with media, the teams hit the floor for an open practice in front of the faithful fans that made the trip down to the “904”. Let’s just say that they made sure to put on a show for those in attendance.
Open practice has turned into a dunk contest #MarchMadness #HALLin pic.twitter.com/sb3zx8BUOi
— Matt Ambrose (@mambrose97) March 20, 2019
? ? pic.twitter.com/TPEA0HihOr
— Cody Worsham (@CodyWorsham) March 20, 2019
Thanks for coming out to open practice today, #BBN! @UKCoachJustus relishes the big stage. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/gLlb2vyBbR
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 20, 2019
THURSDAY, MARCH 21
It’s finally time to lace ’em up and play some basketball. 8 teams took the court on Thursday, but by the end of the night only four would have their seasons continue.
One of those teams would be the Wofford Terriers, the winners of the Southern Conference making their fifth NCAA Tournament appearance. Strong three-point shooting led Wofford to their first NCAA Tournament victory in program history, beating Seton Hall 84-68.
GOD LOVES A TERRIER!!! THE WOFFORD TERRIERS ADVANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY!!!#MARCHMADNESS #SNACKTIMEtour pic.twitter.com/NJNG8mdqqV
— Wofford Basketball (@WoffordMBB) March 22, 2019
Hey Pirates fans. It didn’t work out tonight. That’s #MarchMadness. But let’s give it up for these hard-working student-athletes. They gave it their all. ??? #HALLin pic.twitter.com/oCmeSV8eWa
— Seton Hall Basketball (@SetonHallMBB) March 22, 2019
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
The teams hit the floor once again in Jacksonville, with Maryland-LSU and Wofford-Kentucky producing some classic games that went down to the wire.
Ice cold ❄️ pic.twitter.com/NxMeZhN1fy
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) March 23, 2019
Survive AND Advance …#Sweet16 #DreamBIG pic.twitter.com/H3tXDyI5MB
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 23, 2019
LSU and Kentucky are the teams that make it out of Jacksonville with the hopes of a national championship still alive.
Memories are made for all involved, including the players, coaches, fans, and even those covering the tournament themselves.
