When UMBC (University Maryland Baltimore County) took the court versus Virginia in the first round of the Ncaa Tournament no one gave them a chance. Honestly, why would they? Virginia was the number one overall seed in the NCAA tournament. In other words, the selection committee saw UMBC as the worst team in the 68 team field. UMBC was guaranteed an automatic bid in the tournament after winning the American East Conference Championship.

Virginia and UMBC make history

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, someone forgot to tell the retrievers of UMBC that they were just supposed to be happy to play in the tournament.

The Big Dogs of UMBC came to win it all. They stunned all the analyst and the country by becoming the first seed in 16 in history to defeat a number one seed.

In one of the biggest upsets ever, UMBC made NCAA history. Whenever the Davids of the world beat Goliath the most important aspect of that winning strategy is BELIEF. Before you can beat a team you have to believe it's possible. The unthinkable can't be accomplished if you stand in awe of the number one seed.

No one will ever say it can't be done again.

Though number one seeds are 135-1 in the NCAA tournament this win proves 16 seeds who stay focused and believe in themselves can win even when all the experts say they can't.

"I just can't wait to get to bed and think about it," point guard K.J. Maura said. "I went to Coach [Ryan Odom] and said, 'I told you.'"

UMBC completely dismantles Virginia

The Retrievers smothered Virginia on both ends of the court.

At half-time score was 21-21. While many assumed the score was just a fluke and Virginia would come out with a vengeance in the second half that wasn't the case. UMBC never trailed after half-time. As time wound down it was clear the basketball world had a front row seat to history.

The Retrievers took command of the second half with a 17-3 run over the Cavs.

Virginia shot a dismal 4-22 or 18.2 percent from the three-point line. UMBC also won the battle of the boards. The Cavs were outrebounded 33-34 by the NCAA's bracket-busting Cinderella team. Jairus Lyles led all scorers. He scored 28 points and added 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the historic win. Ironically both of Lyles parents graduated from UVA. It goes without saying last night was one time the Lyles family didn't mind seeing their alma mater lose.

“I don't think there was any point in the game that we thought we couldn't play with them,” UMBC senior Lyles said.

Kudos to coach Odom and his team not only for making history but most importantly for staying poised at that moment. There are NBA players who lack less composure than the UMBC Men's basketball team displayed in Charlotte, NC Friday night.

They could've let nerves get the best of them. Doing so would've opened the door for mistakes. Odom and his team were almost perfect.

Without a doubt, ESPN will air this game in its entirety as an instant classic very soon. Here's to The Retrievers of UMBC may this year's Cinderella team continue to entertain and dance. Who doesn't love a great underdog story, and who isn't in the mood for more history on the court? Fingers crossed that the team's Hoop Dreams dance them right into San Antonio and the Final Four. They busted everyone's bracket they least they can do is stick around for a little longer.

Mayhem, Madness, and upsets set the tone in the first round

The first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament is history.

Though the first round of March Madness left a wake of tear-stained busted brackets in its wake, the tournament lived up to its name.

UMBC wasn't the only team to pull off an upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Though most of the upsets were nail bitters, buzzer beaters, or overtime wins Virginia was at UMBC's mercy most of the night.

The 4 seeds in the tournament had a rough time with the 13 seeds in the tournament. The underdogs defeated the number four seed 2-4 in the first round.

No. 13 Buffalo knocked off No. 4 Arizona. No. 13 Marshal defeated No. 4 Wichita State. The 6 seeds didn't fare any better. Loyola Chicago (No. 11), ended Miami's (No. 6) NCAA run. Syracuse was the other No. 11 seed winning in the first round of March Madness. TCU lost to Syracuse in the opening round.

The second round of the NCAA Tournament begins today. The games air on CBS, Tru TV, TBS, and TNT.
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