NCAA Scores 2012: First-Round Results We Didn't See Coming

It didn't take long for the NCAA tournament to bust out a couple of surprising scores.

The first round only consisted of four games total, yet two of them ended in results we didn't see coming. What can I say? They don't call it March Madness for nothing.

There are sure to be more surprises in store, but for now we'll take a look at the ones that impacted the first round.

 

Western Kentucky over Mississippi Valley State 59-58

Okay, so maybe the score isn't the surprising thing here. How they got to the score is what makes this story so interesting.

Western Kentucky found themselves 16 points down with only five minutes left to play in the game. 

With President Barrack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron seated in the front row, the Hilltoppers mounted a furious comeback that ultimately garnered them a trip into the second round of the tourney.

What makes this result even more surprising was that Mississippi Valley State was starting four seniors while Western Kentucky featured three freshmen starters, not to mention the fact that they are the first team in NCAA history to make the tournament after finishing the regular season with a losing record (15-19).

They won this game over a Delta Devils team that finished their season with a record of 21-12. 

Surprise.

 

South Florida over California 65-54

Again, it's not the final score that makes this game a surprise. It's how they got there.

The Bulls beat the tar out of the Bears in the first half of the game, finishing out the half on a major run as California didn't score during the last 8:55 of the first half, missing 10 shots and turning it over twice while South Florida pulled ahead 36-13.

Ouch.

The Bears didn't have a chance to come back in the game. 

South Florida simply smothered Cal on defense, and the Bears couldn't buy a bucket. 

Chalk it up to a weak Pac-12 schedule and a soft interior for California.

 

Stay tuned as more surprises are sure to follow. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more analysis and breaking news as the NCAA tournament gets ready to kick into high gear.

 

Follow @JesseReed78

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1105693-ncaa-scores-2012-first-round-results-we-didnt-see-coming

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