NCAA Tournament 2012: Dunks, Day Glow and the Best of Day 1

Day 1 of the 2012 NCAA Tournament is in the books. (Yes, play-in games were staged on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday is when March Madness really started.)

Overall it was an underwhelming day—but there were a few highlights.

Best Game: No. 12 Virginia Commonwealth 62—No. 5 Wichita State 59

No contest here, the Rams and Shockers provided the best drama of the day and makes everyone wonder if Shaka Smart and his boys have another Final Four run in them?

By the way, while I'm penning this article, UNLV is mounting a furious comeback against Colorado. 

Biggest Hose Job: No. 1 Syracuse 72—No. 16 UNC-Ashville 65

Chris Stephenson did not foul Brandon Triche in the closing moments of the second half.

No way! No how!

Stephenson’s phantom foul was the last stroke of consistently bad officiating in the contest.

Biggest Flop: No. 9 UConn 64—No. 8 Iowa State 77

The defending champs were unceremoniously dethroned by the Cyclones. The loss was only the second in the round of 64 for UConn head coach Jim Calhoun. UConn becomes the first defending national champion to fall in the first round since UCLA in 1996.

Best Throw Down: Anthony Davis versus Western Kentucky

You really think there’s another choice for player of the year?

Best Mascot: South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Wichita State nearly claimed this prize, but the Shockers could not overtake the Jackrabbits.

Best Uniforms: Baylor

The Bears’ radioactive uniforms and kicks were literally the highlight of Thursday.