Congratulations to the BYU Cougars, winners of their first-round battle with the VCU Rams! In a difficult draw for a 6-11 matchup, Kevin Young's first taste of tournament action was digested and converted into a BYU victory -- the program's first such win since 2011's run to the Sweet 16.
So, with the win in the back of our minds and another full day of basketball left to play before the Cougars storm the court once again in the Round of 32, our eyes turn to the remaining first round participants.
Palms sweat, brows furrow, and an uncharacteristic volume of curse words will fill our vocabulary as our tournament brackets are eviscerated beyond recognition (excepting, of course, my perfect paper bracket. I'd share a picture, but I just can't seem to get my camera to work).
But while we wait for the royal-blue clad lone representative from the Beehive State takes the floor on Saturday, we're left floating on an infinite sea of possibilities. For some, this is an exhillerating moment of contemplation. For others, we're hitting a rut and simply asking ourselves:
Well, calm your fears for a moment and come with me as we explore the three remaining matchups that could have great implications for BYU fans, or will purely be a ton of fun to watch.
Here are the three games that BYU fans should turn their attention to on Friday, the final day of the first round.
3 Must-Watch NCAA Tournament Games for BYU Fans
Game 1: 3 Kentucky vs. 14 Troy
You've almost certainly seen the online jokes by now about how Kevin Young has more tournament wins than Mark Pope after only one game.
Granted, it is kind of funny.
But the former head of the BYU basketball program will lead his Wildcats against the Troy Trojans for his shot at shaking the ghosts of his past shortcomings with a first-round victory under the University of Kentucky banner. A deep, experienced squad should handle the Trojans will little issue, but given Coach Pope's track record, that may not be the reality of this game.
Watch this one at 5:10 PM MT on CBS.
Game 2: 2 Alabama vs 15 Robert Morris
Now swerving into BYU's region, the Alabama Crimson Tide own the two-seed and a first-round meeting with 15th-seeded Robert Morris. Teams of Alabama's stature rarely lose in the round of 64, and I wouldn't expect to see them drop this meeting, either.
But should BYU upset the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, their likely prize would be a date with the Crimson Tide (assuming they can pass through the likes of Saint Mary's or Vanderbilt.
Getting a first glimpse of Alabama in the postseason should give BYU fans an inkling of how their squad may stack up against the second-best team in the region. A sobering reality? Perhaps. A speculation-sparking smackdown? Equally likely. This year's Cougars could be a dangerous tournament team now that they've survived the first cut. Alabama could be on a collision course with Demin and his side.
Watch this one at 10:40 AM MT on TruTV.
Game 3: 4 Arizona vs 13 Akron
While Duke's first game against a 16-seed was in contention for this third spot -- something of a "behold, your demise" sort of inclusion -- one more East region battle will get my share of attention as the Arizona Wildcats of the Big 12 meet the Akron Zips.
If you ask me, Akron doesn't have the firepower to keep pace with Caleb Love and the 'Cats, and this Arizona team may be BYU's best chance to dodge Cooper Flagg and the historically awesome Duke Blue Devils if they can reach the Elite Eight.
Keep an eye on the Wildcats -- they could have a fair shot at breaking the mold.
Watch this one at 5:35 PM MT on TruTV.