2023 March Madness live updates: Kennesaw St-Xavier, VCU-Saint Mary's, more

If on the 1st of 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was an indication of how Friday will play out, college hoops fans are in for a treat and we’ve got you covered with all the best moments from start to finish!

Friday’s action began with No. 7 Michigan State defeating No. 10 USC in the East Regional, followed by No. 3 seed Xavier battling No. 14 seed Kennesaw State, which is making its first tournament appearance in program history in the Midwest.

Elsewhere in the South Region, 14-seed UC Santa Barbara takes on 3-seed Baylor, while No. 12 VCU takes on No. 5 West Santa Maria.

Later, the No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers will face No. 16 seed Farleigh Dickinson at 6:50 p.m. ET, while No. 4 Indiana will face No. 13 Kent State at 9:55 PM in the Midwest. .

Follow it with the most up-to-date bracket here.

Here are the highlights!

12. VCU vs. 5. Santa Maria

neck and neck

It was a back-and-forth battle from the jump between VCU and Saint Mary’s, with the two teams trading the lead numerous times in the first half.

14. UC Santa Barbara vs. 3. Baylor

Struggling early

As the first half began, UC Santa Barbara didn’t let Baylor get more than an eight-point lead.

Midway through the opening frame, the Gauchos found a groove and took the lead. UCSB led by one, 36-35, at halftime.

14. Kennesaw State vs. 3. Xavier

Power moves

Xavier jumped aa 7-0 lead right out of the gate, setting the tone early.

It was a fast-paced battle from the get-go, with both sides showing themselves early. Exhibit A:

Warming up

Xavier was in command of the court early on, but Kennesaw State struck back 3 terraced houses Midway through the first half to tie things up en route to taking their first lead of the game, 25-23.

Kennesaw State it continued to heat up as things wound down, taking a seven-point lead into halftime, 43-36.

Do not quit smoking

the owls picked up where they left off as the second half began, exploiting a 13-point advantage over Xavier.

Stay tuned for details!

7. Michigan State 72, 10. USC 62

We are out!

USC scored first, but Michigan State found a rhythm early and went on a 6-0 run to take a quick lead in the first half.

The Spartans extended their lead to double digits midway through the opening frame.

Boom!

The two teams traded big dunks late in the first half, with Michigan State holding a slight lead. USC then answered with one 8-2 run to pull within three points as the first half ended. Things were tied 34-all at the break.

Making a statement

The Spartans extended their lead to nine points, 49-40, early in the second half, courtesy of Carson Cooper’s wild breakaway.

From that point on, Michigan State never relinquished the lead, and cruised to a double-digit victory.

GOING UP:

15. Vermont vs. 2. Marquette