Top seeds Duke and Wisconsin avoided any drama on Friday as they both picked up wins in their opening games to advance to the round of 32 as the tournament heats up.
The Blue Devils made easy work of Robert Morris in their clash, with Quinn Cook scoring 22 points to help them grab the W and make a statement in their first outing.
Jahlil Okafor added 21 points as Duke moved to 30-4 for the season, although he did incur the wrath of coach Mike Krzyzewski after blowing a reverse dunk attempt in the second half.
However, it was the end of the road for the 16th seed Robert Morris as they go home with their win in the First Four to boost their confidence and knowing that they kept it competitive at times against one of the favourites in the tournament.
Elsewhere, Wisconsin sealed a win over Coastal Carolina with Frank Kaminsky’s double-double leading them as he ended the game with 27 points and 12 rebounds.
The Big Ten Player of the Year registered his 12th double double of the season in a dominant performance as he made it look easy on the court.
Wisconsin improve to 32-3 and they will play eighth-seed Oregon on Sunday in a round-of-32 rematch with the Badgers beating the Ducks last year on their way to the Final Four.
UC Irvine provided fourth seed Louisville with a scare as Will Davis II led their effort with 14 points, nine rebounds and a steal. However, a costly turnover on the final play of the game with Irvine needing to get a shot off to tie the contest ensured that Louisville prevailed and progress.
Virginia were another top seed that had to battle to see off their opponents, with Belmont giving them a tough run in their opening game.
Malcolm Brogdon eventually overcame the fiesty Belmont as he put up 22 points and five rebounds in a competitive win.
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