Upsets and Duke surviving a tough challenge marked the first day of March Madness. Here are the biggest moments from Thursday

A few upsets, a top seed being pushed to its limits by a 16-seed and a few other close games marked a fantastic opening day of the Big Dance. The night ended on a bit of a down note – three of the final four games of the evening were decided by 35, 25 and 31 points – but nothing could top the slate of upsets that started the day. Here’s all you need to know about the first day of the NCAA tournament: Texas upsets BYU and their fantastic freshman AJ Dybantsa The Texas Longhorns rolled into their matchup against BYU on the back of a dramatic win in the First Four over the North Carolina State Wolfpack, and looked like the next 11-seed that would keep their momentum going from the First Four into a first round upset.

The Longhorns built themselves a 17-point lead in the second half with about 10 minutes to go before things started to slip away. BYU, led by freshman star AJ Dybantsa, made its charge and pulled to within four with a minute to go. But that final minute would prove to be the Cougars’ undoing.

Dybantsa’s poor pass with 30 seconds to play resulted in a Texas steal, and the Longhorns would make two free throws on the ensuing possession. More free throws would follow after BYU couldn’t convert on the offensive end and Texas held off the comeback attempt to win 79-71. Matas Vokietaitis of the Texas Longhorns attempts a layup while being guarded by Keba Keita of the BYU Cougars during the first half.

- Soobum Im/Getty Images They’ll play the winner of Gonzaga and Kennesaw State later on Thursday. VCU’s second half rally stuns UNC in OT The No. 11 seeded VCU Rams were a popular upset pick ahead of the tournament and the brave souls who dared to pick them were sweating after the first half with the Tar Heels holding nine-point lead.