College basketball returned on Monday with a packed opening night schedule featuring upsets, blowouts, and standout performances across the country.
No. 22 UCLA knocked off No. 5 Arizona 84-75 behind 21 points and five assists from point guard Trent Perry, four three-pointers from transfer Jaylen Petty, and a strong all-around game from freshman Nikola Kusturica.
No. 3 Illinois routed FDU 120-45, setting a program record for largest margin of victory at State Farm Center (75 points) and hitting a program-best 19 three-pointers. Andrej Stojakovic led seven double-digit scorers with 20 points.
No. 1 Florida opened with a convincing win over Miami, as Thomas Haugh posted 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal while shooting four three-pointers.
Memphis upset No. 18 Iowa State 80-76 behind 26 points from Jayden Reid and 18 points, eight rebounds from Luke Almodovar, exposing early-season questions for the Cyclones.
Oklahoma suffered a historic 68-64 loss to East Texas A&M as a 28.5-point underdog, marking the second-largest point-spread upset in Division I over the past 30 years.
BYU exploded for 60 second-half points in a 94-83 win over Ohio State, with Rob Wright III scoring 33 and the entire starting lineup reaching double figures.
Gonzaga sophomore Davis Fogle erupted for 22 points in a 78-72 victory over Purdue, showcasing his breakout potential.
UCF survived FGCU 96-95 in overtime as Dior Johnson poured in 41 points, while High Point and Murray State also earned impressive season-opening victories.
