Welcome to the NCAA Tournament First Round.
An action-packed day with 16 games across Greenville, Oklahoma City, Portland and Buffalo. Read on to learn more about what happened!
What we know about NCAA Tournament First Round
1:15 AM / MARCH 20
Thursday’s results
(9) TCU 66, (8) Ohio State 64
(4) Nebraska 76, (13) Troy 47
(6) Louisville 83, (11) South Florida 79
(12) High Point 83, (5) Wisconsin 82
(1) Duke 71, (16) Siena 65
(5) Vanderbilt 78, (12) McNeese State 68
(3) Michigan State 92, (14) North Dakota 67
(4) Arkansas 97, (13) Hawaii 78
(11) VCU 82, (6) North Carolina 76
(1) Michigan 101, (16) Howard 80
(11) Texas 79, (6) BYU 71
(10) Texas A&M 63, (7) St. Mary’s 50
(3) Illinois 105, (14) Penn 70
(9) Saint Louis 102, (8) Georgia 77
(2) Houston, (15) Idaho 47
(3) Gonzaga 73, (14) Kennesaw St. 64
12:15 AM / MARCH 20
Gonzaga defeated Kennesaw St. to move on to the second round.
73-64, winning a defensive struggle by earning a 45-34 advantage on the glass.
This is the 17th consecutive year that the Zags have moved on to the Round of 32.
11:55 PM / MARCH 19
Zvonimir Ivisic soared here for the Fighting Illini, who are on to the next round after beating Penn.
105-70, as the No. 3 seed advances to the Round of 32.
David Mirković (29 pts, 17 reb) led the way for the Fighting Illini, who led by as many as 40 in the victory.
11:40 PM / MARCH 19
Milos Uzan and the Houston Cougars are on to the second round after defeating Idaho.
78-47, as the Cougars held the Vandals to 29.6% shooting from the field.
Houston also made 8-of-16 3-point attempts and out-rebounded Idaho 47-32 in the victory.
11:30 PM / MARCH 19
102-77, thanks in part to a 27-9 advantage in assists on the night.
Six Billikens scored in double figures, led by Dion Brown (18 pts).
11:15 PM / MARCH 19
St. Louis up on Georgia; Houston beating Idaho
A pair of big leads — St. Louis 74, Georgia 47; Houston 55, Idaho 33 — in the second half.
10:51 PM / MARCH 19
Illinois up on Penn at the half
David Mirković and the Fighting Illini are up at the half on Cam Thrower and the Penn Quakers.
40-30, dominating the offensive glass 14-3 along the way.
10:13 PM / MARCH 19
Rashaun Agee led Texas A&M over St. Mary’s, delivering the upset for the Aggies.
63-50, as the Aggies held the Gaels to just 38.3% shooting and forced 18 turnovers.
Rashaun Agee (22 pts) was the top man for Texas A&M.
FEED YOUR BIG MAN JAMIE VINSON 🔨pic.twitter.com/nyjPS16VG6
— Texas A&M Basketball (@aggiembk) March 20, 2026
9:45 PM / MARCH 19
Texas knocks off BYU
Matas Vokietaitis and Texas upset BYU to move on to the Round of 32.
No. 11 Texas dominated on the offensive glass to beat No. 6 BYU despite a spirited effort from AJ Dybantsa (35 pts on 11-of-25 shooting).
Matas Vokietaitis (23 pts, 16 reb) was dominant around the rim for Texas, putting up nine offensive boards as Texas doubled up BYU in the statistic 16-8.
Dybantsa became the first freshman to score 30+ in the first round since Stephen Curry in 2008.
Matas Vokietaitis through traffic 🔥#MarchMadness @TexasMBB pic.twitter.com/sW8OQEYGv8
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026
9:40 PM / MARCH 19
Morez Johnson Jr. and Michigan are on to the second round after responding to dispel Howard’s upset bid.
101-80, shooting 67.3% from the field along the way.
Morez Johnson Jr. (21 pts, 10 reb) shot a perfect 8-of-8 for the Wolverines, while Aday Mara (19 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast) was just behind with 8-of-10 shooting.
Yaxel ➡️ Aday Mara textbook 📕 pic.twitter.com/7QAdLov2U3
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026
9:22 PM / MARCH 19
Terrence Hill Jr. led VCU to a stunning comeback over North Carolina to lead the Rams into the second round.
Down by 19, the No. 11 Rams rallied to beat No. 6 North Carolina 82-78, advancing into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
“Absolutely amazing,” said Grant Hill. “All that talk about mid-majors not doing well in the NCAA Tournament — VCU proved them wrong.”
Terrence Hill Jr. (34 pts on 13-of-23 shooting) was a superstar off the bench for VCU, eclipsing his previous career high of 24 points.
VCU LEADS ‼️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/GsJ0arWPNz
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026
“We’ve been resilient all year. This is who we’ve been from the get-go,” said Coach Phil Martelli Jr, as his team stacked towels on his shoulders in celebration. “We preach winning plays. That’s what we need. We got winning plays across the board.”
“We were down early,” said Hill Jr. “I’m just so proud of these guys, man.”
Henri Veesaar (26 pts, 10 reb) was the top scorer for the Tar Heels in defeat.
9:04 PM / MARCH 19
North Carolina and VCU heading to overtime
Tied at 75. Seth Trimble stole VCU’s inbounds pass as they attempted a game-winning shot, but his 3-point was too strong. Overtime in Oklahoma City!
8:45 PM / MARCH 19
Texas also chasing upset
Texas is leading AJ Dybantsa and BYU at the break.
It could be a banner day in the Lone Star State.
No. 11 Texas is up 46-37 on No. 6 BYU at the break despite AJ Dybantsa (20 pts), who has been dominant in his first NCAA Tournament game.
Matas Vokietaitis (15 pts) is leading the way for Texas, nearing his season average of 15.5 ppg.
AJ Dybantsa is COOKING 🍳 pic.twitter.com/wjf6nJ9416
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026
8:38 PM / MARCH 19
Texas A&M chasing upset
Rashuan Agee and Texas A&M are up on St. Mary’s at the half.
No. 10 Texas A&M is up 37-26 at the break over No. 7 St. Mary’s, thanks in part to 11 turnovers from the Gaels.
Rashaun Agee and Rubén Dominguez lead the Aggies with 11 points apiece.
RASHAUN AGEE WITH A HAMMER 🔨 pic.twitter.com/ee4rYwIsOz
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026
8:20 PM / MARCH 19
Howard and Michigan in a battle
Bryce Harris and the Howard Bison are threatening to upset the No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines at the half.
50-46 Wolverines at the half, as we have a second No. 16 seed putting a scare into a No. 1 seed in this NCAA Tournament.
Both teams are shooting well — 65.4% for Michigan, 51.5% for Howard — with the Bison shooting 10-of-16 from 3-point range and committing just three turnovers in the half.
Bryce Harris connects with a RAINBOW 😮#MarchMadness @HUMensBB pic.twitter.com/wLk1yiG5GJ
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026
7:44 PM / MARCH 19
North Carolina up on VCU at the half
Jonathan Powell and North Carolina are up at the half on VCU.
39-28, as the Tar Heels hold the Rams to just 34.5% shooting in the first half.
North Carolina center Henri Veesaar (13 pts, 5 reb) is the top scorer at the break. A native of Estonia, he averaged 16.7 ppg and 8.7 reb per game in the regular season.
Henri Veesaar is busy with the boards 😤#MarchMadness @UNC_Basketball pic.twitter.com/SYiRvUx1hX
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
6:37 PM / MARCH 19
Carson Cooper was the top scorer for Michigan State as it defeated North Dakota State to advance.
In a dominant 92-67 showing over No. 14 North Dakota State. Carson Cooper (20 pts) and Coen Carr (17 pts) were the top scorers for the Spartans, shooting a combined 76.4% from the field, while Damari Wheeler-Thomas (16 pts) led the Bison.
Carson Cooper is mad at the rim today 😭#MarchMadness @MSU_Basketball pic.twitter.com/quO4fR6j3U
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
6:30 PM / MARCH 19
Darius Acuff Jr. led Arkansas to victory over Hawaii in the first round.
Darius Acuff Jr. led No. 3 Arkansas with 24 points in their 97-78 win over No. 13 Hawaii, as the Razorbacks outshot (54.2 FG% to 44.9 FG%) and out-rebounded (41 to 31) the Rainbow Warriors.
Darius Acuff making tough finishes look simple 🤷♂️#MarchMadness @RazorbackMBB pic.twitter.com/Y2W7zQhdzm
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
6:15 PM / MARCH 19
The Commodores are moving on to the second round after defeating McNeese State.
78-68, defeating McNeese State. Tyler Tanner (26 pts) starred for the Commodores, outdoing a spirited effort from the Cowboys.
Tyler Tanner is smooth with it 😮💨#MarchMadness @VandyMBB pic.twitter.com/tGhEtbXSAR
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
5:25 PM / MARCH 19
Spartans jump out to big lead
No. 3 Michigan State jumped out to a 45-25 halftime lead over No. 14 North Dakota State behind 14 points from Carson Cooper.
HALFTIME in Buffalo pic.twitter.com/44C17LfJwi
— Michigan State Men’s Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 19, 2026
5:04 PM / MARCH 19
Trailing by 11 at halftime, No. 1 Duke came back in the second half to top No. 16 Siena and advance to the Round of 32. Cameron Boozer led the way for the Blue Devils with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while brother Cayden Boozer added 19 points and 5 assists.
(1) DUKE SURVIVES 😱
The Blue Devils hang on late to down (16) Siena 71-65 and move on to the second round 😈 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/wO28fccUFY
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
4:06 PM / MARCH 19
Vanderbilt takes halftime lead over McNeese
Devin McGlockton shoots a perfect 5-for-5 from the field for 10 points to lead all scorers as No. 5 Vanderbilt leads No. 12 McNeese State, 38-35, at halftime in Oklahoma City. The winner advances to play No. 4 Nebraska on Saturday.
Took the punch. Fought back.
20 minutes to go. pic.twitter.com/Wl4Co8zv0X
— Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball (@VandyMBB) March 19, 2026
3:56 PM / MARCH 19
Isaac McKneely finished with 23 points and Ryan Conwell added 18 as No. 6 Louisville held off Joseph Pinion (27 points) and No. 11 South Florida, 83-79. The Cardinals advance to take on the winner of No. 3 Michigan State and No. 14 South Dakota State on Saturday.
(6) LOUISVILLE MOVES ON 💨
The Cards hold off (11) South Florida 83-79 to advance to the second round 👏 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/1P6HxgtNn5
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
3:55 PM / MARCH 19
Chase Johnston scored on a breakway for his first 2-point basket of the season with just 10.7 seconds remaining and finished with 14 points while Rob Martin added 23 points as No. 12 High Point got the 83-82 upset win over No. 5 Wisconsin. It is the first NCAA Tournament win in program history for High Point.
FIRST 2-POINTER OF THE YEAR FOR CHASE JOHNSTON 😱
HIGH POINT LEADS!!! pic.twitter.com/N2ZWYSb9Dz
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
3:51 PM / MARCH 19
No. 1 Duke on upset alert at halftime
No. 16 Siena shoots 57% from the field to take a 43-32 halftime lead over No. 1 Duke at the top of the East Region. Gavin Doty (16 pts) and Francis Folefec (13 pts) are leading the way for the Saints, with the winner advancing to play No. 9 TCU on Saturday.
The No. 1 overall seed is down DOUBLE DIGITS at the half to Siena 😱#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/z1S79S7X62
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
2:40 PM / MARCH 19
Pryce Sandford scored a game-high 23 points and hit seven 3-pointers and Jamarques Lawrence and Braden Frager both added 13 points to lift No. 4 Nebraska to a 76-47 win over No. 13 Troy. The win is the first NCAA Tournament victory in program history for Nebraska, who will play the winner of No. 5 Vanderbilt and No. 12 McNeese State on Saturday.
HUSKER HISTORY IN OKC 💪#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/yIHi8PYLbb
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
2:36 PM / MARCH 19
Badgers cling to 2-point lead at half
John Blackwell erupts for 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting in the first half to lead No. 5 Wisconsin to a 41-39 lead over No. 12 High Point through 20 minutes.
20 minutes down in Portland pic.twitter.com/mdYqKAFene
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 19, 2026
2:27 PM / MARCH 19
Xavier Edmonds converted a layup to beat the shot clock with 4.3 seconds left, and No. 9 seed TCU held off a furious second-half rally by eighth-seeded Ohio State for a 66-64 victory on Thursday to open the first round of the NCAA Tournament. TCU awaits the winner of No. 1 Duke and No. 16 Siena on Saturday.
FROGS OUT FRONT 🔥#MarchMadness @TCUBasketball pic.twitter.com/7zUjY9gv0q
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
2:25 PM / MARCH 19
Louisville takes lead into half
Isaac McKneely leads all scorers with 11 points as No. 6 Louisville takes a 37-27 into the half over No. 11 South Florida. The winner advances to take on the winner of No. 3 Michigan State and No. 11 North Dakota State.
Back in 20 for 20 more #GoCards pic.twitter.com/xnuqgJyaO9
— Louisville Men’s Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) March 19, 2026
1:02 PM / MARCH 19
Nebraska halfway home to first NCAA Tournament win
No. 13 Troy jumped out to a 15-12 lead, but No. 4 Nebraska took off and closed the half on a 29-10 run to take a 41-25 advantage into the locker room. Forward Pryce Sandfort leads all scorers with 17 points while shooting 5-for-8 from 3-point range as Nebraska looks for its first-ever NCAA Tournament win.
Huskers are ROLLING 👀#MarchMadness @HuskerMBB pic.twitter.com/UDNAb71r8h
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
1:02 PM / MARCH 19
TCU sprints out to halftime lead
No. 9 TCU used an 11-0 run to close the half to take a 39-24 halftime lead over No. 8 Ohio State. Micah Robinson leads the way with 13 points for the Horned Frogs, while Xavier Edmonds is also in double figures. The winner advances to play the winner of No. 1 Duke and No. 16 Siena.
FROGS ARE UP BIG AT THE HALF 🐸#MarchMadness @TCUBasketball pic.twitter.com/9a65LeOOjY
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
7:37 AM / MARCH 19
Today’s schedule
12:15 p.m. – (9) TCU vs. (8) Ohio State (CBS)
12:40 p.m. – (13) Troy vs. (4) Nebraska (truTV)
1:30 p.m. – (11) South Florida vs. (6) Louisville (TNT)
1:50 p.m. – (12) High Point vs. (5) Wisconsin (TBS)
2:50 p.m. – (16) Siena vs. (1) Duke (CBS)
3:15 p.m. – (12) McNeese vs. (5) Vanderbilt (truTV)
4:05 p.m. – (14) North Dakota State vs. (3) Michigan State (TNT)
4:25 p.m. – (13) Hawaii vs. (4) Arkansas (TBS)
6:50 p.m. – (11) VCU vs. (6) North Carolina (TNT)
7:10 p.m. – (16) Howard vs. (1) Michigan (CBS)
7:25 p.m. – (11) Texas vs. (6) BYU (TBS)
7:35 p.m. – (10) Texas A&M vs. (7) Saint Mary’s (truTV)
9:25 p.m. – (14) Penn vs. (3) Illinois (TNT)
9:45 p.m. – (9) Saint Louis vs. (8) Georgia (CBS)
10:00 p.m. – (14) Kennesaw State vs. (3) Gonzaga (TBS)