{"id":548506,"date":"2026-03-20T07:11:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T07:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/548506\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T07:11:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T07:11:16","slug":"ncaa-tournament-first-round-march-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/548506\/","title":{"rendered":"NCAA Tournament, First Round March 19"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the NCAA Tournament First Round.<\/p>\n

An action-packed day with 16 games across Greenville, Oklahoma City, Portland and Buffalo. Read on to learn more about what happened!<\/p>\n

What we know about NCAA Tournament First Round<\/p>\n

1:15 AM \/ MARCH 20<\/p>\n

Thursday\u2019s results<\/p>\n

(9) TCU 66, (8) Ohio State 64<\/a>
\n(4) Nebraska 76, (13) Troy 47<\/a>
\n(6) Louisville 83, (11) South Florida 79<\/a>
\n(12) High Point 83, (5) Wisconsin 82<\/a>
\n(1) Duke 71, (16) Siena 65<\/a>
\n(5) Vanderbilt 78, (12) McNeese State 68<\/a>
\n(3) Michigan State 92, (14) North Dakota 67<\/a>
\n(4) Arkansas 97, (13) Hawaii 78<\/a>
\n(11) VCU 82, (6) North Carolina 76<\/a>
\n(1) Michigan 101, (16) Howard 80<\/a>
\n(11) Texas 79, (6) BYU 71<\/a>
\n(10) Texas A&M 63, (7) St. Mary\u2019s 50<\/a>
\n(3) Illinois 105, (14) Penn 70<\/a>
\n(9) Saint Louis 102, (8) Georgia 77<\/a>
\n(2) Houston, (15) Idaho 47<\/a>
\n(3) Gonzaga 73, (14) Kennesaw St. 64<\/a><\/p>\n

12:15 AM \/ MARCH 20<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Gonzaga defeated Kennesaw St. to move on to the second round.<\/p>\n

73-64, winning a defensive struggle by earning a 45-34 advantage on the glass.<\/p>\n

This is the 17th consecutive year that the Zags have moved on to the Round of 32.<\/p>\n

11:55 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Zvonimir Ivisic soared here for the Fighting Illini, who are on to the next round after beating Penn.<\/p>\n

105-70, as the No. 3 seed advances to the Round of 32.<\/p>\n

David Mirkovi\u0107 (29 pts, 17 reb) led the way for the Fighting Illini, who led by as many as 40 in the victory.<\/p>\n

11:40 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Milos Uzan and the Houston Cougars are on to the second round after defeating Idaho.<\/p>\n

78-47, as the Cougars held the Vandals to 29.6% shooting from the field.<\/p>\n

Houston also made 8-of-16 3-point attempts and out-rebounded Idaho 47-32 in the victory.<\/p>\n

11:30 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

102-77, thanks in part to a 27-9 advantage in assists on the night.<\/p>\n

Six Billikens scored in double figures, led by Dion Brown (18 pts).<\/p>\n

11:15 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

St. Louis up on Georgia; Houston beating Idaho<\/p>\n

A pair of big leads \u2014 St. Louis 74, Georgia 47; Houston 55, Idaho 33 \u2014 in the second half.<\/p>\n

10:51 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Illinois up on Penn at the half
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

David Mirkovi\u0107 and the Fighting Illini are up at the half on Cam Thrower and the Penn Quakers.<\/p>\n

40-30, dominating the offensive glass 14-3 along the way.<\/p>\n

10:13 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Rashaun Agee led Texas A&M over St. Mary\u2019s, delivering the upset for the Aggies.<\/p>\n

63-50, as the Aggies held the Gaels to just 38.3% shooting and forced 18 turnovers.<\/p>\n

Rashaun Agee (22 pts) was the top man for Texas A&M.<\/p>\n

FEED YOUR BIG MAN JAMIE VINSON \ud83d\udd28pic.twitter.com\/nyjPS16VG6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Texas A&M Basketball (@aggiembk) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

9:45 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Texas knocks off BYU
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Matas Vokietaitis and Texas upset BYU to move on to the Round of 32.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Dybantsa became the first freshman to score 30+ in the first round since Stephen Curry in 2008.<\/p>\n

Matas Vokietaitis through traffic \ud83d\udd25#MarchMadness<\/a> @TexasMBB<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/sW8OQEYGv8<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

9:40 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Morez Johnson Jr. and Michigan are on to the second round after responding to dispel Howard\u2019s upset bid.<\/p>\n

101-80, shooting 67.3% from the field along the way.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Yaxel \u27a1\ufe0f Aday Mara textbook \ud83d\udcd5 pic.twitter.com\/7QAdLov2U3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

9:22 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Terrence Hill Jr. led VCU to a stunning comeback over North Carolina to lead the Rams into the second round.<\/p>\n

Down by 19, the No. 11 Rams rallied to beat No. 6 North Carolina 82-78<\/a>, advancing into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely amazing,\u201d said Grant Hill. \u201cAll that talk about mid-majors not doing well in the NCAA Tournament \u2014 VCU proved them wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

VCU LEADS \u203c\ufe0f#MarchMadness<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/GsJ0arWPNz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been resilient all year. This is who we\u2019ve been from the get-go,\u201d said Coach Phil Martelli Jr, as his team stacked towels on his shoulders in celebration. \u201cWe preach winning plays. That\u2019s what we need. We got winning plays across the board.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were down early,\u201d said Hill Jr. \u201cI\u2019m just so proud of these guys, man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Henri Veesaar (26 pts, 10 reb) was the top scorer for the Tar Heels in defeat.<\/p>\n

9:04 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

North Carolina and VCU heading to overtime<\/p>\n

Tied at 75. Seth Trimble stole VCU\u2019s inbounds pass as they attempted a game-winning shot, but his 3-point was too strong. Overtime in Oklahoma City!<\/p>\n

8:45 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Texas also chasing upset
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Texas is leading AJ Dybantsa and BYU at the break.<\/p>\n

It could be a banner day in the Lone Star State.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Matas Vokietaitis (15 pts) is leading the way for Texas, nearing his season average of 15.5 ppg.<\/p>\n

AJ Dybantsa is COOKING \ud83c\udf73 pic.twitter.com\/wjf6nJ9416<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

8:38 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Texas A&M chasing upset
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Rashuan Agee and Texas A&M are up on St. Mary\u2019s at the half.<\/p>\n

No. 10 Texas A&M is up 37-26 at the break over No. 7 St. Mary\u2019s, thanks in part to 11 turnovers from the Gaels.
Rashaun Agee and Rub\u00e9n Dominguez lead the Aggies with 11 points apiece.<\/p>\n

RASHAUN AGEE WITH A HAMMER \ud83d\udd28 pic.twitter.com\/ee4rYwIsOz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

8:20 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Howard and Michigan in a battle
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Bryce Harris and the Howard Bison are threatening to upset the No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines at the half.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Both teams are shooting well \u2014 65.4% for Michigan, 51.5% for Howard \u2014 with the Bison shooting 10-of-16 from 3-point range and committing just three turnovers in the half.<\/p>\n

Bryce Harris connects with a RAINBOW \ud83d\ude2e#MarchMadness<\/a> @HUMensBB<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/wLk1yiG5GJ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

7:44 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

North Carolina up on VCU at the half
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Jonathan Powell and North Carolina are up at the half on VCU.<\/p>\n

39-28<\/a>, as the Tar Heels hold the Rams to just 34.5% shooting in the first half.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Henri Veesaar is busy with the boards \ud83d\ude24#MarchMadness<\/a> @UNC_Basketball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/SYiRvUx1hX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

6:37 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Carson Cooper was the top scorer for Michigan State as it defeated North Dakota State to advance.<\/p>\n

In a dominant 92-67<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Carson Cooper is mad at the rim today \ud83d\ude2d#MarchMadness<\/a> @MSU_Basketball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/quO4fR6j3U<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

6:30 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Darius Acuff Jr. led Arkansas to victory over Hawaii in the first round.<\/p>\n

Darius Acuff Jr. led No. 3 Arkansas with 24 points in their 97-78<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Darius Acuff making tough finishes look simple \ud83e\udd37\u200d\u2642\ufe0f#MarchMadness<\/a> @RazorbackMBB<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Y2W7zQhdzm<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

6:15 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Commodores are moving on to the second round after defeating McNeese State.<\/p>\n

78-68, defeating McNeese State. Tyler Tanner (26 pts) starred for the Commodores, outdoing a spirited effort from the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

Tyler Tanner is smooth with it \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8#MarchMadness<\/a> @VandyMBB<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tGhEtbXSAR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

5:25 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Spartans jump out to big lead<\/p>\n

No. 3 Michigan State jumped out to a 45-25 halftime lead over No. 14 North Dakota State behind 14 points from Carson Cooper.<\/p>\n

HALFTIME in Buffalo pic.twitter.com\/44C17LfJwi<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Michigan State Men’s Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

5:04 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

(1) DUKE SURVIVES \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n

The Blue Devils hang on late to down (16) Siena 71-65 and move on to the second round \ud83d\ude08 #MarchMadness<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/wO28fccUFY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

4:06 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Vanderbilt takes halftime lead over McNeese<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Took the punch. Fought back.<\/p>\n

20 minutes to go. pic.twitter.com\/Wl4Co8zv0X<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball (@VandyMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

3:56 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

(6) LOUISVILLE MOVES ON \ud83d\udca8<\/p>\n

The Cards hold off (11) South Florida 83-79 to advance to the second round \ud83d\udc4f #MarchMadness<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/1P6HxgtNn5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

3:55 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FIRST 2-POINTER OF THE YEAR FOR CHASE JOHNSTON \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n

HIGH POINT LEADS!!! pic.twitter.com\/N2ZWYSb9Dz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

3:51 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

No. 1 Duke on upset alert at halftime<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The No. 1 overall seed is down DOUBLE DIGITS at the half to Siena \ud83d\ude31#MarchMadness<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/z1S79S7X62<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2:40 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

HUSKER HISTORY IN OKC \ud83d\udcaa#MarchMadness<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/yIHi8PYLbb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2:36 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Badgers cling to 2-point lead at half<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

20 minutes down in Portland pic.twitter.com\/mdYqKAFene<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2:27 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FROGS OUT FRONT \ud83d\udd25#MarchMadness<\/a> @TCUBasketball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/7zUjY9gv0q<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2:25 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Louisville takes lead into half<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Back in 20 for 20 more #GoCards<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/xnuqgJyaO9<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Louisville Men’s Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

1:02 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Nebraska halfway home to first NCAA Tournament win<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Huskers are ROLLING \ud83d\udc40#MarchMadness<\/a> @HuskerMBB<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/UDNAb71r8h<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

1:02 PM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

TCU sprints out to halftime lead<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FROGS ARE UP BIG AT THE HALF \ud83d\udc38#MarchMadness<\/a> @TCUBasketball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/9a65LeOOjY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

7:37 AM \/ MARCH 19<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s schedule<\/p>\n

12:15 p.m. \u2013 (9) TCU vs. (8) Ohio State (CBS)
\n12:40 p.m. \u2013 (13) Troy vs. (4) Nebraska (truTV)
\n1:30 p.m. \u2013 (11) South Florida vs. (6) Louisville (TNT)
\n1:50 p.m. \u2013 (12) High Point vs. (5) Wisconsin (TBS)
\n2:50 p.m. \u2013 (16) Siena vs. (1) Duke (CBS)
\n3:15 p.m. \u2013 (12) McNeese vs. (5) Vanderbilt (truTV)
\n4:05 p.m. \u2013 (14) North Dakota State vs. (3) Michigan State (TNT)
\n4:25 p.m. \u2013 (13) Hawaii vs. (4) Arkansas (TBS)
\n6:50 p.m. \u2013 (11) VCU vs. (6) North Carolina (TNT)
\n7:10 p.m. \u2013 (16) Howard vs. (1) Michigan (CBS)
\n7:25 p.m. \u2013 (11) Texas vs. (6) BYU (TBS)
\n7:35 p.m. \u2013 (10) Texas A&M vs. (7) Saint Mary\u2019s (truTV)
\n9:25 p.m. \u2013 (14) Penn vs. (3) Illinois (TNT)
\n9:45 p.m. \u2013 (9) Saint Louis vs. (8) Georgia (CBS)
\n10:00 p.m. \u2013 (14) Kennesaw State vs. (3) Gonzaga (TBS)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n