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2026 NCAA Tournament Kicks Off with Exciting First Four

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four on March 17-18 at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
Key First Four games feature No. 16 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) vs No. 16 Howard University and No. 11 Texas vs No. 11 NC State.
Winners advance to the 64-team bracket starting March 19.
The women's tournament begins March 18, with the University of Connecticut Huskies favored to win.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NCAA Tournament began on March 17, 1939, featuring eight teams in a single-elimination format. Oregon, coached by Howard Hobson, won the championship on March 27, defeating Ohio State 46–33. This tournament marked a pivotal moment in college basketball, leading to the expansion of the event to 68 teams by 2026, reflecting the sport's growing cultural significance in the United States.

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Story summary

The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four on March 17-18 at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
Key First Four games feature No. 16 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) vs No. 16 Howard University and No. 11 Texas vs No. 11 NC State.
Winners advance to the 64-team bracket starting March 19.
The women's tournament begins March 18, with the University of Connecticut Huskies favored to win.

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