Story perspectives

2026 NCAA Tournament Kicks Off with Ohio State, Duke

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins Thursday with first-round games.
The men's tournament starts at 12:15 p.m. ET when Ohio State faces TCU.
The women's tournament starts Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET with Duke against Charleston.
The Duke Blue Devils are led by standout freshman Cameron Boozer.
The UConn Huskies are undefeated and hold No. 1 seed, and analysts predict a mix of chalk and upsets as bracket challenges attract millions.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA Tournament began in 1939, following the inaugural National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1938. Initially featuring only eight teams, it was organized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and won by Oregon. Over the decades, the tournament expanded significantly, reflecting the growing popularity of college basketball and becoming a cultural phenomenon known as March Madness, with millions participating in bracket challenges annually.

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Story summary

The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins Thursday with first-round games.
The men's tournament starts at 12:15 p.m. ET when Ohio State faces TCU.
The women's tournament starts Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET with Duke against Charleston.
The Duke Blue Devils are led by standout freshman Cameron Boozer.
The UConn Huskies are undefeated and hold No. 1 seed, and analysts predict a mix of chalk and upsets as bracket challenges attract millions.

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