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Badgers Face Panthers in NCAA Showdown March 19

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers will play the No. 12 High Point Panthers in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 19, 2026, at 1:50 p.m. ET in Portland, Oregon.
Wisconsin enters with a 24-10 record after winning five of its last six games.
High Point holds a 30-4 record and a 14-game winning streak.
The game will be broadcast on TBS.
Streaming is available on DIRECTV.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NCAA Tournament began on March 17, 1939, featuring eight teams in a single-elimination format. The University of Oregon claimed the first championship by defeating Ohio State 46-33 on March 27, 1939. This tournament marked a pivotal moment in college athletics, evolving from competition with the National Invitation Tournament to becoming the primary method for determining the national champion in men's college basketball.

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Story summary

The No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers will play the No. 12 High Point Panthers in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 19, 2026, at 1:50 p.m. ET in Portland, Oregon.
Wisconsin enters with a 24-10 record after winning five of its last six games.
High Point holds a 30-4 record and a 14-game winning streak.
The game will be broadcast on TBS.
Streaming is available on DIRECTV.

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