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St. John's Faces Northern Iowa in NCAA Tournament Opener

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The NCAA Tournament first-round game on March 20 in San Diego pits St. John's Red Storm against Northern Iowa Panthers.
St. John's is the No. 5 seed with a 28-6 record.
Zuby Ejiofor of the St. John's Red Storm is the Big East Player of the Year, averaging 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds.
Northern Iowa Panthers are the No. 12 seed with a 23-12 record.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NCAA Tournament, held in 1939, was organized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and featured eight teams. Oregon won the first championship, defeating Ohio State 46-33 on March 27, 1939. This tournament has since expanded to 68 teams, reflecting the growing significance of college basketball in American sports culture and its competition with the National Invitation Tournament.

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Story summary

The NCAA Tournament first-round game on March 20 in San Diego pits St. John's Red Storm against Northern Iowa Panthers.
St. John's is the No. 5 seed with a 28-6 record.
Zuby Ejiofor of the St. John's Red Storm is the Big East Player of the Year, averaging 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds.
Northern Iowa Panthers are the No. 12 seed with a 23-12 record.

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