Story perspectives

College Basketball Crown Tournament Kicks Off in Vegas

3/31/2026

Summary

Scarlet Knights Compete

The College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas begins April 1 with Rutgers University Scarlet Knights, Creighton Bluejays, Minnesota Golden Gophers, and Baylor Bears, and the champions receive $300,000.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 14-19, face Creighton Bluejays in the quarterfinals, aiming to replicate Nebraska's success, and Tariq Francis is uncertain for the game.
Minnesota Golden Gophers are 3.5-point underdogs against Baylor.
Baylor Bears coach Scott Drew faces challenges after a rebuilding year.

Summary

Buffaloes Face Oklahoma

The 2026 College Basketball Crown tournament will be held in Las Vegas from April 1–5 with eight teams.
Colorado Buffaloes will face Oklahoma in the opening game on April 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
The event carries a $500,000 NIL prize pool and will be broadcast on FOX and FS1.
Baylor will play Minnesota and Stanford will play West Virginia, with the championship on April 5 at T-Mobile Arena.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NCAA Basketball Tournament took place in 1939, featuring eight teams and won by the University of Oregon, which defeated Ohio State 46-33. This tournament emerged as a response to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), established in 1938. Over the decades, the NCAA tournament evolved into the premier college basketball championship, significantly enhancing the sport's visibility and financial stakes across the United States.

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Scarlet Knights Compete

The College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas begins April 1 with Rutgers University Scarlet Knights, Creighton Bluejays, Minnesota Golden Gophers, and Baylor Bears, and the champions receive $300,000.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 14-19, face Creighton Bluejays in the quarterfinals, aiming to replicate Nebraska's success, and Tariq Francis is uncertain for the game.
Minnesota Golden Gophers are 3.5-point underdogs against Baylor.
Baylor Bears coach Scott Drew faces challenges after a rebuilding year.

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