Mar 19, 2026, 01:50 PM ET
More than 130 days have passed since the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season tipped off. It has been a season of captivating storylines, from the dominance of the freshman class to Miami (Ohio)‘s perfect regular-season run — and it’s about to get even better.
The first round of the 2026 NCAA tournament has finally arrived and ESPN reporters are on-site to give you a real-time look at the Madness.
Follow along as they and the rest of the staff track all the live action on Thursday, with more games left to tip:
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(16) Siena vs. (1) Duke: 2:50
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(12) McNeese vs. (5) Vanderbilt: 3:15
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(14) North Dakota State vs. (3) Michigan State: 4:05
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(13) Hawai’i vs. (4) Arkansas: 4:25
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(11) VCU vs. (6) North Carolina: 6:50
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(16) Howard vs. (1) Michigan: 7:10
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(11) Texas vs. (6) BYU: 7:25
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(10) Texas A&M vs. (7) Saint Mary’s: 7:35
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(14) Penn vs. (3) Illinois: 9:25
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(9) Saint Louis vs. (8) Georgia: 9:45
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(14) Kennesaw State vs. (3) Gonzaga: 10
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(15) Idaho vs. (2) Houston: 10:10
