2026 March Madness live updates: Men’s NCAA Tournament bracket, scores, schedule for first-round games – CBS Sports

The highly anticipated 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament tips off its first round today, bringing a cascade of games across the nation. CBS Sports provides live updates, scores, and bracket insights as 32 matchups unfold, determining which teams advance to the second round. College basketball's premier event promises its usual blend of drama, upsets, and memorable performances.

Background to March Madness 2026

March Madness, officially known as the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, stands as one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. Originating in 1939, it has grown from an eight-team competition into a 68-team single-elimination bracket, captivating millions annually. The tournament's structure is designed to crown a national champion through a series of intense matchups, where every game is a win-or-go-home scenario.

Selection Sunday 2026, held on March 15, revealed the 68-team field, including 32 automatic qualifiers (conference champions) and 36 at-large bids selected by the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee. This year, the committee's choices sparked considerable debate, particularly concerning the final at-large selections and several seeding placements. The First Four play-in games, held on March 18 and 19 in Dayton, Ohio, successfully narrowed the field to the traditional 64 teams, setting the stage for the first round.

The first round, spanning Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, is notorious for its relentless schedule, with 16 games played each day. These games are hosted across eight predetermined regional sites, ensuring geographical diversity and accessibility for fans. For 2026, the first and second round host cities include Indianapolis, Indiana; Spokane, Washington; Brooklyn, New York; Salt Lake City, Utah; Memphis, Tennessee; Omaha, Nebraska; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Raleigh, North Carolina. Each site hosts eight teams, comprising two pods of four, playing two first-round games and one second-round game.

The allure of the first round lies in its potential for "Cinderella stories," where lower-seeded teams defy expectations to upset higher-ranked opponents, often dismantling millions of fan brackets in the process. These early-tournament narratives contribute significantly to the tournament's unique charm and unpredictability, setting the tone for the entire championship chase.

Key Developments Leading into the Tournament

The 2026 March Madness tournament arrives amidst several significant developments shaping the landscape of college basketball. The evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation continues to profoundly influence team rosters and program dynamics. This year, the impact of NIL on player retention and recruitment was more evident than ever, with several top programs consolidating talent and others struggling to maintain continuity. The transfer portal, now an established fixture, saw an unprecedented volume of player movement following the 2025 season, leading to significant roster overhauls for many contenders. Some analysts suggest this has created a more fluid, albeit potentially less cohesive, collegiate basketball environment.

One notable trend for 2026 is the emergence of several "super teams" built around veteran leadership and high-level transfers. The top four seeds – Northwood University (East), Mid-Atlantic State (Midwest), Western Coast Tech (South), and Southern Plains A&M (West) – all boast rosters with multiple fifth-year seniors and impact transfers, reflecting a strategic approach to leveraging the current NCAA landscape. This has led to an expectation of a less open tournament at the very top, but potentially more parity in the middle seeds.

Technological advancements have also made their way into the tournament experience. This year, CBS Sports and its partners are introducing enhanced real-time data overlays during broadcasts, providing deeper statistical insights and predictive analytics directly to viewers. Additionally, fan engagement platforms have been upgraded, allowing for more interactive bracket challenges and social media integration, further immersing audiences in the tournament's excitement.

From a competitive standpoint, the 2025-2026 regular season was marked by intense conference rivalries and several unexpected power shifts. The Big Ten, ACC, and SEC each placed a record number of teams in the tournament, indicating a strong year for those conferences. Conversely, some traditional mid-major powerhouses struggled, leading to fewer automatic bids from those leagues and increasing the pressure on their at-large hopefuls. The committee's selection process this year particularly emphasized strength of schedule and Quad 1 victories, leading to some surprising omissions and inclusions that fueled pre-tournament discussions.

Impact of the First Round

The first round of March Madness carries immense impact, resonating across various stakeholders from the players on the court to the broader economy. For the student-athletes, these games represent the culmination of a season's hard work and, for many, the pinnacle of their collegiate careers. A victory propels them into the national spotlight, potentially enhancing their draft stock or NIL opportunities, while a loss marks the abrupt end of their season, often with emotional farewells for graduating seniors. Coaches face intense scrutiny, with every timeout call and substitution analyzed, knowing that early exits can have long-term implications for their job security and program's reputation.

Fans are arguably the most directly affected by the first-round outcomes. Millions participate in bracket pools, and the initial wave of upsets often shatters perfectly crafted predictions within hours. The collective experience of watching upsets unfold, rooting for underdogs, or agonizing over close losses creates a shared national narrative. Host cities for the first and second rounds experience a significant economic boost. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses see a surge in revenue from traveling fans, teams, and media personnel. The NCAA estimates that the tournament generates hundreds of millions in economic activity annually, with the early rounds contributing substantially to this impact.

Broadcasters like CBS Sports, TNT, TBS, and truTV dedicate extensive resources to covering every moment. The high viewership numbers translate into substantial advertising revenue, making the tournament a prime event for sponsors. This year, new interactive viewing options aim to deepen fan engagement, further solidifying the tournament's commercial appeal. The tournament also significantly impacts recruiting for future seasons. Programs that make deep runs or achieve notable upsets often see a boost in their recruiting efforts, attracting top high school talent and desirable transfers. Conversely, underperforming top seeds might face questions about their program's direction.

Ultimately, the first round shapes the entire tournament's narrative. Early upsets create compelling storylines, define regions as "chaos" or "chalk," and set the stage for the Sweet Sixteen and beyond. Without the initial drama and unpredictability of these early games, the tournament's magic would be considerably diminished.

What’s Next: Expected Milestones

Following the conclusion of the first round on Friday, March 21, the tournament quickly transitions to the second round. These 16 games will be played on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, across the same eight host cities. The winners of these matchups will advance to the Sweet Sixteen, which will be held from March 27-28. The Sweet Sixteen games mark the beginning of regional play, with teams competing in one of the four designated regional sites: the East Regional in Boston, Massachusetts; the Midwest Regional in Detroit, Michigan; the South Regional in Dallas, Texas; and the West Regional in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Elite Eight, where the regional champions are determined, will take place on March 29-30. These four games are critical, as they decide which teams earn a coveted spot in the Final Four. The Final Four, the pinnacle of the tournament, is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event brings together the four regional champions for two national semifinal games. Finally, the National Championship game will be held on Monday, April 7, also in Indianapolis, where the last two teams standing will battle for the ultimate prize in college basketball.

Beyond the immediate schedule, the tournament's progression will unveil several key storylines. We will monitor the performance of top seeds, particularly how they navigate potential challenges from surging underdogs. The emergence of new star players, unexpected coaching masterclasses, and the resilience of teams overcoming adversity will all contribute to the tournament's unfolding narrative. Bracket challenges will continue to dwindle, focusing attention on the few remaining contenders. The journey from 68 teams to a single champion is a rapid, intense progression, with each round building on the drama and excitement of the last.

First Round Live Updates: Thursday, March 20, 2026

The opening day of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament delivered a quintessential March Madness experience, featuring dominant performances, nail-biting finishes, and at least one significant upset that sent shockwaves through brackets nationwide.

12:10 PM ET – Game 1: East Region

(1) Northwood University vs. (16) Eastbrook College – Indianapolis, IN

The tournament kicked off with the East Region's top seed, Northwood University, taking on Eastbrook College. Northwood, a perennial contender, entered the game as a heavy favorite.

Northwood established its dominance early, with senior forward Marcus Thorne asserting himself in the paint. He recorded 12 points and 7 rebounds in the first half alone. Eastbrook, despite their spirited effort, struggled to find consistent offense against Northwood's suffocating defense, shooting just 28% from the field in the opening 20 minutes. Northwood led 48-22 at halftime.

The second half saw Northwood's reserves get significant playing time, but the intensity didn't drop. Freshman guard Jamal Dixon showcased his potential with several highlight-reel assists and a pair of deep three-pointers. Eastbrook's guard, Kellen Davies, managed to score 15 points, a respectable effort against the top seed. Northwood cruised to a decisive 92-55 victory, advancing comfortably. They demonstrated why they are considered a legitimate national championship contender, with depth and defensive prowess.

12:40 PM ET – Game 2: Midwest Region

(8) Coastal Carolina A&T vs. (9) Mountainview College – Omaha, NE

A classic 8-seed vs. 9-seed matchup, this game was expected to be a tight contest, and it delivered. Coastal Carolina A&T, known for its fast-paced offense, faced Mountainview College, a team built on defensive grit.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Coastal Carolina's junior guard, DeShawn Harris, led the charge with 14 points, including two crucial three-pointers. Mountainview countered with effective post play from senior center, Brian "The Wall" Wallace, who dominated the boards and added 10 points. The lead changed hands seven times, with Coastal Carolina holding a narrow 35-34 advantage at the break.

The second half intensified. Mountainview's defense tightened, holding Coastal Carolina without a field goal for nearly five minutes midway through the half. However, Harris hit a clutch three-pointer to break the drought and tie the game at 68 with two minutes remaining. With 15 seconds left, Mountainview's point guard, Alex Chen, drove to the basket, drawing a foul. He calmly sank both free throws to put Mountainview up 72-70. Coastal Carolina had one last possession, but Harris's contested jumper at the buzzer rimmed out. Mountainview College pulled off the upset, 72-70, advancing to face the winner of the 1-16 matchup.

2:15 PM ET – Game 3: South Region

(4) Riverbend University vs. (13) Northern Gateway – Memphis, TN

Riverbend University, a strong offensive team, was challenged by Northern Gateway, a mid-major champion known for its tenacious defense and three-point shooting.

Riverbend started strong, with their star forward, Kyle Jefferson, scoring 10 points in the first six minutes. Northern Gateway, however, refused to be intimidated, hitting five three-pointers in the first half to keep the game close. The score was 40-36 in favor of Riverbend at halftime, but Northern Gateway's confidence was visibly growing.

The second half saw Northern Gateway execute their game plan perfectly. They continued to knock down perimeter shots, and their defensive pressure forced Riverbend into uncharacteristic turnovers. With five minutes left, Northern Gateway took their first lead of the game, 65-64, on a deep three from freshman guard Liam O'Connell. The crowd was on its feet as the upset alert flashed. Riverbend responded with a quick 5-0 run, but O'Connell wasn't done, hitting another three with 30 seconds left to tie the game at 75. Riverbend had the final possession. Jefferson drove, drew two defenders, and dished to a wide-open teammate, but the shot was blocked as time expired. Overtime!

In overtime, Northern Gateway's momentum carried them through. O'Connell, who finished with 24 points, hit a crucial floater, and they made their free throws down the stretch. Riverbend's offense sputtered under pressure. Northern Gateway completed the stunning upset, 83-79, in overtime, becoming the first 13-seed to advance this tournament.

3:00 PM ET – Game 4: West Region

(2) Western Coast Tech vs. (15) Prairie View Tech – Salt Lake City, UT

Western Coast Tech, a high-flying team with NBA-level talent, faced Prairie View Tech, a disciplined team from a smaller conference.

Western Coast Tech's athleticism was on full display from the opening tip. Their star sophomore guard, Darius "Dash" Miller, threw down two thunderous dunks in the first five minutes, igniting the crowd. Prairie View Tech struggled to keep pace, falling behind by 20 points by halftime, 52-32. Miller had 18 points and 5 assists in the first half.

The second half was largely a formality. Western Coast Tech continued to showcase its offensive firepower, with multiple players contributing. Prairie View Tech showed resilience, never giving up, but the talent gap was too wide. Western Coast Tech won comfortably, 101-68, demonstrating their potential to make a deep run. Miller finished with 28 points and 10 assists, a dominant performance.

4:45 PM ET – Game 5: East Region

(8) Columbia State vs. (9) Grand Canyon State – Pittsburgh, PA

Another 8-9 battle, this one promised defensive intensity. Columbia State, known for its suffocating full-court press, faced Grand Canyon State, a team with a strong interior presence.

The first half was a defensive slugfest. Both teams struggled to find rhythm, with turnovers plaguing both sides. Columbia State's press forced 10 first-half turnovers, but their own offense was inconsistent. Grand Canyon State's big man, Omar Jenkins, scored 8 points in the paint. Halftime score: 28-26, Columbia State.

The second half saw Grand Canyon State make adjustments, breaking the press more effectively. Jenkins continued to be a force inside, but Columbia State's guards started hitting timely shots. With less than a minute remaining, the score was tied at 58. Grand Canyon State missed a go-ahead jumper, and Columbia State grabbed the rebound. On the ensuing possession, Columbia State's senior guard, Ryan Carter, drove to the basket and hit a tough contested layup with 4 seconds left. Grand Canyon State's desperation heave from half-court fell short. Columbia State wins a gritty contest, 60-58, and will face Northwood in the second round.

6:10 PM ET – Game 6: Midwest Region

(3) Central Lakes University vs. (14) Southern Valley A&M – Indianapolis, IN

Central Lakes University, a strong contender from a major conference, was expected to handle Southern Valley A&M, a team that earned its bid through a surprising conference tournament run.

Central Lakes started strong, showcasing their balanced scoring attack. Junior forward Kevin Hayes led the way with 16 first-half points, dominating the paint. Southern Valley A&M struggled to contain Central Lakes' size and athleticism, falling behind 45-28 at the half.

The second half saw Central Lakes maintain their advantage. They rotated players effectively, keeping fresh legs on the court. Southern Valley A&M had a brief run, cutting the lead to 12 points midway through the half, fueled by some hot shooting from their senior guard. However, Central Lakes quickly reasserted control, stifling the comeback attempt with tough defense and timely baskets. Central Lakes secured a comfortable 85-65 victory, avoiding any first-round drama. They look formidable heading into the next round.

7:20 PM ET – Game 7: South Region

(6) Gateway University vs. (11) Mid-State College – Spokane, WA

This 6-11 matchup was projected to be one of the most competitive of the day, with Mid-State College frequently picked as a potential upset candidate.

Mid-State College came out firing, hitting their first four three-point attempts and jumping out to an early 15-5 lead. Gateway University looked rattled, struggling to find their rhythm on offense. Mid-State's senior guard, Jalen Brooks, was particularly hot, finishing the first half with 17 points. Mid-State led 42-30 at the break, much to the delight of upset-minded bracketologists.

Gateway University, however, showed why they were a 6-seed. They came out with renewed intensity in the second half, tightening their defense and slowly chipping away at Mid-State's lead. Their star forward, Brandon Lee, scored 12 points in the first ten minutes of the second half, bringing Gateway back within three points. The game became a seesaw battle in the final five minutes. With 30 seconds left, Mid-State led by one, 70-69. Gateway's Lee drove to the basket, absorbed contact, and finished with an acrobatic layup, putting Gateway up 71-70. Mid-State had one last chance, but Brooks' contested jumper from the baseline missed. Gateway completed the comeback, 71-70, in a thrilling finish, narrowly avoiding an upset.

9:45 PM ET – Game 8: West Region

(7) Pacific Crest College vs. (10) Metro City University – Sacramento, CA

The final game of Thursday's action featured Pacific Crest College, known for its methodical offense, against Metro City University, a team that thrives on transition.

The game started with Metro City dictating the pace, pushing the ball and scoring easy fast-break points. Their sophomore guard, Chris "Flash" Evans, was electric, scoring 11 points in the first ten minutes. Pacific Crest struggled to slow them down, falling behind by 10 points. However, Pacific Crest's senior center, David "The Anchor" Johnson, kept them in the game with his interior scoring and rebounding. Halftime score: 38-35, Metro City.

The second half saw Pacific Crest slow the game down, forcing Metro City into half-court sets, where they were less effective. Johnson continued his dominant performance, finishing with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Metro City's offense stalled, and Pacific Crest took the lead with five minutes left. In the final minute, Metro City tied the game at 66 on a clutch three-pointer. With 10 seconds left, Pacific Crest ran a play for Johnson, who hit a tough turnaround jumper in the paint to put them up by two. Metro City's final shot was blocked by Johnson as the buzzer sounded. Pacific Crest wins a defensive battle, 68-66, and advances.

First Round Live Updates: Friday, March 21, 2026

Friday's slate of games brought another day of high-stakes college basketball, with more upsets, dominant performances, and heart-stopping finishes.

12:10 PM ET – Game 9: Midwest Region

(1) Mid-Atlantic State vs. (16) North Central Tech – Omaha, NE

Mid-Atlantic State, the overall number one seed, began their tournament run against North Central Tech, a team making its first NCAA Tournament appearance.

Mid-Atlantic State wasted no time asserting their authority. Their All-American point guard, Kevin "K.J." Jones, orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out 8 assists in the first half. The team shot over 60% from the field, overwhelming North Central Tech with their athleticism and skill. By halftime, Mid-Atlantic State held a commanding 55-18 lead.

The second half was a showcase for Mid-Atlantic State's depth. Their bench players contributed significantly, maintaining the high level of play. North Central Tech played with pride, hitting a few impressive shots, but they were simply outmatched. Mid-Atlantic State cruised to a dominant 105-45 victory, sending a clear message to the rest of the field about their championship aspirations. Jones finished with 15 points and 12 assists in limited minutes.

12:40 PM ET – Game 10: East Region

(5) Liberty Bay University vs. (12) Keystone College – Brooklyn, NY

Keystone College, a popular 12-seed upset pick, faced a strong Liberty Bay University squad known for its sharp-shooting.

Keystone College, riding the momentum of their conference championship, started strong, playing fearlessly. Their sophomore guard, Malik "Sparky" Jones, hit three early three-pointers, giving Keystone an unexpected lead. Liberty Bay struggled to find their rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, their usual strength. Keystone led 38-30 at halftime, and the upset narrative was building.

The second half saw Liberty Bay make a concerted effort to attack the paint, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. However, Keystone continued to answer with timely baskets, maintaining their lead. With five minutes left, Liberty Bay finally tied the game at 65 after a quick 7-0 run. The final minutes were intense. Keystone's Sparky Jones hit a deep contested three-pointer with 15 seconds left to put Keystone up 72-70. Liberty Bay had one final possession, but their star forward's shot at the buzzer was partially blocked. Keystone College pulled off the upset, 72-70, becoming the second 12-seed to advance, delighting bracket busters everywhere.

2:15 PM ET – Game 11: South Region

(3) Southern State College vs. (14) North Bay Tech – Raleigh, NC

Southern State College, a defensive powerhouse, took on North Bay Tech, a high-octane offensive team from a mid-major conference.

The game started with Southern State's defense stifling North Bay Tech's usually potent attack. North Bay struggled against the physicality, turning the ball over repeatedly. Southern State capitalized on these turnovers, building an early double-digit lead. By halftime, Southern State was up 42-25, seemingly in control.

However, North Bay Tech refused to quit. In the second half, they started hitting contested shots and found ways to break Southern State's press. Their senior guard, Ethan Miller, caught fire, scoring 15 points in a five-minute stretch, cutting the lead to just seven points with four minutes left. The crowd was electric, sensing a comeback. Southern State, however, relied on their veteran leadership. Their senior point guard, Michael Chen, hit a crucial three-pointer and made four clutch free throws in the final minute to seal the victory. Southern State held on, 75-68, narrowly avoiding a monumental collapse.

3:00 PM ET – Game 12: West Region

(4) Central Plains University vs. (13) Grand River College – Spokane, WA

Central Plains University, a well-rounded team, faced Grand River College, a team known for its scrappy play and dominant rebounder.

Grand River College's center, "Big Mike" Henderson, lived up to his nickname, grabbing 10 rebounds in the first half alone and scoring 8 points. Central Plains struggled to establish their inside game against Henderson's presence. Grand River's gritty defense kept the game close, even taking a brief lead. Central Plains, however, ended the half on a 7-0 run to lead 36-32.

The second half was a physical battle. Central Plains started to find their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting key three-pointers to extend their lead. Grand River continued to fight, with Henderson finishing with an impressive 16 points and 18 rebounds. However, Central Plains' balanced attack proved too much. They pulled away in the final minutes, securing a 78-65 victory.

4:45 PM ET – Game 13: East Region

(2) Capital City University vs. (15) Metro Valley College – Pittsburgh, PA

Capital City University, a strong 2-seed, was expected to easily dispatch Metro Valley College.

Capital City demonstrated their superior talent from the opening tip. Their star sophomore forward, David "The Diesel" Davis, was unstoppable in the paint, scoring 14 points in the first ten minutes. Metro Valley struggled to keep up, falling behind by double digits quickly. By halftime, Capital City had built a commanding 48-20 lead.

The second half was a formality. Capital City continued to dominate, showcasing their deep roster and efficient offense. Metro Valley, despite their best efforts, could not mount a serious challenge. Capital City cruised to a 95-50 victory, looking every bit like a Final Four contender. Davis finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds.

6:10 PM ET – Game 14: Midwest Region

(6) Eastern Seaboard University vs. (11) Blue Ridge College – Indianapolis, IN

This 6-11 matchup was widely considered a prime upset opportunity, with Blue Ridge College boasting a dynamic backcourt.

Blue Ridge College, led by their senior guard duo of Kevin "K.O." O'Malley and Jamal "J-Rock" Williams, came out with confidence. They pushed the pace and hit several contested shots, taking an early lead. Eastern Seaboard University's defense looked porous, struggling to contain the quickness of Blue Ridge's guards. Blue Ridge led 45-38 at halftime, with K.O. and J-Rock combining for 28 points.

In the second half, Eastern Seaboard made a tactical adjustment, switching to a zone defense to slow down Blue Ridge's guards. This proved effective, as Blue Ridge's shooting cooled, and they struggled to find open looks. Eastern Seaboard's big man, John Thompson, started to dominate the boards and score inside, slowly chipping away at the lead. With two minutes left, Eastern Seaboard took their first lead of the game, 70-69. The final minute was chaotic. Blue Ridge missed a go-ahead three, and Eastern Seaboard grabbed the rebound. They then sealed the game with two free throws, winning 72-69, narrowly escaping the upset bid.

7:20 PM ET – Game 15: South Region

(7) Southern Plains University vs. (10) Gulf Coast University – Memphis, TN

A fascinating 7-10 matchup between two teams with contrasting styles: Southern Plains University, known for its tenacious defense, and Gulf Coast University, a high-scoring team.

The game was a defensive battle in the first half, with both teams struggling to find consistent offense. Southern Plains' physical defense limited Gulf Coast's scoring opportunities, but their own offense was equally stifled. The score was a low 28-26 at halftime, with Southern Plains holding a slim lead.

The second half saw Gulf Coast's offense finally break through. Their star junior guard, Marcus Green, started hitting tough shots, and their three-point shooting improved dramatically. Southern Plains' defense, while still strong, couldn't contain the surge. Gulf Coast built a comfortable 10-point lead with five minutes left. Southern Plains mounted a late comeback attempt, cutting the lead to four, but Gulf Coast made their free throws down the stretch to secure the victory. Gulf Coast University wins 68-61, advancing to the second round.

9:45 PM ET – Game 16: West Region

(8) Lone Star College vs. (9) Redwood University – Salt Lake City, UT

The final game of the first round was another highly anticipated 8-9 seed matchup. Lone Star College, known for its veteran backcourt, faced Redwood University, a team with a strong frontcourt.

The game started evenly, with both teams trading baskets. Lone Star's senior point guard, Tony "The General" Garcia, was masterful, orchestrating the offense and hitting clutch shots. Redwood's big men, led by sophomore center Kevin "K-Force" Foster, dominated the boards and scored effectively inside. The score was tied at 33-33 at halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away. The lead changed hands multiple times. With 30 seconds left, Redwood's Foster hit a hook shot to put them up by one, 68