“The Cornhuskers made history with their first NCAA tournament win in program history as they throttled Troy with a dominant performance on both ends of the floor,” said Brooke Pryor.
The 2026 NCAA tournament kicked off with selections on March 15, leading to an electrifying first round on March 19 and 20. Nebraska’s historic win against Troy marked a significant milestone, as they celebrated their first-ever NCAA tournament victory.
Miami (Ohio) also made headlines, sinking an impressive 16 three-pointers in their First Four win against SMU, showcasing their sharpshooting prowess. The tournament has been characterized by captivating storylines, including the dominance of the freshman class and Miami’s perfect regular-season run.
The first game of the first round featured Siena vs. Duke at 2:50 PM, setting the stage for a day filled with thrilling basketball action. Other notable matchups included McNeese vs. Vanderbilt and North Dakota State vs. Michigan State.
In another nail-biter, TCU edged out Ohio State in a close game that was decided by a last-second play. “Punch was the late-game hero for the Horned Frogs, racking up 13 of his 16 points, seven of his 13 rebounds and two assists in the second half to keep his team dancing,” reported David Hale.
Pryce Sandfort of Nebraska set a program record with seven three-pointers in the game against Troy, contributing to the Cornhuskers’ remarkable shooting performance. They finished the game shooting 14-of-39 from beyond the arc.
The tournament continues through the Final Four, which will take place on April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Fans can expect more thrilling matchups as teams battle for a spot in the championship game.
Follow along as they and the rest of the staff track all the live action on Thursday, with more games left to tip.
