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UMBC men's basketball team faces delays as weather disrupts travel plans The UMBC men's basketball team remains stranded at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport due to severe weather delays, preventing them from departing for their NCAA Tournament game in Dayton, Ohio. The Retrievers, who are making their first tournament appearance since defeating top-seeded Virginia in 2018, were scheduled to board a 12 p.m. flight but have yet to depart three hours later. The delay has forced the team to miss their planned 4 p.m. media availability to preview their First Four matchup against Howard, which is set for 6:40 p.m. tomorrow night. Despite the logistical challenges, the Retrievers have secured their spot in the tournament as a 16-seed, following their America East regular season and conference tournament championships. The team will compete in the First Four play-in game in Dayton, where the winner will face 1-seed Michigan in the Midwest Region. Howard, the opponent in tomorrow’s game, has already arrived in Dayton, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest. The flight delay stems from a ground stop at BWI-Marshall Airport, which was implemented due to severe weather conditions earlier in the day. While the ground stop was lifted in the afternoon, the team’s departure was still delayed, complicating their schedule. The NCAA Tournament game against Howard marks a significant milestone for UMBC, as the Retrievers aim to build on their historic 2018 upset of Virginia. The team’s situation highlights the unpredictable nature of tournament travel, particularly during adverse weather conditions. While the Retrievers have managed to land safely in Dayton shortly before 6 p.m., the delay underscores the challenges teams face in balancing preparation and logistics during high-profile events.#ncaa_tournament #umbc #dayton_ohio #america_east

March Madness 2026 Begins Tonight in Dayton, Ohio The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicks off tonight in Dayton, Ohio, with the first round of games, known as the “First Four,” set to take place. Two matchups featuring No. 16 seeds will open the tournament, as Howard University faces UMBC, while No. 11 seeds NC State and Texas will square off in another early contest. Additional First Four games will be held on Wednesday, with Prairie View A&M vs. Lehigh and Miami (OH) vs. SMU set to compete. All four matchups will be broadcast on truTV. The tournament will be televised across multiple networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with additional games available via streaming platforms. HBO Max and Paramount+ will also carry select matches, offering fans flexible viewing options. Notably, Paramount+ is currently offering a discounted rate of $2.99 per month for the first two months, providing an affordable way to access the tournament. For viewers seeking to stream truTV, several services provide access. The network is available on Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, with the latter offering a promotional price of $59.99 per month for the first two months. A 10-day free trial is also available for YouTube TV, while Hulu provides a three-day trial. TruTV can be found on DIRECTV through the Choice, Ultimate, or Premiere Packs, as well as on Optimum, Spectrum, Cox, and Xfinity via their channel finder tools. To watch truTV live, users can access the network’s website or app with a valid cable login. A free 10-minute preview is available for new users. Alternatively, the Blue package on Sling TV offers access to truTV, though the Orange package does not include the channel.#ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #cbs #dayton_ohio #tru_tv #tbs

Score 2 Months of Paramount+ for Under $6 — the Best Deal for Live Streaming March Madness March Madness has officially begun, bringing with it a thrilling run of college basketball games that fans across the country are eager to watch. For those looking to stream every game without breaking the bank, Paramount+ is offering a limited-time deal that makes it easier than ever to follow the action. Until March 31, subscribers can get two months of Paramount+ for just $2.99 per month, bringing the total cost under $6 for the entire period. This promotion provides access to a wide range of March Madness games, including the First Round, Second Round, Sweet 16, and Elite Eight matches. Paramount+ serves as the primary streaming platform for CBS-broadcast games during the tournament, which means fans can catch most of the action without needing multiple subscriptions. While the 2026 men’s Final Four and NCAA national championship games will air on TBS, the majority of the tournament’s games will still be available on Paramount+ and CBS. This makes the deal particularly appealing for sports enthusiasts who want to stay updated on all major matchups without paying for additional services. The limited-time offer is designed to encourage viewers to commit to a longer subscription period at a discounted rate. At just $2.99 per month, the cost is significantly lower than the standard Paramount+ subscription price, making it an attractive option for those who plan to watch multiple games throughout the tournament. The promotion also highlights the growing trend of streaming services offering special deals around major sporting events, allowing fans to enjoy live sports at a fraction of the usual cost.#paramount_plus #ncaa #cbs #march_madness #tbs

March Madness Kicks Off With First Four Play-In Games The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament officially begins with the First Four, a series of play-in games that determine the final teams in the 64-team bracket. These matchups, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, feature teams from smaller conferences and at-large selections competing for the last spots in the tournament field. The First Four serves as the opening stage of March Madness, setting the tone for the entire tournament. The First Four has been a staple of the NCAA Tournament since its introduction in 2011, when the tournament expanded from 65 to 68 teams. The format includes four games, with the winners advancing to the official 64-team bracket. This year’s 2026 tournament will see the No. 16 seeds facing off in two matchups: UMBC vs. Howard and Prairie View A&M vs. Lehigh. Meanwhile, the No. 11 seeds will compete in Texas vs. NC State and Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU. The First Four is consistently held at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, a venue that has hosted the play-in games since the format’s inception. The city’s central location and the arena’s capacity make it an ideal choice for the event, which is under contract through 2026. The games will take place on March 17 and 18, with both matches broadcast on truTV. After the First Four, the winners will advance to the first round of the tournament, which begins on March 19. From there, the bracket progresses through the First Round, Second Round, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and the national championship game, typically held in early April. While the First Four is technically a play-in round, it has historically produced memorable moments.#march_madness #tru_tv #first_four #university_of_dayton_arena #ncaa_division_i_men_s_basketball_tournament

March Madness 2026 Preview The NCAA single-elimination basketball tournament, known as March Madness, is set to begin in early March, offering fans a thrilling showcase of collegiate competition. For the men’s tournament, the first round kicks off on March 19, while the women’s edition starts on March 20. Sixty-eight teams will compete in the opening round, with the bracket narrowing down to 32 teams in the second round before the tournament intensifies in the Sweet 16. By the time the final four teams are set, only eight will have advanced, and the ultimate victors will vie for the national championship. The tournament has become a global spectacle, drawing attention from NBA and WNBA prospects eager to elevate their draft stock. Past years have seen unforgettable moments, such as the 2023 NCAA Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Backed by standout players like Angel Reese and Catilin Clark, LSU secured its first title in program history. The matchup between Reese and Clark attracted nearly 10 million viewers, setting a record for the most-watched women’s basketball game. ESPN reported that the 2023 Final Four, Elite Eight, and Sweet 16 games collectively drew record-breaking audiences, with 9.9 million viewers tuning in for the final. This surpassed the viewership of the recently completed World Series, which averaged 9.1 million. The tournament’s structure is designed to maximize drama and unpredictability. The first round features 68 teams, with the bracket progressing to 32, then 16, and finally the Sweet 16. The Sweet 16 marks a turning point, as only eight teams remain, with half of them advancing to the Final Four. The final four teams will face off in the championship game, determining the national champion.#united_states #ncaa #angel_reese #espn #march_madness

President Donald Trump announces new executive order on college sports, anticipates legal challenges President Donald Trump outlined plans to sign a new executive order addressing issues in college athletics during a Friday roundtable discussion titled “Saving College Sports.” He emphasized that the measure would likely face legal challenges but expressed hope for a favorable judicial outcome. Trump reiterated his stance that the current state of college sports, particularly in the NIL (name, image, likeness) era, has created significant problems for institutions, athletes, and families. The executive order, which Trump said would be issued within a week of the roundtable, is described as more comprehensive than his previous July directive. The earlier order targeted pay-for-play practices in college athletics and sought to protect non-revenue sports while banning NIL-related pay-for-play arrangements. During the discussion, Trump highlighted the financial disparities in college sports, noting the disproportionate share of revenue allocated to football and basketball following the House v. NCAA settlement. He suggested the new order would address broader systemic issues, including the impact of NIL on college athletics. Trump acknowledged that the previous executive order served as a “test” and that the upcoming measure would incorporate lessons learned over the past six months. He emphasized the need for a “common sense” approach, stating that the document would be “very well-thought-out” and aimed at resolving the “disaster” he described for colleges, players, and families. However, he admitted uncertainty about its legal viability, noting that the outcome would depend on the judge assigned to the case.#president_donald_trump #executive_order #college_sports #ncaa #score_act

George Mason Men’s Basketball Secures Back-to-Back NIT Appearances FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University men’s basketball team has been awarded a spot in the 2026 National Invitation Tournament, marking its second consecutive postseason berth. The Patriots will kick off the tournament with a Tuesday night matchup against Liberty, set for 6 p.m. on ESPN2. Tickets for the game, which will take place in Fairfax, are priced at $25 and will be available starting March 16. George Mason students will receive complimentary admission to the event. This marks the sixth time in program history that the Patriots have qualified for the NIT, with the past two seasons seeing them secure consecutive bids. The team’s recent success follows a postseason run in 2025, where they advanced to the NIT Second Round after their first victory in the event since 2004. The achievement also signifies the first time since the 2007-09 season that George Mason has made back-to-back postseason appearances, whether in the NCAA or NIT. Liberty, the team’s opponent, claimed the 2026 Conference USA regular season title with a 25-7 overall record and a 17-3 mark in conference play. The Flames and Patriots have a storied history, having faced each other nine times previously. George Mason holds a 6-3 edge in the series, with the most recent meeting occurring on December 10, 2011, in Fairfax. The Patriots emerged victorious in that game with an 84-54 score. The upcoming matchup represents a significant milestone for both programs, highlighting the competitive nature of collegiate basketball and the growing prominence of George Mason in postseason play.#ncaa #george_mason_university #liberty #nit #fairfax

Duke’s Isaiah Evans Highlights Harassment Concerns From College Player Props Duke Blue Devils sophomore guard Isaiah Evans, who recently helped the team secure a victory in the ACC Tournament, has raised concerns about the growing impact of sports betting on college athletes. Evans specifically highlighted an increase in harassment linked to player prop bets, noting that athletes are receiving hostile messages from bettors. In some cases, these interactions have escalated to threats, prompting broader discussions about the role of prop betting in college sports. College athletes face unique risks when it comes to harassment tied to sports betting, largely due to their age and the environment they operate in. Many are still teenagers or in their early 20s, balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments while navigating emotional and mental development. This makes hostile messages and threats more challenging to process. Additionally, these athletes have limited access to media training, security resources, and support systems compared to professional players, leaving them more exposed to potential harm. The NCAA has responded to these concerns by launching its “Draw the Line” campaign, which aims to address abuse related to sports betting. The initiative focuses on educating fans about the consequences of their behavior and encouraging accountability when interacting with student-athletes online. It also provides resources to help athletes report harassment and take steps to protect themselves. The campaign’s goal is to shield athletes like Evans from the negative effects of angry bettors. The issues raised by Evans have intensified calls for a ban on player prop betting in college sports.#college_sports #ncaa #duke_blue_devils #isaias_evans #draw_the_line

Taylor Bol Bowen Healthy and Confident for Alabama in Postseason TAMPA, Fla.—Taylor Bol Bowen, a 6-10 forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has returned to full health and is showing confidence as the team heads into postseason play. After transferring from Florida State, Bowen faced significant challenges this season due to injuries, missing five games and struggling with consistency during SEC play. However, he has since regained his form, contributing key performances as Alabama advances in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Bowen’s return has been critical for Alabama, which has relied on his scoring and defensive presence. In a Round of 64 victory over Hofstra, he scored 15 points, demonstrating his ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively. Despite only grabbing two rebounds, he added three blocks, showcasing his versatility. Coach Nate Oats praised Bowen’s resurgence, noting that his presence elevates the team’s depth and competitiveness. “To get him to play that well makes us a totally different team,” Oats said. “When our front court has depth and they’re playing extremely well, we’re a different team.” Bowen’s journey to health has been arduous. He admitted to missing a substantial amount of practice and games due to multiple injuries, which hindered his ability to contribute consistently. “It made it really difficult, especially during SEC play,” he said. “I missed a ton of practice, a few games, and a handful of games I was going in and out dealing with multiple injuries.” However, he expressed relief at finally being healthy and ready to compete. “I’m just glad to be able to be healthy now, to be able to compete,” he said. The 2026 NCAA Tournament marks Bowen’s first opportunity to play in the event, as he was unable to participate during his two seasons at Florida State.#alabama_crimson_tide #ncaa_tournament #march_madness #nate_oats #taylor_bol_bowen

Oregon's Offseason Shifts with Kwame Evans' Transfer Decision Oregon forward Kwame Evans has officially decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, marking a pivotal moment for the Ducks as they navigate the offseason following a challenging 2025-26 season. The move provides clarity for the program as it seeks to rebuild and reshape its roster amid lingering questions about its future. Evans, a former five-star recruit, shared his decision on social media, though the transfer portal will not officially open for two more weeks. Evans emerged as one of Oregon’s most dependable players during the 2025-26 season, suiting up in 30 of the Ducks’ 32 games. His consistency stood out in a year marred by injuries and inconsistency across the roster. Despite missing two contests due to minor injuries, Evans remained a key contributor, offering stability both in production and demeanor. Head coach Dana Altman frequently highlighted his resilience, noting how Evans maintained his focus and leadership even as the team struggled with setbacks. Statistically, Evans delivered his best season at Oregon, averaging 13.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His shooting efficiency was a standout, with a 45.4% field goal percentage and a career-high 3-point accuracy. Evans also recorded 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, showcasing his all-around impact. His performance included standout efforts such as a 20-point, seven-rebound game against Washington on March 7, as well as four double-doubles against Oregon State, UC Davis, Rutgers, and Northwestern. Over three seasons with the Ducks, Evans has appeared in 101 games with 62 starts, averaging 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. However, his 2025-26 season felt like a breakthrough, as his confidence, aggressiveness, and leadership grew in tandem with his on-court contributions.#ncaa #transfer_portal #dana_altman #kwame_evans #oregon