The field thins but the Madness continues; remaining teams settle in after Round 1 ST. LOUIS – The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s first round concluded with 68 teams eliminated, leaving 32 to advance. The bracket saw a lack of upsets, with higher seeds dominating most games. Of the 32 first-round matchups, 24 were won by the top-ranked teams, and only four of the eight lower seeds (8 vs. 9 seeds) advanced. The average margin of victory was 19.7 points, with only five games decided by single digits. Despite the lack of drama, standout moments emerged, including a thrilling overtime finish between Kentucky and Santa Clara, where the Wildcats survived a late surge by the Broncos. Notable performances included Connecticut’s Tarris Reed Jr., who recorded a rare 31-point, 27-rebound double-double against Furman, marking the first 30-25 stat line in NCAA Tournament history in 58 years. Reed, reflecting on his final March Madness, emphasized his focus on dominance. Meanwhile, Purdue guard Braden Smith broke Bobby Hurley’s all-time assist record with his 1,077th assist, a one-handed bounce pass to Trey Kaufman-Renn. Smith credited his teammates for his success, while Kaufman-Renn highlighted the bond between the duo over the years. Other highlights included Kansas’ Darryn Peterson scoring 28 points in a game where the Jayhawks overcame a 26-point deficit against California Baptist. Virginia’s 18 lead changes in a win over Wright State and UCLA’s walk-on player retrieving Skyy Clark’s lost tooth during a game against UCF added quirky moments. The tournament also saw the end of Cinderella stories, as Miami and Akron fell to higher-seeded teams, though their runs were praised for their resilience. Upcoming matchups promise intrigue, with No.#purdue #ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #st_louis #kentucky #santa_clara
Missouri basketball vs Miami prediction: Our pick for 2026 NCAA bracket first round Missouri basketball will face Miami in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, with the matchup set for Friday night at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The Tigers, ranked No. 10, will take on the seventh-seeded Hurricanes, marking a return to the tournament for Mizzou after a three-game losing streak. The game will serve as a de facto home game for Missouri, given the location. Miami, led by first-year head coach Jai Lucas, has transformed into a top-tier team this season, finishing third in the ACC and securing a spot in the Big Dance. The Hurricanes’ turnaround from a seven-win team last year has been remarkable, with their offensive prowess standing out. They rank among the nation’s best in scoring in the paint, trailing only Florida and Gonzaga in that category. Miami also excels in offensive rebounding, grabbing 37% of second-chance opportunities. Missouri, meanwhile, will need to overcome its recent struggles to make an impact. The Tigers’ effective field goal percentage is nearly on par with Miami’s, but their defensive efficiency ranks 167th nationally when adjusted for opponents. A key weakness for Miami is its poor performance against 3-point shooting, allowing opponents to convert 35.4% of attempts—a troubling stat for Missouri’s perimeter shooters. The Tigers will need to capitalize on this gap, particularly with players like Jayden Stone or Jacob Crews hitting from beyond the arc. The matchup between Malik Reneau and Mark Mitchell is expected to be a defining moment. Both players, standing 6-foot-9, average around 18 points per game and share similar shooting percentages from three-point range.#st_louis #enterprise_center #missouri_basketball #miami_basketball #jai_lucas
Purdue Basketball: How to Watch #2 Purdue (27-8) vs. #15 Queens (21-13) & Fan Discussion Purdue and Queens both secured their spots in the NCAA Tournament by winning their respective conference tournaments, setting the stage for a matchup between the two teams. Purdue, ranked No. 2 in the latest poll, advanced to the tournament after defeating Michigan in Chicago, improving to a No. 2 seed and heading to St. Louis for the first round. Queens, the No. 15 seed, earned their berth by overcoming Central Arkansas in their tournament finale. The game will determine which team advances to the second round, with Purdue needing to prove they can handle a lower-seeded opponent. Purdue’s history in the tournament against underdog teams has been mixed, with notable examples like Duke’s upset over a 16-seed and Wisconsin’s loss to High Point. These outcomes highlight that seedings do not guarantee success, and Purdue must earn their place in the round of 32 by defeating Queens. The Royals, while not a household name, have shown resilience in their tournament run, and their ability to compete will be tested against a top-tier team. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:35 p.m. ET at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, which has a capacity of 18,096. Fans can tune in to the Purdue Global Radio Network for live coverage, with Rob Blackman and Bobby Riddell providing commentary. The atmosphere in St. Louis is expected to be electric as both teams vie for a spot in the next round. For fans, the game represents a critical moment in the tournament. Purdue’s path to the second round hinges on this matchup, and the outcome will shape their trajectory in the postseason.#st_louis #purdue_basketball #queens_basketball #enterprise_center #purdue_global_radio_network
DTF St Louis review: David Harbour and Jason Bateman excel in this quirky whodunit – The Irish Times The Irish Times’ review of DTF St Louis highlights the show’s unique blend of humor and mystery, with David Harbour and Jason Bateman delivering standout performances. The series, described as existing in a parallel reality, offers a refreshing take on the whodunit genre, blending eccentric characters and surreal scenarios. Set in a fictionalized version of St Louis, the show’s creators have crafted a world where the boundaries of reality blur, allowing for a series of interconnected mysteries that defy conventional storytelling. Harbour, known for his role in Stranger Things, brings a nuanced depth to his character, while Bateman, a veteran of comedy and drama, adds a layer of charm and wit. Their chemistry elevates the narrative, making the show’s quirky premise feel both original and engaging. The review notes that DTF St Louis is part of a growing trend in US television where elevated quirkiness has become a subtle but influential force. This trend, while not without its critics, has gained quiet popularity among audiences seeking a break from traditional formats. The show’s success is attributed to its ability to balance absurdity with emotional resonance, creating a viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. While the series has its share of eccentricities, the review praises its commitment to character development and narrative cohesion. The blend of humor and mystery allows viewers to immerse themselves in the show’s world, where every episode feels like a standalone adventure yet contributes to a larger, interconnected story. This approach has helped DTF St Louis carve out a niche in the crowded television landscape, offering a fresh perspective on the whodunit genre.#david_harbour #jason_bateman #dtf_st_louis #stranger_things #st_louis
Six Flags Enters Agreement to Sell St. Louis Park to EPR Properties Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has finalized a deal to sell seven of its amusement parks, including the St. Louis location in Eureka, to EPR Properties. The announcement, made on Thursday, marks part of the company’s broader strategy to refine and strengthen its park portfolio. The transaction includes Six Flags St. Louis, along with other properties such as Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Michigan’s Adventure in Grand Rapids, Valleyfair in Minneapolis, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Texas, Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, and Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York. Under the agreement, operations at these parks will transition to EPR Properties after the 2026 season. The partnership will involve collaboration with Enchanted Parks, a company that has previously been linked to the development of themed attractions. The move was first reported by FOX 2 earlier this year, which noted the filing of applications for “Enchanted Parks St. Louis” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Six Flags emphasized its confidence in the future of the parks under EPR’s management, citing the company’s experience in operating large-scale attractions. The decision, the company stated, allows it to focus resources on parks with greater potential for growth and innovation. Guests are advised that season passes and memberships will remain valid through the end of the current year. Six Flags St. Louis, originally opened in 1971 as Six Flags over Mid-America, was renamed in 1996. The park will welcome visitors for its 55th season starting April 26, continuing its legacy as a regional entertainment destination.#st_louis #six_flags_entertainment_corporation #epr_properties #enchanted_parks #fox_2
