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
UMBC returns to March Madness, chasing the echo of history's greatest upset The University of Maryland, Baltimore County Retrievers are back in the NCAA Tournament, eight years after their historic 2018 upset of No. 1 Virginia. The team, which had not competed in the tournament since that game, is now preparing for its First Four matchup against Howard at the University of Dayton Arena. The return has reignited memories of a moment that reshaped college basketball history. In 2018, UMBC, a 16-seed, stunned the nation by defeating Virginia, a No. 1 seed, in a game that became one of the most iconic upsets in NCAA Tournament history. The Retrievers outscored the Cavaliers 53-31 in the second half, with Jairus Lyles leading the charge by scoring 28 points. Virginia, known for its defensive prowess, was held to just 54 points, a stark contrast to its usual dominance. The game’s outcome left fans and analysts in disbelief, with many questioning how a team with such a low seed could topple a powerhouse. The victory was not just a shock; it was a defining moment for UMBC. At the time, the school was largely unknown outside of its chess program, and the win thrust it into the national spotlight. For Virginia’s coach, Tony Bennett, the loss was a humbling experience, though he acknowledged the unpredictability of sports. “If you play this game and you step into the arena, this stuff can happen,” he said. For Lyles, the win was a personal triumph, as he described the moment as a chance to “make history.” The aftermath of the 2018 game had lasting effects. Virginia used the loss as motivation, eventually winning the national championship the following year. UMBC, however, struggled to replicate the success.#university_of_maryland_baltimore_county #jairus_lyles #tony_bennett #university_of_dayton_arena #umbc_retrievers
