TCU Edges Ohio State, Nebraska Advances in 2026 NCAA Men’s March Madness Day 1

The NCAA Men’s March Madness tournament kicked off on March 19, 2026, marking an exciting start to the Round of 64. Among the standout performances was No. 9 TCU, which narrowly defeated No. 8 Ohio State 66-64 in Greenville, South Carolina.

TCU Edges Ohio State

TCU’s victory over Ohio State was significant as it marked the Horned Frogs’ first NCAA Tournament win since 2023. The game initially favored TCU, which led by 15 points at halftime, thanks to a strong shooting performance. However, Ohio State staged a comeback, including a crucial 15-1 run that briefly gave them the lead in the second half.

Xavier Edmonds clinched the game for TCU with a layup just four seconds before the final buzzer. Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, making his NCAA Tournament debut, attempted a half-court shot at the buzzer for a win but missed, ending Ohio State’s run in this year’s tournament.

Nebraska Advances with Authority

No. 4 Nebraska also made headlines, defeating No. 13 Troy 76-47 in Oklahoma City. This win was emblematic of the Cornhuskers’ determination to shed their label as the last Power 5 school without a March Madness victory. Nebraska showcased a dominant “no middle” defense and impressive ball movement, reminiscent of their strong start to the season.

Pryce Sandfort led the charge for Nebraska, ensuring that his team continued its journey in the tournament.

Upcoming Tournament Matches

As March Madness continues, several key matchups are set to take place, including:

• No. 6 Louisville vs. No. 11 USF – Expected to be a high-scoring affair with both teams in the top 20 nationally.
• No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 12 High Point – A classic 5-12 upset potential, given High Point’s impressive record.
• No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 McNeese State – A test of offensive efficiency against a team strong in defense.
• No. 6 North Carolina vs. No. 11 VCU – A matchup that could challenge UNC’s talent against VCU’s aggressive style.
• No. 7 Saint Mary’s vs. No. 10 Texas A&M – A clash of styles between a fast-paced offense and strong defensive presence.
• No. 8 Georgia vs. No. 9 Saint Louis – Both teams ranked highly in scoring, promising an exciting matchup.

The first day of the NCAA tournament has delivered thrilling moments and significant upsets, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying tournament.