Live Updates: Men’s March Madness First Round Friday Tracker
The first day of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was full of excitement, setting a high standard for the event. March Madness kicked off with thrilling upsets, spectacular performances, and competitive games.
Key Upsets and Performances
- Upset Victories: The 11-seed VCU Rams and the 12-seed High Point Panthers emerged victorious in surprising upsets.
- Impressive Debut: Freshman AJ Dybantsa made headlines by scoring 35 points, marking the highest debut score for a freshman in NCAA tournament history during BYU’s game against Texas.
- Scoring Frenzy: Teams like Michigan, Illinois, and Saint Louis each surpassed the 100-point mark, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Upcoming Matches on Friday
The action continues with more matchups scheduled for Friday. Here’s the lineup (all times Eastern):
- Prairie View A&M (16) vs. Florida (1): 9:25 PM
- California Baptist (13) vs. Kansas (4): 9:45 PM
- Furman (15) vs. UConn (2): 10:00 PM
- Missouri (10) vs. Miami (7): 10:10 PM
As the tournament progresses, ESPN reporters are positioned across the nation to deliver live updates and track the most significant highlights. Stay tuned to El-Balad for comprehensive coverage of this year’s thrilling March Madness.
