NCAA 2026 First Four Day 1 Scores, Results, Updated Men's Bracket and Schedule
The First Four kicked off on Tuesday, as teams looked to clinch their spot in the Round of 64 for the 2026 NCAA tournament.
Howard took down UMBC by the final score of 86-83 in the first matchup before Texas wrapped up a 68-66 win over NC State in the second contest of the day.
While two more First Four games will take place on Wednesday, here's a look at the results for Day 1 as well as the full tournament schedule.
Tuesday Scores
Howard def. UMBC, 86-83
Texas def. NC State, 68-66
NCAA Tournament Schedule
First Four, March 18
Round of 64, March 19-20
Round of 32, March 21-22
Sweet 16, March 26-27
Elite Eight, March 28-29
Final Four, April 4
National Championship, April 6
Howard 86, UMBC 83
Howard opened Tuesday's game with a 19-11 lead, maintaining a 49-41 advantage at the end of the first half.
The Bison led by as many as 14 points early in the second half, although UMBC stormed back to cut the deficit to two points with just over 40 seconds remaining in the contest.
Howard guard Bryce Harris connected on a short jumper to extend the lead to four, although UMBC guard Jah'Likah King immediately responded with a layup.
Isaiah Brown hit just one of his two free throws for the Bison to give UMBC one last shot to tie the game, but Retrievers guard DJ Armstrong Jr. couldn't connect on a three-point attempt as time expired.
Howard will now face Michigan in the Round of 64.
Texas 68, NC State 66
The Longhorns started off strong against the Wolfpack, opening up a 10-point lead with just over eight minutes remaining in the first half.
NC State quickly responded with a 6-0 run to remain within striking distance, though.
Neither team was able to take a double-digit lead for the remainder of the contest, although Texas held a nine-point edge with roughly three minutes left in the second half.
NC State fought back to tie the matchup with a free throw from Tre Holloman, although Longhorns guard Tramon Mark sealed the final result with a game-winning jumper.
Texas will now play BYU in the Round of 64.
