Which teams are playing in the NCAA First Four on Tuesday?

UMBC will play Howard, and Texas will play NC State in the NCAA First Four games on Tuesday.

What is the history of teams advancing from the First Four?

Teams from the First Four have a strong record, with at least one advancing to the second round in 12 of the last 14 tournaments, and five reaching the Sweet Sixteen.

Which teams have struggled recently heading into the First Four?

Texas and NC State have both struggled, holding a combined 1-5 record since February 20.

Home / Sports / UMBC, Howard, Texas, NC State battle for March Madness spots

UMBC, Howard, Texas, NC State battle for March Madness spots

17 Mar

•

Summary

UMBC and Howard seek NCAA Tournament berths in Dayton's First Four.
Texas and NC State face off after recent struggles, aiming for a win.
First Four winners have a history of advancing deep into the tournament.

UMBC, Howard, Texas, NC State battle for March Madness spots

The 2026 NCAA Tournament officially commences Tuesday in Dayton with the First Four games, determining the final spots in the main bracket. The opening matchup features UMBC against Howard, two teams that excelled within their respective conferences but lacked high-profile wins. Howard, making its third tournament appearance in four years, will aim to use its pace and defense against UMBC, which is back in the tournament for the first time since its historic upset in 2018.

The second game pits Texas against NC State, teams that have faltered late in the season, holding a combined 1-5 record since February 20. Both coaches have navigated challenging tenures, and the game will test which team is ready to respond under pressure. The First Four has proven to be a significant stepping stone, with at least one winner advancing to the second round in 12 of the last 14 tournaments.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.