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March Madness Matchups: Top Seeds Face Early Tests

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, March 20th 2026 at 1:20 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

A Look at Today's Matchups

The first round is known for its unpredictability, and today's schedule features several intriguing contests. Top seeds like No. 1 Kansas, Purdue, and Arizona will look to avoid the upset bug against lower-seeded opponents Howard, Farleigh Dickinson, and Long Beach State respectively. These games, while seemingly straightforward on paper, often provide early tournament drama. The No. 16 seeds are always hungry to make a statement.

Beyond the top seed tests, a number of other games promise competitive action. The matchups between No. 5 seeds (St. John's, San Diego State) and No. 12 seeds (VCU, Yale) are classic examples of potential upset specials. The mid-tier clashes, such as No. 8 UAB versus No. 9 Texas A&M and No. 7 Dayton against No. 10 Nevada, are expected to be tightly contested battles. The parity in college basketball this season is truly on display.

Full TV Schedule (All Times Eastern)

• CBS:
  • No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 16 Howard - 12:40 PM ET
  • No. 8 UAB vs. No. 9 Texas A&M - 3:40 PM ET
  • No. 5 St. John's vs. No. 12 VCU - 6:10 PM ET
  • No. 4 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Milwaukee - 8:40 PM ET
• TBS:
  • No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 15 South Dakota State - 12:40 PM ET
  • No. 7 Dayton vs. No. 10 Nevada - 3:40 PM ET
  • No. 3 Marquette vs. No. 14 Western Kentucky - 6:10 PM ET
  • No. 6 Clemson vs. No. 11 New Mexico - 8:40 PM ET
• TNT:
  • No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 16 Farleigh Dickinson - 1:00 PM ET
  • No. 8 Kentucky vs. No. 9 Oakland - 3:00 PM ET
  • No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 12 Yale - 6:00 PM ET
  • No. 4 UConn vs. No. 13 Saint Joseph's - 8:00 PM ET
• truTV:
  • No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 15 Long Beach State - 1:00 PM ET
  • No. 7 Auburn vs. No. 10 Drake - 3:00 PM ET
  • No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 14 Morehead State - 6:00 PM ET
  • No. 6 Creighton vs. No. 11 McNeese - 8:00 PM ET

How to Watch: Streaming Options

For those who have cut the cord or prefer to watch on their mobile devices, several streaming options are available. Paramount+ will carry all the games broadcast on CBS, requiring a subscription. B/R Streaming (formerly Bleacher Report) provides access to all games airing on TBS, TNT, and truTV, also through a subscription. This makes B/R Streaming a comprehensive solution for viewers hoping to catch every game. Many cable and satellite providers also offer live streaming access to these channels through their respective apps.

The Rise of Mid-Major Programs & Bracketology

The inclusion of teams like VCU, Oakland, and McNeese underscores a growing trend in college basketball: the increased competitiveness of mid-major programs. These schools are no longer content with simply making the tournament; they are actively pursuing deep runs. Bracketologists, those dedicated to predicting tournament outcomes, are constantly adjusting their projections based on team performances and potential upsets. The first two rounds are particularly volatile, and accurate predictions are becoming increasingly difficult.

Regional Broadcasts & Staying Updated

While the national schedule provides a good overview, viewers should always check their local listings for potential regional broadcasts. Local affiliates may carry games not shown nationally. Furthermore, tournament schedules are occasionally subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. For the latest updates and real-time information, stay tuned to Sporting News and other reputable sports outlets.

March Madness is more than just a basketball tournament; it's a cultural phenomenon. Today's games are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable few weeks of competition.