How to watch March Madness 2026: TV channels, stream online, which NCAA tournament games to watch or skip on Friday

The biggest college basketball tournament is here, bringing plenty of excitement and storylines. Will we see Cinderellas pull upsets, or will the bluebloods keep their grip on the tournament? With the power of a reliable connection always important during a successful tournament run, we’re keeping you connected to the can’t-miss headlines and standout moments from every round.

March Madness is fully here.

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The NCAA tournament began in earnest on Thursday and it didn’t lack for drama. No. 12 High Point pulled off an upset win over No. 5 Wisconsin and top-seeded Duke got a serious scare from No. 16 Siena before eking out the win. The men’s tournament continues with 16 more first-round games on Friday, while the women’s tournament also begins with 16 first-round games of its own.

Here’s the complete schedule for Thursday’s men’s first round. All times are Eastern.

Friday afternoon channel guide

12:15 p.m. — No. 7 Kentucky vs. No. 10 Santa Clara (CBS)

12:40 p.m. — No. 5 Texas Tech vs. No. 12 Akron (TruTV)

1:30 p.m. — No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 Long Island (TNT)

1:50 p.m — No. 3 Virginia vs. No. 14 Wright State (TBS)

2:50 p.m. — No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Tennessee State (CBS)

3:15 p.m. — No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 13 Hofstra (TruTV)

4:05 p.m. — No. 8 Villanova vs. No. 9 Utah State (TNT)

4:25 p.m. — No. 6 Tennessee vs. No. 11 Miami (Ohio) (TBS)

Must-see: There are a few games with a lot of intrigue in the early round on Friday. Santa Clara was one of three teams from the West Coast Conference to make the tournament. Kentucky is just a 3.5-point favorite thanks to the Wildcats’ inconsistency all season. The most expensive roster in college basketball has been on a wild roller coaster ride. About any outcome in the first game of the day would be plausible.

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Hofstra is a double-digit underdog but has to like its chances more against Alabama with Aden Holloway’s absence. The Tide’s second-leading scorer has been indefinitely suspended after he was…

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Author : Nick Bromberg

Publish date : 2026-03-19 22:59:00

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