{"id":16004,"date":"2026-03-17T05:32:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T05:32:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bettingpremier.com\/blog\/?p=16004"},"modified":"2026-03-17T05:32:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T05:32:19","slug":"ncaa-march-madness-first-round-schedule-preview-predictions-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettingpremier.com\/blog\/ncaa-march-madness-first-round-schedule-preview-predictions-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"March Madness 2026 First Round: NCAA Tournament Schedule, Preview, and Predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The NCAA March Madness hits the First Round with over 64 teams clashing for the Second Round. March Madness is all about future basketball stars from across the U.S., gathering from all over the country. Every year, this win-and-advance tournament features top college basketball teams and conducts a fierce knockout tournament. This time, around 56 teams enter the First Round tournament. Several teams have iconic stature among fans for their young squad and prolific nature. Let&#8217;s look at the First Round schedule and a preview of a few NCAA March Madness matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a id='anchor-id66278034102863901' href='https:\/\/imstore.bet365affiliates.com\/Tracker.aspx?AffiliateId=30805&AffiliateCode=365_813297&CID=194&DID=84&TID=1&PID=149&LNG=1' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'><img id='id66278034102863901' src='' border='0' alt='advertisement' \/><center><span style=\"font-size: 11px; color: gray;\">advertisement<\/span><\/center><\/a>\r\n\t\t\t<script>\r\n\t\t\t\tfunction func66278034102863724 () {\r\n\t\t\t\tlet myImage = document.querySelector('#id66278034102863901'),\r\n\t\t\t\t\taTag = document.querySelector('#anchor-id66278034102863901');\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\tfunction loadImage(src) {\r\n\t\t\t\t\treturn new Promise((resolve, reject) => {\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tmyImage.addEventListener('load', () => resolve(myImage));\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tmyImage.addEventListener('error', err => reject(err));\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tmyImage.src = src;\r\n\t\t\t\t\t});\r\n\t\t\t\t}\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\tloadImage('https:\/\/imstore.bet365affiliates.com\/?AffiliateCode=365_813297&CID=194&DID=84&TID=1&PID=149&LNG=1')\r\n\t\t\t\t\t.then(myImage => console.log('s'))\r\n\t\t\t\t\t.catch(err => {\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tconsole.log('err');\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tmyImage.src = 'https:\/\/bettingpremier.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/728x90.gif';\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\taTag.setAttribute('href', 'http:\/\/www.bet365.com\/home\/?affiliate=365_813297');\r\n\t\t\t\t\t});\r\n\t\t\t\t} func66278034102863724 ();\r\n\t\t\t<\/script>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-previous-year-march-madness-recap\">Previous Year March Madness Recap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025 March Madness was an utterly remarkable season with unparalleled performances from college teams. The previous season saw more emerging stars, while some emerging stars moved to the NBA draft. In particular, the Southeastern Conference has set a record with 14 of 16 teams qualifying. The Florida Gators won the title in the previous season&#8217;s March Madness tournament. It was their third title in their career, being one of the elite teams in Division I basketball. The Florida Gators, Houston Cougars, Auburn Tigers, and Duke Blue Devils all reached the semifinals. But the Auburn Tigers and Duke Blue Devils got eliminated. In the finals, the Florida Gators beat the Houston Cougars in a very close contest. The Florida Gators scored 65 points, while the Cougars scored 63 points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-to-watch-the-ncaa-march-madness-2026-tournament\">Where to Watch the NCAA March Madness 2026 Tournament?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The March Madness 2026 tournament is live broadcast on TBS. You can also watch the NCAA March Madness on truTV and CBS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In online streaming options, you can watch it on HBO Max, Paramount+, and Sling TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ncaa-march-madness-prize-pool\">NCAA March Madness \u2013 Prize Pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally, there is no prize pool for the NCAA Division I men&#8217;s basketball tournament. The winner never gets to receive prize money. However, the conferences receive money in a unit system. The NCAA pays a certain amount of money to each conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ncaa-march-madness-format\">NCAA March Madness Format<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, the NCAA March Madness is in its First Round, where 56 teams are clashing. Teams from every major conference showed up, which are as follows: America East, American Athletic Conference, Atlantic 10, Atlantic Coast, A-SUN, Big 12, Big East, Big Sky, Big South, Big Ten, Big West, Colonial Athletic, Conference&nbsp; USA, Horizon, Ivy League, Metro Atlantic Athletic, Mid-Eastern, Mid-American, Missouri Valley, Mountain West, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Patriot League, Southeastern, Southern, Southland, Southwestern Athletic, Summit League, Sun Belt, West Coast, Western Athletic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The NCAA Committee selects 68 teams, with some automatically qualified and others entering the qualification stages. Currently, around 56 teams are in the First Round. The other 8 teams are competing in the First Four. After the First Round ends, there is the Sweet 16, followed by the Elite Eight, and the Final Four. Take a look at the NCAA March Madness schedule below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ncaa-march-madness-first-round-schedule\">NCAA March Madness First Round Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-duke-blue-devils-vs-siena-saints\">Duke Blue Devils vs Siena Saints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 12:20 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 2:50 p.m. ET | 11:50 a.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vanderbilt-commodores-vs-mcneese-state-cowboys\">Vanderbilt Commodores vs McNeese State Cowboys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 12:45 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 3:15 p.m. ET | 12:15 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Paycom Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-michigan-state-spartans-vs-north-dakota-state-bison\">Michigan State Spartans vs North Dakota State Bison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 1:35 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 4:05 p.m. ET | 1:05 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: KeyBank Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-arkansas-razorbacks-vs-hawaii-rainbow-warriors\">Arkansas Razorbacks vs Hawaii Rainbow Warriors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 1:55 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1:25 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Moda Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-vcu-rams\">North Carolina Tar Heels vs VCU Rams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 4:20 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 6:50 p.m. ET | 3:50 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-michigan-wolverines-vs-to-be-announced\">Michigan Wolverines vs To-be-Announced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 4:40 a.m. IST | 7:10 p.m. ET | 4:10 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: KeyBank Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-byu-cougars-vs-to-be-announced\">BYU Cougars vs To-be-Announced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 4:55 a.m. IST | 7:25 p.m. ET | 4:25 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Moda Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-saint-mary-s-gaels-ca-vs-texas-a-amp-m-aggies\">Saint Mary&#8217;s Gaels (CA) vs Texas A&amp;M Aggies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 5:05 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 7:35 p.m. ET | 4:35 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Paycom Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-illinois-fighting-illini-vs-penn-quakers\">Illinois Fighting Illini vs Penn Quakers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 6:55 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 9:25 p.m. ET | 6:25 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-georgia-bulldogs-vs-saint-louis-billikens\">Georgia Bulldogs vs Saint Louis Billikens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 7:15 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 9:45 p.m. ET | 6:45 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: KeyBank Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gonzaga-bulldogs-vs-kennesaw-state-owls\">Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Kennesaw State Owls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 7:30 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 10:00 p.m. ET | 7:00 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Moda Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-houston-cougars-vs-idaho-vandals\">Houston Cougars vs Idaho Vandals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 7:40 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 10:10 p.m. ET | 7:10 p.m. PT<br>Date: 19 March 2026<br>Venue: Paycom Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kentucky-wildcats-vs-santa-clara-broncos\">Kentucky Wildcats vs Santa Clara Broncos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 9:45 p.m. IST | 12:15 p.m. ET | 9:15 a.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Enterprise Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-texas-tech-red-raiders-vs-akron-zips\">Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Akron Zips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 10:10 p.m. IST | 12:40 p.m. ET | 9:40 a.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Benchmark International Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-arizona-wildcats-vs-liu-sharks\">Arizona Wildcats vs LIU Sharks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 11:05 p.m. IST | 1:35 p.m. ET | 10:35 a.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Viejas Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-virginia-cavaliers-vs-wright-state-raiders\">Virginia Cavaliers vs Wright State Raiders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 11:20 p.m. IST | 1:50 p.m. ET | 10:50 a.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Wells Fargo Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-iowa-state-cyclones-vs-tennessee-state-tigers\">Iowa State Cyclones vs Tennessee State Tigers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 12:20 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 2:50 p.m. ET | 11:50 a.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Enterprise Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-alabama-crimson-tide-vs-hofstra-pride\">Alabama Crimson Tide vs Hofstra Pride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 12:45 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 3:15 p.m. ET | 12:15 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Benchmark International Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-villanova-wildcats-vs-utah-state-aggies\">Villanova Wildcats vs Utah State Aggies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 1:40 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 4:10 p.m. ET | 1:10 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Viejas Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tennessee-volunteers-vs-to-be-announced\">Tennessee Volunteers vs To-be-Announced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 1:55 a.m. IST | 4:25 p.m. ET | 1:25 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Wells Fargo Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-clemson-tigers-vs-iowa-hawkeyes\">Clemson Tigers vs Iowa Hawkeyes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 4:20 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 6:50 p.m. ET | 3:50 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Benchmark International Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-st-john-s-red-storm-vs-northern-iowa-panthers\">St. John&#8217;s Red Storm vs Northern Iowa Panthers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 4:40 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 7:10 p.m. ET | 4:10 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Viejas Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ucla-bruins-vs-ucf-knights\">UCLA Bruins vs UCF Knights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 4:55 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 7:25 p.m. ET | 4:25 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Wells Fargo Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-purdue-boilermakers-vs-queens-university-royals-nc\">Purdue Boilermakers vs Queens University Royals (NC)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 5:05 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 7:35 p.m. ET | 4:35 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Enterprise Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-florida-gators-vs-to-be-announced\">Florida Gators vs To-be-Announced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 6:55 a.m. IST | 9:25 p.m. ET | 6:25 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Benchmark International Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kansas-jayhawks-vs-california-baptist-lancers\">Kansas Jayhawks vs California Baptist Lancers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 7:15 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 9:45 p.m. ET | 6:45 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Viejas Arena<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-uconn-huskies-vs-furman-paladins\">UConn Huskies vs Furman Paladins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 7:30 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 10:00 p.m. ET | 7:00 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Wells Fargo Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-miami-hurricanes-fl-vs-missouri-tigers\">Miami Hurricanes (FL) vs Missouri Tigers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time: 7:40 a.m. IST (Next Day) | 10:10 p.m. ET | 7:10 p.m. PT<br>Date: 20 March 2026<br>Venue: Enterprise Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ncaa-march-madness-a-few-selected-games-prediction\">NCAA March Madness: A Few Selected Games Prediction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-duke-blue-devils-vs-siena-saints-predictions\">Duke Blue Devils vs Siena Saints Predictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-duke-blue-devils-roster\">Duke Blue Devils Roster<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Players<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Guards<\/td><td>Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr, Isaiah Evans, Nikolas Khamenia, Caleb Foster, Darren Harris, Cameron Sheffield, Sebastian Wilkins, Jack Scott<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Forwards<\/td><td>Cameron Boozer, Maliq Brown<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Center<\/td><td>Patrick Ngongba II, Ifeanyi Ufochukwu<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-siena-saints-roster\">Siena Saints Roster<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Players<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Guards<\/td><td>Gavin Doty, Justice Shoats, Reid Ducharme, Owen Schlager, Marcus Jackson, Mosi Clayton, Christian Jones, Chris Torres, Danny Murray<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Forwards<\/td><td>Antonio Chandler, Francis Folefac, Tasman Goodrick, Isaiah Henderson, Tajae Jones, Brendan Coyle<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Center<\/td><td>Riley Mulvey<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-preview\">Preview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Duke Blue Devils are absolutely killing it with their above-average form. They have a high winning ratio, having over 95% winning chance both on the road and at home. The Blue Devils are actively looking for ways to enter the NCAA March Madness Final Four. Being a strong team on the Atlantic Coast, the Duke Blue Devils have a solid advantage in this game. Technically, their defense is strong with good perimeter protection. Offensively, the Blue Devils have a consistent scoring ability, with impressive three-point and two-point shooting. The Siena Saints are also having a strong momentum, winning matches on a streak. But they are not elite enough to beat the Blue Devils at home. They have a lower winning probability on the road. Therefore, the Duke Blue Devils are the favorite in this NCAA March Madness First Round game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>The Pick:<\/em><\/strong><em> Duke Blue Devils.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-michigan-state-spartans-vs-north-dakota-state-bison-0\">Michigan State Spartans vs North Dakota State Bison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-michigan-state-spartans-roster\">Michigan State Spartans Roster<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Players<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Guards<\/td><td>Coen Carr, Jeremy Fears Jr., Trey Fort, Divine Ugochukwu, Kur Teng, Denham Wojcik, Nick Sanders<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Forwards<\/td><td>Jaxon Kohler, Kaleb Glenn, Jesse McCulloch, Cam Ward, Jordan Scott, Brennan Walton, Colin Walton<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Center<\/td><td>Carson Cooper<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-north-dakota-state-bison-roster\">North Dakota State Bison Roster<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Players<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Guards<\/td><td>Damari Wheeler-Thomas, Andy Stefanowicz, Max Majerle, Markhi Strickland, Trevian Carson, Dom Clay, Riley Massey, Tay Smith, Riley Saunders, Emil Skytt\u00e4, Carson Smith<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Forwards<\/td><td>Noah Feddersen, Treyson Anderson, Caleb Schoenrock<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-preview-0\">Preview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Michigan State Spartans are ranked 3<sup>rd<\/sup> in the Big Ten standings. But they are currently in a two-game losing streak. They are strong at home matches, however. Overall, they have won 25 games and lost 7, which is a strong record. The North Dakota State Bison has a slightly similar record of 27-7 in the overall games. On average, they score about 80.7 points while allowing significantly fewer points. This is an important factor for the Bisons. They also have a good field-goal percentage and 3-pointer ability. But still, the Spartans have a better form. Their field goal percentage is also impressive. So, the Michigan State Spartans have the likelihood to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>The Pick:<\/em><\/strong><em> Michigan State Spartans.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ncaa-march-madness-2026-final-thoughts\">NCAA March Madness 2026 \u2013 Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The NCAA March Madness is a mix of entertainment and sportsmanship. As emerging players are coming together for the NCAA tournament, fans will be eyeing a new NBA star. Regardless, several new faces could steal the attention with their promising performances. Let\u2019s look at how this NCAA March Madness unfolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NCAA March Madness hits the First Round with over 64 teams clashing for the Second Round. March Madness is all about future basketball stars from across the U.S., gathering from all over the country. Every year, this win-and-advance tournament features top college basketball teams and conducts a fierce knockout tournament. This time, around 56 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":16002,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,1926],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16004","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-featured"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.3 (Yoast SEO v25.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NCAA March Madness First Round Schedule &amp; Predictions<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"NCAA March Madness First Round delivers thrilling matchups as top college basketball teams battle for the next round.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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