ESPN.com · Mar 20
Men's March Madness live tracker: Updates from Thursday's first round
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More than 130 days have passed since the 2025-26 men's college basketball season tipped. It has been a season of captivating storylines, from the dominance of the freshman class to Miami (Ohio)'s perfect regular-season run -- and it's about to get even better.
The first round of the 2026 NCAA tournament has finally arrived, and ESPN reporters are on-site to give you a real-time look at the Madness.
Follow along as they and the rest of the staff track all the live action on Thursday, with more games left to tip.
(14) Penn vs. (3) Illinois: 9:25 p.m. ET
(9) Saint Louis vs. (8) Georgia: 9:45 p.m. ET
(14) Kennesaw State vs. (3) Gonzaga: 10 p.m. ET