who won the first four

The phrase “First Four” usually refers to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament play‑in games in Dayton, Ohio, that kick off March Madness each year.

For 2026, the most up‑to‑date reporting indicates that Texas and Howard each won their First Four games, with both victories coming in dramatic, late‑game fashion. Howard’s win was the program’s first NCAA tournament victory, sealed when a potential tying shot by UMBC missed at the buzzer, while Texas advanced on a tough jumper with one second left to edge NC State.

If you meant a different year’s First Four or the women’s First Four, let me know the year and gender (men’s or women’s) and I can narrow it down.