March Madness games today: Ranking Thursday's NCAA Tournament games

Be sure to followUSA TODAY Sports' live March Madness bracket updates and scores,keeping track of all of NCAA Tournament's Day 1 games.

The day has arrived,college basketballfans. The Thursday that marks the first full slate of games in theMen's NCAA Tournamentis like unto a national holiday for many. If that means you, we're here to enjoy the madness with you.

This is your viewers' guide tothe 16 games on the docket, including channel information and scheduled tip times. Keep in mind, of course, that the second game at a venue in a particular window might – and probably will – start a few minutes later than the time listed due to spillover from the prior contest, but that will become apparent as results unfold.

REGION BREAKDOWNS, PREDICTIONS:East|South|Midwest|West

PRINTABLE BRACKET:Fill out your picks for NCAA Tournament pools

March Madness today: Ranking best games in Thursday first round

1. No. 6 North Carolina vs. No. 11 VCU

Time/TV:6:50 p.m. ET, TNT

The Cinderella Final Four run by the Rams in 2011 makes them a popular upset pick, though they haven't advanced beyond the first round in their last five tournament appearances. Nevertheless, the short-handed Tar Heels have a considerably lower ceiling without leading scorer Caleb Wilson and must hope Henri Veesaar can dominate the paint against VCU's smaller lineup.

2. No. 6 Louisville vs. No. 11 South Florida

Time/TV:1:30 p.m. ET, TNT

This was already going to be a tough draw for the Cardinals, and theabsence of standout freshman Mikel Browndue to ongoing back issues makes the assignment that much more difficult. The Bulls - a trendy upset pick - are among the hottest teams in the field entering on an 11-game winning streak paced by the inside-outside tandem of Izaiyah Nelson and Wes Enis.

3. No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 9 Saint Louis

Time/TV:9 :45 p.m. ET, CBS

It's the last game of the session, but these two teams that both like to run and gun should keep the energy level high. While Robbie Avila has the name recognition, six of his Billikens' teammates also average over nine points a game and could match the Bulldogs' depth.

4. No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 TCU

Time/TV:12:15 p.m. ET, CBS

The round of 64 begins with what should be a close affair between power conference members. The Buckeyes finished the season strong thanks in large part to the efforts of long-time mainstay guard Bruce Thornton, while the Horned Frogs are led by the front-court duo of David Punch and Xavier Edmonds.

5. No. 6 BYU vs. No. 11 Texas

Time/TV:7:25 p.m. ET, TBS

The well-traveled Tramon Mark showed he still has the clutch gene in the Longhorns' nail-biting First Four win in Dayton. It will now be up to Matas Vokietaitis and the big Texas front line to keep A.J. Dybantsa, BYU's one-man wrecking crew, from taking over.

6. No. 7 Saint Mary's vs. No. 10 Texas A&M

Time/TV:7:35 p.m. ET, truTV

In addition to the deliberate pace and hard-nosed defense that have defined the Gaels' program under long-time mentor Randy Bennett, this year's squad actually has more long-range shooting options in Mikey Lewis and Joshua Dent. Even so, their style contrasts with "'Buckyball," the frenetic approach preached by Aggies coach Bucky McMillan that has this season's team putting up 87.3 points a game.

University of Akron:
Yvette Nicole Brown, Alexa Bliss, Dominique Moceanu, The Black Keys and George Wallace

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> California Baptist University: Brent Kutzle, Dustin-Leigh Konzelman, Kay Warren, Rick Warren and Marissa Figueroa (not pictured)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> University of Hawaii: Bette Midler, Larry Beil, Jason Elam, Ken Niumatalolo and Barack Obama, Sr.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> High Point University: Austin Dillon, Tubby Smith, Donna Fargo, Cody Allen and Charles F. Price (not pictured)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Howard University:
Chadwick Boseman, Thurgood Marshall, Anthony Anderson, Taraji P. Henson and Gus Johnson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kennesaw State University: Bron Breakker, Jasmine Burke, ReesaTeesa, Larry Nelson and theRadBrad (not pictured)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> University of Maryland, Baltimore County: Kathleen Turner, Duff Goldman, Stavros Halkias, Young Mazino and Scott Seiss

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> University of Pennsylvania: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Elizabeth Banks, John Legend and Maury Povich

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Prairie View A&M University: Megan Thee Stallion, Mr. T., Loni Love, Terry Ellis and Cecil Cooper

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Actors, athletes and icons: Famous alumni from every NCAA men's tournament team

University of Akron:Yvette Nicole Brown, Alexa Bliss, Dominique Moceanu, The Black Keys and George Wallace

7. No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 12 High Point

Time/TV:1:50 p.m. ET, TBS

Expect a breakneck tempo in this one; the Panthers put up 90 points a game while the Badgers aren't far behind at 83. High Point floor leader Rob Martin and prolific forward Terry Anderson will try to keep up with Wisconsin's high-volume guard duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell.

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8. No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 McNeese State

Time/TV:3:15 p.m. ET, truTV

Vanderbilt's run to the SEC title game that included an upset of Florida didn't produce much of a seed boost. As such, the Commodores get a fairly tough opening draw with the battle-tested Cowboys, dancing for a third consecutive season as first-year coach Bill Armstrong maintained the program's momentum.

9. No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 13 Troy

Time/TV:12:40 p.m. ET, truTV

One of these programs will win its first ever NCAA tourney game. The Cornhuskers, which are the only Power Four team never to accomplish the feat, are led by sharpshooter Pryce Sandfort, They will be favored, but they shouldn't overlook the Trojans making their second consecutive trip to the Big Dance led by double-double candidate Thomas Dowd.

10. No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 13 Hawaii

Time/TV:4:25 p.m. ET, TBS

Darius Acuff and the Razorbacks got a short turnaround and a long flight to Portland as a reward for winning the SEC tournament. The Rainbow Warriors feature seven-footer Isaac Johnson, who is familiar with the NCAA tournament stage from his two seasons at Utah State.

11. No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 14 Penn

Time/TV:9:25 p.m. ET, TNT

It took just a year for Fran McCaffery to take his alma mater back to the Big Dance, riding the incredibly hot hand of T.J. Power. The fact that the Quakers won both Ivy League tourney games in overtime might be of concern to Fighting Illini fans, as their team hasn't fared so well in extra periods of late, so Illinois will do its utmost to build a double-digit cushion as quickly as possible.

12. No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 14 North Dakota State

Time/TV:4:05 p.m. ET, TNT

The Spartans and Tom Izzo have been in every NCAA Tournament since 1998, and though they occasionally bow out prematurely they'll have a considerable depth advantage in this year's opener. The Bison do, however, have several guys capable of heating up from long range, including Damari Wheeler-Thomas and Trevian Carson.

13. No. 3 Gonzaga vs. No. 14 Kennesaw State

Time/TV:10:00 p.m. ET, TBS

This is the second Big Dance for the Owls and the first representing Conference USA, though KSU is not without hoops history having claimed the Division II title in 2004. Nonetheless, they'll be punching above their weight considerably against Graham Ike and the Zags, now a tournament fixture but still seeking the ultimate prize.

14. No. 2 Houston vs. No. 15 Idaho

Time/TV:10:10 p.m. ET, truTV

The day concludes with a moment in the sun for the Vandals, the unlikely Big Sky champs making their first tournament appearance since 1990. Their stay figures to be short, as the Cougars have the pieces in place to return to Championship Monday and finish the job this time.

15. No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 16 Howard

Time/TV:7:10 p.m. ET, CBS

The Bison's first ever NCAA tourney win Tuesday night in Dayton provided a well-deserved spotlight for Bryce Harris and Ose Okojie. The run almost certainly ends here, however, as those second-chance opportunities will not be there against the Wolverines' rim protectors.

16. No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Siena

Time/TV:2:50 p.m. ET, CBS

The Blue Devils will look to make short work of this one as they'll still be down a couple of starters. Despite being coached by former Syracuse marksman Jerry McNamara, the Saints don't shoot three-pointers particularly well (30.4%), making a first-round stunner unlikely.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:March Madness games today: NCAA Tournament first round games ranked

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 19, 2026

March Madness games today: Ranking Thursday's NCAA Tournament games

Be sure to followUSA TODAY Sports' live March Madness bracket updates and scores,keeping track of all of NCAA Tourna...

Read More

Stephen Colbert Unveils Charitable T-Shirt Poking Fun at CBS Cancellation to Commemorate “Late Show” Ending

Stephen Colbert is marking the end of an era with a T-shirt poking fun at his late-night departure

NEED TO KNOW

• During the Wednesday, March 18 episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the host unveiled merch featuring a nod to the show's cancellation

• The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode on May 21

Stephen Colbert's new merch is a fashion statement.

On Wednesday, March 18, theLate Show with Stephen Colberthost announced he's selling "special T-shirts" to commemorate his final day on air in May — with all proceeds going toward an important cause.

Before he wraps his 11-year run asLate Showhost on May 21, he's offering the shirt to benefitWorld Central Kitchen, José Andrés' charity that provides fresh meals in the immediate aftermath of crises. And he's poking fun at how things went down in the process.

"On the front, they read: 'TheLastShow with Stephen Colbert,'" Colbert, 61, announced as he showed off the merchandise on air. "And on the back, it reads: 'Thanks for watching! (Unless you watched on YouTube, the network couldn't monetize that).'"

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"Go get these bad boys atColbertLateShow.com/ebay, and, again, all the money we make will go do José Andrés' World Central Kitchen," Colbert added.

As of Thursday, March 19, the shirts are sold out in sizes medium through 3XL but were still available in small and extra small. Over 3,400 shirts have sold since they were unveiled. After showing off the shirts during Wednesday's show, Colbert was joined by Andrés, 56, as the duo gave some to the audience in New York City and shot the merch out of T-shirt cannons.

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The T-shirts aren't the only thing theLate Showhost is selling off. During Wednesday's show, Colbert elaborated on his show's "home-shopping segment" in which he auctions off props from the past decade, which have raised over $406,000. They're still continuing to list memorabilia on eBay, with the show's latest additions including the tuxedo he wore to the 2017 Emmys and basketball shoes signed by John Lithgow.

"Folks, lately I've been thinking about trying to get rid of all the wonderful stuff we've accumulated here at the Ed Sullivan Theater over the last 11 years," Colbert said. "No particular reason, just spring cleaning."

During his July 17, 2025 episode, Colbert announced thatTheLate Showwould be coming to an end. The decision, CBS told PEOPLE in a statement at the time, was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night." Before the show's ending was announced, Colbertslammed CBS' parent company Paramount for giving Donald Trump $16 million in a settlement.

After a decade behind the legendaryLate Showdesk (he boarded as host in September 2015), Colbert said in January that the ending of the talk show "feels real now." TheLate Showfranchise has run since 1993 with David Letterman as host, before Colbert took over for him two decades later.

In the months since his show's cancellation news, Colbert has found himself at odds with Trump's FCC over its recent enforcement of an "equal time" rule (about late-night shows providing equal airtime for multiple candidates when interviewing political figures). He still shared an interview with Texas Senate candidateJames Talaricoin February to YouTube, after revealing he was given guidance from lawyers with his networking advising against airing it on TV.

"For the record, I'm not even mad," he said at the time following a CBS statement about the interview. "I really don't want an adversarial relationship with the network. I never had one."

The Late Show with Stephen Colbertairs weekdays on CBS at 11:35 p.m. ET.

Read the original article onPeople

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 19, 2026

Stephen Colbert Unveils Charitable T-Shirt Poking Fun at CBS Cancellation to Commemorate “Late Show” Ending

Stephen Colbert is marking the end of an era with a T-shirt poking fun at his late-night departure NEED TO KN...

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Here's your first look at Leonardo DiCaprio (plus his mustache) and Jennifer Lawrence in Martin Scorsese's “What Happens at Night”

If you lovedLeonardo DiCaprio's mustache at the2026 Oscars, here's your first look at what his new suave facial hair is for.In a joint Instagram post on Thursday, DiCaprio andMartin Scorsesetook to Instagram to share the first photo of their latest collab,What Happens at Night, which also starsJennifer Lawrence. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Peter Cameron, the film follows a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby.

"What Happens At Night is now in production," the post read, alongside with a photo of DiCaprio — 'stache and all — and Lawrence holding hands while standing in the middle of a snowy road.

What Happens at Nightalso starsPatricia Clarkson,Mads Mikkelsen,Jared Harrisand Welker White. Scorsese will direct and produce, with DiCaprio, Lawrence and Daniel Lupi also serving as producers.

Production is underway in the Czech Republic, with support from the Czech Film Commission.

The Apple Original Film marks the seventh collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio, with the duo first working together onGangs of New Yorkin 2002. They most recently collaborated on 2023'sKillers of the Flower Moon, which earned 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

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This will be DiCaprio and Lawrence's second film together after Adam McKay'sDon't Look Upin 2021.

During a Q&A at the"A Year in TIME" eventon Dec. 10, DiCaprio and Scorsese discussed how they "debate for months" about every aspect during their prep for their films. "We're doing that on the new film that we're doing now," DiCaprio teased ofWhat Happens at Night, adding that the project is "going to be an interesting one."The Oscar winner alsotold Scorsese his one regretafter all of their years of working together. While sharing that he is not interested in directing, believing he could not compare to the work of his mentor, DiCaprio revealed he wishes he learned more about how Scorsese directs.

"One of the only things I could say I would regret about our relationship, if anything, is that I've been so focused on what I've been doing as an actor," DiCaprio said.

"You know, you make these decisions, you play these characters, you try to get into the depth of their soul as much as you possibly can," he added. "And I would have loved to be much more of a voyeur if I could have been, to watch what you do behind the camera."

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 19, 2026

Here's your first look at Leonardo DiCaprio (plus his mustache) and Jennifer Lawrence in Martin Scorsese's “What Happens at Night”

If you lovedLeonardo DiCaprio's mustache at the2026 Oscars, here's your first look at what his new suave facial ...

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MLB partners with Polymarket, makes integrity pact with federal commission on prediction markets

Major League Baseball is entering an official partnership with Polymarket and has an agreement with the federal commission overseeingprediction marketsto collaborate on integrity concerns.

MLB said in a statement Thursday it has a memorandum of understanding with Michael S. Selig, the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to "further protect the integrity of baseball by ensuring swift response to incidents and anticipating emerging trends more strongly."

Prediction markets have raised concerns from sports leagues already working to combat issues around legal sports gambling. While legal sports books must follow regulations set by states, prediction markets have argued their trades — called event contracts — are derivative markets, and thus fall under the CFTC's jurisdiction.

One year ago, MLB sent a letter to the commission calling for strong integrity protections.

"The new agreements that we formed with Polymarket and the CFTC are imperative steps in proactively managing the new and rapidly growing prediction market space," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "Protecting the integrity of the game on the field is our top priority. By engaging in this community, we are able to work together to create clear boundaries with the goal of mitigating risk while providing fan engagement opportunities."

This partnership with Polymarket will give the company and its brokers exclusive access to MLB logos to be used within its prediction market products. Polymarket will also get access to official league data from Sportradar, MLB's exclusive global distributor of data for prediction markets.

Under terms of the memorandum, MLB and the CFTC agreed to share information regarding the integrity of professional baseball and related prediction markets. Shared information will be treated confidentially. Designated representatives will meet regularly.

"We've committed to work together to protect the integrity and resilience of prediction markets relating to professional baseball," Selig said on X. "Through this partnership, the @CFTC is well-positioned to add additional tools to protect our markets from fraud, manipulation, and other abuses. Thanks to @MLB and Commissioner Manfred for working with us to protect the integrity of these growing markets."

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The American Gaming Association expresssed skepticism over the impact of that agreement.

"A multi-hundred million-dollar partnership or a memorandum of understanding with the CFTC doesn't make an unlawful business model legitimate," Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, said in a statement. "State laws and voter-approved frameworks govern sports betting in the U.S. - not federal workarounds. Legal sports betting operates under state and tribal regulation, providing strong consumer protections, transparency, and accountability. Sports betting - by any name - is not under the CFTC's jurisdiction."

Although it has established this partnership with Polymarket, MLB said it wants integrity relationships with all other prediction market exchanges offering baseball contracts. Those exchanges will be required to integrate the necessary integrity protections into their individual rulebooks.

The rapid growth of sports offerings on prediction markets has provided leagues with another revenue opportunity while also causing concerns about the regulation of prediction markets.

Prediction markets provide an opportunity to trade — or wager — on the result of future events. Trades are made as simple yes-no wagers

The NHL announced in October it had reached multiyear partnership agreements with Polymarket and Kalshi, another major prediction markets platform. Major League Soccer announced a partnership with Polymarket on Jan. 26. NBA starGiannis Antetokounmpoof the Milwaukee Bucks announced last month that he has become a shareholder in Kalshi.

MLB had a presentation on prediction markets during its owners' meetings in Florida last month.

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 19, 2026

MLB partners with Polymarket, makes integrity pact with federal commission on prediction markets

Major League Baseball is entering an official partnership with Polymarket and has an agreement with the federal commissi...

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Linda Cardellini Recalls Buying a Turtleneck from Ross to Dress in Character as Velma for Her “Scooby-Doo” Audition

Linda Cardellini was still a relative newcomer in her career when she auditioned to play Velma in 2002's Scooby-Doo

NEED TO KNOW

• The actress, 50, recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she looked back on her audition for the film

• Cardellini recalls feeling terrible about her idea to show up to her audition dressed as the character, only to learn it worked

Linda Cardelliniwas serious about herScooby Dooaudition.

In her recent appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the 50-year-old actress recalled dressing in character as Velma when she auditioned for the 2002 movie.

"I remember when I was auditioning forScooby-Doo, I was really excited because that was my favorite cartoon growing up. So I was going in for Velma, and I was like, 'I'm not gonna go in there without my glasses and my turtleneck,' you know?"

She continued, "So I went to Ross and bought this orange turtleneck and borrowed a friend of mine's glasses... I needed a bargain, and they had things that were out of season. It wasn't really orange turtleneck season. And then I went and I got this orange turtleneck and this skirt, and I dressed in a costume, which I was kind of new when I got that part," she shared, noting it was afterFreaks and Geeks.

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"Freaks and Geekswasn't a big success or anything, so I was pretty new. And I just figured you were supposed to dress the part," Cardellini explained.

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"So I went in there and saw all these famous people sitting in the waiting room," she said, noting none of them dressed like the character.

"They looked great and I looked like an idiot... I went in there dressed up in this costume and just felt so stupid. And then, I did my audition, and I did all these crazy things. Like I took off my glasses and did all these things. And I just felt I had made the biggest fool of myself. I came home and cried and cried and cried, and then I got the part.

Joking, Cardellini added, "My dad always says he knew I would get a part if I came home crying, so I guess you have to make a fool of yourself."

In 2020,Guardians of the Galaxywriter/director James Gunn, who cowrote the screenplay for the 2002 movie, revealed on Twitter thathe "tried" to make Velma gaybut was eventually shot down.

"In 2001, Velma was explicitly gay in my initial script. But the studio just kept watering it down & watering it down, becoming ambiguous (the version shot), then nothing (the released version) & finally having a boyfriend (the sequel)," he wrote, adding an annoyed emoji.

Read the original article onPeople

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 19, 2026

Linda Cardellini Recalls Buying a Turtleneck from Ross to Dress in Character as Velma for Her “Scooby-Doo” Audition

Linda Cardellini was still a relative newcomer in her career when she auditioned to play Velma in 2002's Scooby-Doo ...

Read More