Razorbacks, Tigers, Billikens and Lady Bears Earn NCAA Tournament Bids

Arkansas, Missouri, Saint Louis, and Missouri State women's basketball teams all clinch tournament spots

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The Arkansas Razorbacks, Missouri Tigers, Saint Louis Billikens, and Missouri State Lady Bears have all earned bids to the 2026 NCAA Basketball Tournaments. The Razorbacks won the SEC Tournament to secure an automatic bid, while the Tigers, Billikens, and Lady Bears received at-large bids.

Why it matters

Making the NCAA Tournament is a major accomplishment for these programs, as it provides national exposure and the opportunity to compete for a national championship. The Razorbacks, Tigers, Billikens, and Lady Bears all had strong seasons to earn their tournament spots.

The details

The Arkansas Razorbacks defeated Vanderbilt 86-75 in the SEC Tournament final to earn an automatic bid. Darius Acuff Jr. led the Razorbacks with 30 points and 11 assists. The Missouri Tigers received a 10 seed in the West Regional and will face 7 seed Miami (FL). The Saint Louis Billikens are a 9 seed in the Midwest Regional and will play 8 seed Georgia. The Missouri State Lady Bears won the Conference USA Tournament to earn a 16 seed in the Region 3 bracket, where they will face Stephen F. Austin.

  • The NCAA Tournament begins on Thursday, March 20, 2026.
  • The Arkansas Razorbacks won the SEC Tournament on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • The Missouri Tigers, Saint Louis Billikens, and Missouri State Lady Bears learned their tournament seedings and opponents on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

A standout guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who led the team to the SEC Tournament championship.

Billy Richmond III

A key contributor for the Arkansas Razorbacks, scoring 18 points in the SEC Tournament final.

Trevon Brazile

A forward for the Arkansas Razorbacks who scored 16 points in the SEC Tournament championship game.

D.J. Wagner

A guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who added 11 points in the SEC Tournament final.

Missouri State Lady Bears

The women's basketball team from Missouri State University that won the Conference USA Tournament to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This year's NCAA Tournament field features several strong teams from the Midwest and South regions, including the Arkansas Razorbacks, Missouri Tigers, Saint Louis Billikens, and Missouri State Lady Bears. These programs have all had successful seasons and will look to make deep runs in the tournament.