Mizzou Earns NCAA Tournament Bid, Will Face Miami in First Round

Tigers make third NCAA Tournament appearance in four seasons, set to take on Hurricanes in St. Louis

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:19pm

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The Missouri men's basketball team has earned a spot in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, marking their third tournament appearance in the last four seasons. The Tigers, seeded 10th in the West Region, will face off against the Miami Hurricanes in the First Round on Friday in St. Louis.

Why it matters

Mizzou's return to the NCAA Tournament is a significant accomplishment for the program, which has now made the Big Dance in three of the past four seasons after a multi-year drought. The Tigers' inclusion in the field of 68 teams is a testament to their strong regular season performance, which included wins over top teams like Florida and Vanderbilt.

The details

Missouri enters the NCAA Tournament with a 20-12 record and a 10-8 mark in SEC play. The Tigers have lost their last three games, including a 78-72 defeat to Kentucky in the SEC Tournament. However, Mizzou's strong overall resume, including its placement in key metrics like strength of record and wins above bubble, secured its spot in the field of 68.

  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament First Round games will be played on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • Mizzou last made the NCAA Tournament in the 2022-23 season, marking their third appearance in four years.

The players

Missouri Tigers

The men's basketball team from the University of Missouri, competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Miami Hurricanes

The men's basketball team from the University of Miami, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

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What’s next

If Mizzou advances past the First Round, they will play the winner of the matchup between 2-seed Purdue and 15-seed Queens.

The takeaway

Mizzou's return to the NCAA Tournament is a significant milestone for the program, showcasing their ability to consistently compete at a high level and earn bids to the prestigious event. The Tigers' inclusion in the field is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and their fans will be eager to see how far they can go in this year's tournament.