Miami (FL) and Missouri Set to Face Off in March Madness Round 1

Tigers look to capitalize on home-court advantage against balanced Hurricanes attack

Mar. 20, 2026 at 8:20am

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The 2026 NCAA Tournament first-round matchup between Miami (Fla.) and Missouri is set to tip off at 10:10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 20 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Missouri will be playing an NCAA Tournament game in its home state for the first time since 1982, hoping to bounce back from a late-season slump. Miami will rely on its balanced scoring attack to try and advance, with four players averaging at least 12 points per game this season.

Why it matters

This game features two teams looking to get their seasons back on track after stumbling down the stretch. Missouri will have the home-court advantage, which could provide a boost, but Miami's balanced scoring attack poses a tough challenge. The winner will advance to face a higher-seeded opponent in the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Missouri ended the regular season on a three-game losing streak, but the Tigers will look to capitalize on playing an NCAA Tournament game in their home state for the first time since 1982. Miami also struggled late in the season, dropping two of its last three games. The Hurricanes will need to rely on their balanced scoring attack, which features four players averaging at least 12 points per game.

  • The game is scheduled to tip off at 10:10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 20, 2026.
  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament First Four games will be played on March 17-18, with the first round following on March 19-20.

The players

Missouri Tigers

The Missouri Tigers are the home team in this first-round NCAA Tournament matchup, looking to bounce back from a late-season slump and capitalize on playing in front of a supportive crowd in St. Louis.

Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes

The Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes will rely on their balanced scoring attack, with four players averaging at least 12 points per game this season, as they look to advance in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We must capitalize on the home-court advantage and get the crowd behind us. It's been a long time since we've played an NCAA Tournament game in Missouri, and we're excited for the opportunity.”

— Cuonzo Martin, Head Coach, Missouri Tigers

“Our balanced scoring attack has been key for us all season, and we'll need that to continue if we want to advance in the tournament. We're ready for the challenge of facing Missouri on their home floor.”

— Jim Larrañaga, Head Coach, Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes

What’s next

The winner of this first-round matchup will advance to face the winner of the game between the #1 seed and #8 seed in the next round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This game features two teams looking to regain their footing after late-season struggles, with Missouri hoping to capitalize on home-court advantage and Miami relying on its balanced scoring attack. The winner will take a step closer to a deep NCAA Tournament run.