PHILADELPHIA – A dominant defensive performance propelled No. 6 seed Tennessee to a 78-56 victory over No. 11 seed Miami (Ohio) in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Friday, ending the RedHawks’ memorable season with a 32-2 record. The Volunteers’ length and athleticism proved too much for Miami, which had secured its tournament berth with an 89-79 win over SMU in the First Four on Wednesday [1].
Tennessee’s defense, initially shaky, tightened throughout the game, stifling Miami’s offensive rhythm. Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the Volunteers with 29 points, carrying the offensive load in a game where freshman star Nate Ament struggled, finishing scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting in 19 minutes [1]. Tennessee coach Rick Barnes indicated Ament is not expected to be at full strength until after the season, following an injury sustained against Alabama on February 28 [1].
Miami’s Cinderella run, fueled by a prolific three-point shooting attack, was effectively halted. The RedHawks, who knocked down 16 three-pointers in their First Four victory [2], found their shots contested and their opportunities limited by Tennessee’s defensive pressure.
The game wasn’t the only one on Friday with injury concerns. Iowa State’s All-American forward Joshua Jefferson suffered an ankle injury less than three minutes into the Cyclones’ 108-74 win over Tennessee State. X-rays were negative, but his availability for Iowa State’s next game against Kentucky remains uncertain [1]. Jefferson is a key contributor for Iowa State, leading the team in rebounding and ranking second in both scoring and assists [1].
UCLA likewise navigated a key absence, with leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau missing the Bruins’ 75-71 win over UCF due to a knee injury sustained in the Big Ten Tournament [1]. Bruins coach Mick Cronin said Bilodeau was cleared to play but ultimately deemed unfit to participate after shootaround [1].
Elsewhere in the tournament, potential upset picks Alabama and Texas Tech avoided early exits. No. 4 seed Alabama defeated No. 13 seed Hofstra 90-70, while No. 5 seed Texas Tech topped No. 12 seed Akron 91-71. Both teams will face each other on Sunday with a Sweet Sixteen berth on the line [1]. Alabama received a standout performance from Labaron Philon, who scored 29 points with eight rebounds and seven assists, offsetting the absence of starting point guard Aden Holloway, who faces a felony drug charge [1]. Texas Tech relied on its perimeter shooting, hitting 11 of 20 three-point attempts [1].
2026 NCAA Tournament Scores (March 21) [1]
- (7) Kentucky 89, (10) Santa Clara 84 (OT)
- (5) Texas Tech 91, (12) Akron 71
- (1) Arizona 92, (16) LIU 58
- (3) Virginia 82, (14) Wright State 73
- (2) Iowa State 108, (15) Tennessee State 74
- (4) Alabama 90, (13) Hofstra 70
- (9) Utah State 86, (8) Villanova 76
- (6) Tennessee 78, (11) Miami (Ohio) 56
- (9) Iowa 67, (8) Clemson 61
- (5) St. John’s 79, (12) Northern Iowa 53
- (7) UCLA 75, (10) UCF 71
- (2) Purdue 104, (15) Queens 71
- (1) Florida 114, (16) Prairie View 55
- (4) Kansas 68, (13) Cal Baptist 60
- (2) UConn 82, (15) Furman 71
- (7) Miami 80, (10) Missouri 66
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