The first round of the tournament starts Thursday. Twelve games begin just after noon and keep going into the night. Fans expect close play, last‑second shots, and maybe a surprise win.

A student manager named Amir “Aura” Khan is back on the scene. He helped McNeese beat Stephen F. Austin to earn a spot in March Madness last year. Khan’s energetic video of him leading the team with a boombox made him famous. He signed over 20 brand deals, showing how NIL can benefit anyone on a team.

Bench players often shine in the tournament. Michigan’s rookie Trey McKenney, who averages about 10 points per game, can help the top‑seeded Wolverines if they need extra scoring. In a smaller program, Siena’s Gavin Doty has been a star, averaging more than 20 points and solid defense. His team faces the top seed Duke.

Nebraska has never won a tournament game, with an 0‑8 record. Coach Fred Hoiberg leads the fourth seed after a 15‑game winning streak this season. He hopes to break that long drought against Troy.

Texas survived the First Four, winning 68‑66 over NC State. Senior Tramon Mark hit a last‑second shot to keep the Longhorns in the tournament. Now they face BYU, a team known for strong scoring but weaker defense.

The schedule is full of excitement. Fans can watch up to 12 games, many featuring underdogs and surprise moments.


# NCAA Tournament Kickoff: Thursday’s Thrilling First Round

The first round of the tournament starts **Thursday**, with twelve games kicking off just after noon and carrying into the night. Fans anticipate tight play, last‑second shots, and perhaps a surprise victory.

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## Spotlight: Amir “Aura” Khan

- **Role:** Student manager  
- **Notable Achievement:** Helped McNeese beat Stephen F. Austin for a March Madness berth last year  
- **Viral Moment:** Energetic video of him leading the team with a boombox  
- **Impact on NIL:** Secured over 20 brand deals, demonstrating how NIL can benefit any team member

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## Bench Stars to Watch

| Team | Player | Avg. Points | Role |
|------|--------|-------------|------|
| Michigan | Trey McKenney (rookie) | ~10 | Potential scoring boost for the top‑seeded Wolverines |
| Siena | Gavin Doty | >20 | Star scorer and defender facing top seed Duke |

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## Nebraska’s Quest for a First Win

- **Record:** 0‑8 in tournament play  
- **Coach:** Fred Hoiberg (4th seed)  
- **Season Highlight:** 15‑game winning streak  
- **Goal:** Break the drought against Troy

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## Texas’s Narrow Escape

- **First Four Result:** 68‑66 win over NC State  
- **Key Moment:** Senior Tramon Mark’s last‑second shot secured the Longhorns’ spot  
- **Next Opponent:** BYU – known for strong scoring but weaker defense

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## The Schedule Snapshot

- **12 games** across the day  
- **Undergoes** a mix of upsets and surprise moments  
- **Perfect for fans** looking to catch the drama of college basketball

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Enjoy the action, and may the best teams prevail!



March Madness Begins: Key Facts and Surprises

Spotlight: Amir “Aura” Khan

Bench Stars to Watch

Actions

Team	Player	Avg. Points	Role
Michigan	Trey McKenney (rookie)	~10	Potential scoring boost for the top‑seeded Wolverines
Siena	Gavin Doty	>20	Star scorer and defender facing top seed Duke