Live tracker: How Utah ties are performing in the NCAA Tournament
An updated look at how players who’ve crossed paths with the Beehive State or hail from Utah are faring in the 2026 tournament.
A general view of a basketball on the court during the first half of a First Four college basketball game between Lehigh and Prairie View A&M in the NCAA Tournament in Dayton, Ohio, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. | Jeff Dean Editor’s note: The Deseret News is updating how Utah ties — both native Utahns and those whose playing careers have included a stop in Utah — are performing in the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament through the first two rounds. For BYU and Utah State, who both made the 68-team field, these updates will primarily focus on notable Utah natives with those respective teams.
Check back for more updates throughout the first four days of this year’s tournament. TCU forward Xavier Edmonds celebrates after scoring against Ohio State during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Greenville, S. C.
| Chris Carlson Former Salt Lake Community College star delivers game-winner in NCAA’s opening game TCU 66, Ohio State 64 The first game of the NCAA Tournament had plenty of March Madness, and it was a former Salt Lake Community College star that delivered the winning points. In a tie ball game with the clock winding down, TCU forward Xavier Edmonds (SLCC) took a pass in the paint from teammate David Punch, then patiently found an opening before finishing at the rim for two with 4. 3 seconds left to play, giving the Horned Frogs a 66-64 lead.
xavier edmonds; tcu vs ohio state pic. twitter. com/gKp1qAATvK — ◇ (@F0RGIAT0) March 19, 2026 Following a timeout, Ohio State could only get a half-court heave off and it was no good, allowing TCU to advance.