beyond the back page Your all-in-one guide to college basketball with March Madness in sight By Madeline Kenney Published Feb. 27, 2026, 7:40 a.m. ET Duke's Cameron Boozer; UConn's Azzi Fudd Zachary Taft-Imagn Images; AP We’re just two days away from the month of madness.
March is right around the corner and the college basketball regular season is nearing an end.
Some teams have already punched their tickets to the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happens in conference tournament action, which begins next week on the women’s side. Others, especially mid-major programs, will be battling for automatic bids to ensure their spots in the Big Dance.
Here’s a primer heading into March for the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament:
