Men’s College Basketball Scores & Schedule: Feb. 19, 2026 Games & How to Watch

Friday’s college basketball schedule was packed with action, spanning conferences and offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the NCAA season. From tightly contested matchups in the East to competitive battles further west, several games delivered on the promise of March Madness excitement.

Key Matchups and Results

Liberty secured a narrow 90-89 overtime victory against FIU, a game that highlighted the competitive spirit of mid-major basketball. Zach Cleveland led Liberty with 18 points, while Corey Stephenson paced FIU with 23. The game’s dramatic finish underscored the unpredictable nature of the college season.

In other notable contests, Marshall defeated Appalachian State 94-93, showcasing a high-scoring affair with Jalen Speer contributing 24 points for Marshall and Alonzo Dodd leading App State with 19. South Florida upset Memphis 87-66, with Wes Enis scoring 20 points for the Bulls and Julius Thedford adding 13 for the Tigers.

High Point defeated UNC Asheville 74-48, led by Terry Anderson’s 16 points, while DJ Patrick scored 17 for UNC Asheville. Presbyterian edged out Longwood 72-65, with Triston Wilson scoring 28 points for Presbyterian and Elijah Tucker adding 22 for Longwood. Radford defeated Gardner-Webb 82-70, with Dennis Parker Jr. Leading the way.

Wright State topped IUPUI 73-70, while Central Connecticut State defeated Le Moyne 77-37. Saint Francis U defeated LIU 89-43, and Presbyterian defeated Longwood 72-65.

Conference Action

The schedule featured games across a wide range of conferences, including the Atlantic Sun, Big South, and Southern Conference. The variety of matchups provided opportunities for teams to solidify their positions in conference standings and bolster their NCAA tournament resumes.

In the Big South, Liberty’s overtime win against FIU was a significant result, demonstrating their resilience and ability to compete in close games. Winthrop also secured a victory, defeating USC Upstate 68-64, with Logan Duncomb leading the charge with 24 points.

The Southern Conference saw Marshall’s narrow victory over Appalachian State, a game that likely had implications for the conference tournament seeding. Chattanooga also secured a win against Mercer 94-50.

Streaming and Broadcast Information

Fans had multiple options for watching the games, with coverage spread across CBS Sports Network, ESPN+, FloSports, and ESPN2. ESPN+ featured a particularly robust schedule, broadcasting numerous contests from various conferences. CBS Sports Network aired Liberty vs. FIU and Hampton at Hofstra, providing national exposure for those matchups. ESPN2 broadcasted the Memphis at South Florida game.

FloSports provided coverage of Charleston at North Carolina A&T, William & Mary at Campbell, and Drexel at Northeastern, catering to fans interested in those specific contests. The availability of streaming options allowed fans to follow the action regardless of their location.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, these games serve as crucial data points for the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Teams are vying for at-large bids, and every win, especially against quality opponents, strengthens their case. The results from Friday’s schedule will undoubtedly be factored into the committee’s evaluations.

The ongoing competition across conferences will continue to shape the tournament picture. Teams will need to maintain consistent performance and demonstrate their ability to win on the road to secure favorable seeding. The remaining weeks of the regular season promise to be filled with exciting matchups and pivotal moments.

With March Madness on the horizon, teams are focused on peaking at the right time. The games played on Friday provided a glimpse of the intensity and competitiveness that fans can expect as the tournament approaches. The pursuit of a championship is well underway, and every game carries significant weight.

For complete scores and schedules, fans can visit USA TODAY Sports’ college basketball scoreboard.