Prairie View A&M Makes History and Millions with First Four Victory

Prairie View A&M gave the HBCU basketball community another reason to celebrate Wednesday night, delivering a commanding 67-55 victory over Lehigh in the NCAA Tournament's First Four. The Panthers' triumph not only advanced them in March Madness but also secured a major financial windfall for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

The victory came just one night after Howard University earned a similar win for the MEAC, marking a powerful two-day statement for HBCU basketball on the national stage.

HBCU Programs Lead the Way in First Four Success

With Prairie View A&M's breakthrough performance, HBCU programs have now accumulated 10 total victories in the modern First Four era.

Texas Southern still leads all HBCU programs with three First Four victories, while the following schools have each captured one win in the format:

• North Carolina A&T
• Hampton
• Norfolk State
• Grambling
• Alabama State
• Howard University
• Prairie View A&M

A Deeper History of Opening Round Success

The First Four format began in 2011 when the NCAA Tournament expanded to 68 teams. However, HBCU success in tournament opening games dates back further. Before the current format, the NCAA used a single "Opening Round" or "Play-In Game."

In that earlier era, Florida A&M won in 2004 and Arkansas-Pine Bluff won in 2010, both advancing into what was then the traditional field of 64. While these victories came before the First Four era, they remain an important part of HBCU tournament history.

More Than Just a Win

For HBCU programs, the First Four has become a crucial doorway to national exposure. These games may occur before the traditional first round, but they count in the record books and deliver tangible benefits that extend far beyond the court.

The combination of visibility, credibility, and now substantial revenue makes First Four success particularly meaningful for historically Black colleges and universities. As Prairie View A&M and Howard demonstrated this week, HBCU basketball continues to make its mark when the brightest lights shine on college basketball's biggest stage.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.