Women's NCAA Tournament: Sweet 16 Teams Emerge
The Sweet 16 is set with eight teams advancing in the women's NCAA tournament. Highlights include standout performances and intense matchups.
Eight teams have secured their spots in the Sweet 16 following the second round of the 2026 women's NCAA tournament, which commenced on Sunday. All higher-seeded teams emerged victorious, although third-seeded TCU required overtime to advance. Madison Booker made history for Texas by scoring 40 points, leading them to become the first No. 1 seed to progress.
TCU's victory was marked by a remarkable comeback after trailing for 24 minutes. In overtime, the Horned Frogs surged with a 7-0 run, propelled by Olivia Miles, who finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. With Marta Suarez in foul trouble, Clara Silva and Taylor Bigby stepped up, with Silva scoring the game’s first lead for TCU late in the fourth quarter and Bigby adding 15 points. TCU outscored Washington 42-18 in the paint, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Looking ahead, TCU will face the winner of the Iowa-Virginia match for a chance to reach the regional finals. Miles, who averages 19.4 points per game and is ranked seventh nationally in assists, will be crucial for TCU's success.
Oklahoma also advanced after a hard-fought game against Michigan State, largely due to their dominance in the paint. The Sooners out-rebounded the Spartans 45-36, with center Raegan Beers contributing a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Although Aaliyah Chavez struggled with her shooting, she played a vital role by distributing the ball effectively.
The Sooners are set to meet the winner of South Carolina-USC in their next matchup. With prior experience defeating the No. 1 seed Gamecocks this season, Oklahoma aims to minimize turnovers after committing 23 against Michigan State.
Texas showcased their offensive strength against Oregon, led by Madison Booker’s record-setting 40 points, a new NCAA tournament high for Texas. The Longhorns achieved their third 100-point game in NCAA history, with point guard Rori Harmon also contributing significantly. Their defense was equally impressive, forcing 15 turnovers and restricting Oregon’s scoring.
For their next challenge, Texas must maintain their offensive and defensive synergy, as Harmon and Booker were pivotal in their scoring and playmaking.
Duke advanced by applying strong defensive pressure against Baylor, forcing 23 turnovers and holding them to a dismal shooting performance. The Blue Devils excelled in the paint, with Arianna Roberson achieving a double-double and Delaney Thomas scoring 17 points.
Duke's next steps hinge on maintaining their defensive intensity while ensuring their star player, Toby Fournier, stays out of foul trouble, as her presence is crucial moving forward.
In a display of dominance, LSU defeated Texas Tech convincingly, scoring 100 points for the 16th time this season. Mikaylah Williams and Flau'jae Johnson combined for 48 points, showcasing the team’s offensive depth. Johnson’s performance marked a memorable farewell in Baton Rouge, contributing significantly before leaving the court to a standing ovation.
As they advance, LSU aims to replicate their strong performances in the tournament, emphasizing their scoring ability both inside and beyond the arc, while maintaining their defensive strength.