Women’s NCAA Tournament: Top Title Contenders Revealed for Round 2

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 22, 2026 4:58 PM ET

Women’s NCAA Tournament: Top Title Contenders Revealed for Round 2

March 21, 2026 saw South Carolina celebrate a late three-pointer at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. The image underscored a first round that favored favorites and produced few shocks.

This report is part of Filmogaz.com’s Bracket Central series. It reviews performances and previews compelling Round 2 matchups.

No. 1 seeds and dominant openings

UConn cruised to a 90-52 victory in its opening game. Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd led the way, with key contributions from Ashlynn Shade, Blanca Quinonez and Kayleigh Heckel.

Heckel came off the bench to post 11 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. That depth will matter as the Huskies defend their title.

UCLA overwhelmed Cal Baptist 96-43 under coach Cori Close. The Bruins were sluggish early, then closed with a 52-9 stretch after halftime.

UCLA will face Oklahoma State next. The Bruins need cleaner starts to sustain a deep run.

Texas used stingy defense in an 87-45 win over Missouri State. The Longhorns held Missouri State to 29 percent shooting and 20 percent from three.

They forced 19 turnovers and converted those into 28 points. Texas heads to a likely matchup with Oregon, then possibly Kentucky or West Virginia.

LSU opened with a lopsided victory over Jacksonville, scoring 116 points to Jacksonville’s 58. Bigs Kate Koval and Grace Knox played well.

LSU’s post depth will be tested next against Texas Tech. The Red Raiders typically rely on speed and perimeter play.

Standout individual nights

Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes scored 30 points against High Point. That marked her 12th game with at least 30 points this season.

Freshman guard Aubrey Galvan and shooter Justine Pissott provide supporting fire for Vanderbilt. The Commodores appear ready for a March surge.

Olivia Miles recorded a triple-double against UC San Diego. Her line read 12 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists.

Miles’ team, TCU, will meet Washington next. Washington’s freshman Brynn McGaughy stands 6-3, while TCU counters with 6-7 Clara Silva.

Several other stars delivered notable efforts. Mackenly Randolph had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Louisville. Ava Heiden scored 29 for Iowa.

Key second-round matchups to watch

South Carolina appears well-positioned for a second-round meeting with USC. The Gamecocks beat USC earlier this season by 17 points.

A potential Sweet 16 rematch looms between South Carolina and Oklahoma. Oklahoma won their January meeting 94-82 in overtime.

Michigan defeated Holy Cross with balanced scoring and now faces NC State. Watch for NC State forward Khamil Pierre’s interior presence.

Oklahoma’s second-round opponent is Michigan State. Michigan State counters with guards Kennedy Blair, Rashunda Jones and Jalyn Brown.

Oklahoma holds a paint advantage with 6-5 center Raegan Beers. Interior play may decide that game.

Ohio State will test Notre Dame’s backcourt. Ohio State guard Jaloni Cambridge projects as a key matchup against Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo.

North Carolina advanced with an 82-51 win over Western Illinois. The Tar Heels now face Maryland and must contend with guard Oluchi Okananwa.

Okananwa has prior experience against North Carolina and delivered 12 points, 12 rebounds and a buzzer-beating three in their last meeting.

Iowa showed vulnerability despite strong games from Ava Heiden and Hannah Stuelke. Virginia’s Sa’Myah Smith and Kymora Johnson could expose guard weaknesses.

Minnesota rallied late to beat Green Bay and will meet Ole Miss. Stopping Cotie McMahon, who averages 19.7 points, will be crucial.

Kentucky’s frontline of Clara Strack and Teonni Key faces West Virginia’s disruptive guards. If West Virginia creates turnovers, it can force chaos.