2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament: Day 1 Results, Upsets & Sweet 16 Outlook

The first round of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament delivered a mix of expected outcomes and compelling performances on Friday, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic second round. Several teams secured their place in the next stage, while others saw their seasons approach to an end. Here’s a look at some of the key results and takeaways from the day’s action.

NC State Advances, But Faces Uncertainty

NC State overcame a determined Tennessee squad, winning March 20, 76-61. The Wolfpack established a significant lead early, jumping out to a 15-point advantage in the first quarter and despite a second-half push from the Lady Volunteers, maintained control throughout. NC State’s success was built on a strong shooting performance, connecting on 51% of their field goal attempts, while Tennessee struggled from the floor, shooting just 33%.

Forward Khamil Pierre recorded her 22nd double-double of the season, the most by a Wolfpack player since 2008. However, the victory was tempered by an injury to guard Zoe Brooks, who exited the game in the third quarter with a right leg injury. With Brooks sidelined, Zamareya Jones stepped up, delivering a career-high 30 points to lead the Wolfpack. The impact of Brooks’ absence remains to be seen as NC State prepares for the next round.

The loss marks the end of the season for Tennessee, who finished on an eight-game losing streak – their first winless March since 1982.

Michigan State Survives Scare from Colorado State

Michigan State narrowly avoided an upset, defeating Colorado State 72-67. Despite being a heavy favorite, the Spartans faced a tough challenge from Rams guard Brooke Carlson, who poured in a career-high 26 points. Michigan State’s victory was fueled by a strong second-half performance and a 12-2 edge in second-chance points.

Sophomore Grace VanSlooten led the Spartans with 18 points and 10 rebounds, becoming just the seventh Division I player this century to record a double-double in each of her first three NCAA tournament games. Kennedy Blair added 18 points and three blocks. The Spartans will need to improve their 3-point shooting – they were just 4-of-21 from beyond the arc – if they hope to advance further in the tournament.

Minnesota Dominates Green Bay in Late Surge

Minnesota rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Green Bay 81-57. Trailing 49-45 entering the final period, the Gophers outscored the Phoenix 30-8 to secure the victory. Senior guard Amaya Battle led Minnesota with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Sophie Hart contributed 19 points and six rebounds.

The Gophers will face Ole Miss in the second round, a matchup that will test their ability to maintain their momentum against a strong SEC opponent.

LSU Overwhelms Jacksonville with Offensive Firepower

LSU showcased its potent offense, defeating Jacksonville 116-71. The Tigers’ scoring output tied a Division I record for their 15th 100-point game of the season. Mikaylah Williams led the way with 18 points and a career-high 10 assists, becoming the first Tiger to achieve that feat in the NCAA tournament since 2005. Seven Tigers finished with double-digit scoring, highlighting the team’s balanced attack.

LSU’s dominance extended to the paint, where they scored 66 points, and they outrebounded Jacksonville 45-22. Coach Kim Mulkey emphasized the need for defensive improvement after the first half, a focus that will be crucial as the tournament progresses.

North Carolina Holds Off Western Illinois

North Carolina defeated Western Illinois 82-51, despite a poor shooting performance from 3-point range (10-of-40). Nyla Harris led the Tar Heels with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Lanie Grant added 15 points. Mia Nicastro led Western Illinois with 21 points and nine rebounds.

The Tar Heels will face former ACC rival Maryland in the second round, a game that promises to be a competitive matchup.

Michigan Cruises Past Holy Cross

Michigan secured a comfortable victory over Holy Cross, winning 83-48. The Wolverines established control early, leading by eight points after the first quarter and never looking back. Sophomore guard Mila Holloway was instrumental, scoring or assisting on 34 points.

Michigan will need to find consistency from beyond the arc – they shot just 4-of-21 from 3-point range – and rely on their depth to navigate the challenges ahead.

Texas Dominates Missouri State

Texas defeated Missouri State 87-45, showcasing a dominant performance on both ends of the court. The Longhorns shot 50% from the field and 81% from the foul line, while outrebounding the Lady Bears 49-27. Jordan Lee led Texas with 19 points, and Madison Booker added 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Texas will face Oregon in the second round, a matchup that will test their ability to maintain their high level of play against a tough opponent.

Ole Miss Defeats Gonzaga

Ole Miss defeated Gonzaga 81-66, fueled by a strong defensive performance and balanced scoring. The Rebels held Gonzaga to a season-low 37 points through three quarters. Latasha Lattimore led Ole Miss with 15 points, while Cotie McMahon added 13.

Ole Miss will face either Minnesota or Green Bay in the second round.

Maryland Overpowers Murray State

Maryland dominated Murray State, winning 99-67. The Terrapins’ size advantage was evident, as they outrebounded the Racers 51-21 and scored 52 points in the paint. Kyndal Walker came off the bench to score 20 points, while Mir McLean added 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Maryland will face North Carolina in the second round.

Baylor Edges Nebraska in Close Contest

Baylor defeated Nebraska 67-62 in a tightly contested game. Taliah Scott led the Bears with 15 points, while Darianna Littlepage-Buggs added 13 points and 11 rebounds. A flagrant foul on Nebraska’s Jessica Petrie proved crucial, shifting the momentum in Baylor’s favor.

Baylor will face Duke in the second round.

Washington Overcomes South Dakota State

Washington defeated South Dakota State 72-54, led by Avery Howell’s impressive performance of 30 points and nine assists. The Huskies found their rhythm after falling behind early, outscoring the Jackrabbits by 24 points in the fourth quarter.

Washington will face TCU in the second round.

Oregon Defeats Virginia Tech

Oregon defeated Virginia Tech 70-60, establishing control early and maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the game. Katie Fiso led the Ducks with 22 points, while Ehis Etute added 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Oregon will face Texas in the second round.

TCU Dominates UC San Diego

TCU defeated UC San Diego 86-40, led by Olivia Miles’ triple-double of 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists. Taylor Bigby added 27 points, shooting 7-of-9 from 3-point range.

TCU will face Washington in the second round.

Duke Defeats Charleston

Duke defeated Charleston 81-64, led by Toby Fournier’s 24 points. Despite a strong performance from Charleston’s Taryn Barbot, who scored 36 points, the Blue Devils’ balanced attack proved too much to overcome.

Duke will face Baylor in the second round.