The second round of madness has arrived! After two exciting days of big wins, close calls and star performances, the Round of 32 begins on Sunday, with 16 teams competing for a spot in the Sweet 16.
Will Duke put on another defensive clinic? Can Washington – or anyone – stop olivia miles? Before the game starts, our ESPN college basketball analysts tell you the keys to winning the game for each team.
Be sure to come back as soon as the game starts for live updates on the second round.
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6pm ET, ESPN
How the Ducks can advance to the Sweet 16: The Ducks, who defeated Maryland in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, have now won three of their last four games, their best since winning four in a row in late January. When Oregon beat Maryland in Indianapolis, Michigan was up next – and the Wolverines handed the Ducks a 22-point loss. Oregon’s likely next opponent, Texas, poses an even greater challenge.
It was also the 23rd win of the season for the Ducks, making it their most successful campaign since Sabrina Ionescu’s senior year in 2020, when the NCAA Tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Cream
How the Longhorns can advance to the Sweet 16: The Longhorns, who have made at least four Elite Eights in the last five years, will face No. 8 seed Oregon in the second round. The Ducks defeated Virginia Tech 70–60 in the first round. You can rest assured that Texas coach Vic Schaefer is focusing on the defensive game plan to limit the Oregon standout guard Katie FisoWho had 22 points on 9 of 12 shooting against the Hokies. — vopel
8 pm ET, ESPN
How the Spartans can advance to the Sweet 16: Against Oklahoma, the Spartans will have to deal with a home crowd and one of the best new point guards in the game Aaliyah Chavez – Not to mention one of the most impressive centers regan beer. The Spartans need to knock down some 3-pointers to help stretch the floor and open up the court grace vanslooten Very low. Michigan State’s guard-heavy lineup has been here before and is more experienced, which could be an X factor against Chavez. — espn
How the Sooners can advance to the Sweet 16: Keep doing what they’re doing. Oklahoma was dominant in the frontcourt and backcourt, shooting 51% from the field and having four players score in double figures. beers and as impressive sahara williams It is perhaps most notable that Chávez – who was making his NCAA Tournament debut – committed zero turnovers in 31 minutes. — espn
10 pm ET, ESPN
How the Huskies can advance to the Sweet 16: It was Washington’s first tournament win since 2017, the year the Huskies made the Sweet 16 behind Kelsey Plum’s 30 points per game. Washington faces No. 3 seed TCU — and a triple-double threat olivia miles –In the second round. The Huskies can’t fall into an early hole like they did against South Dakota State. Washington needs to make sure its defense is progressing quickly. — andrews
How the Horned Frogs can advance to the Sweet 16: The Horned Frogs scored only 53 points in the Big 12 Tournament championship game against West Virginia, then scored 48 points in the first half against UC San Diego, matching their second-lowest offensive output of the season. The Tritons certainly aren’t the Mountaineers, but aggressive play like this helps restore TCU’s confidence. The pick-and-roll offense looked sharp again as the Horned Frogs recorded 23 assists on their 32 field goals. The 13 3-pointers on 26 attempts were the most for TCU since the beginning of December. Keeping his shooting stroke will be important against Georgia or South Dakota State in the second round. — Cream
