The final day of the second round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament is underway. As the regional semifinals take shape, we’re tracking every game.
Here’s ESPN’s guide to all the results from Day Four, including analysis from reporters on how each game was won, and our experts’ take on each winner’s chances to advance to the Elite Eight.
How Louisville won: The Cardinals have lost five games at home this season, and Alabama entered Monday having lost six games. Louisville, despite leaving the door open, did enough to hold off the Crimson Tide: they were just 8 of 16 from the free-throw line and 7 of 26 from the 3-point line, while Alabama was 4 of 26 from 3-point range. But Louisville also controlled the boards 41-24 and was called for just 10 fouls to Alabama’s 21. In contrast, Alabama went to the line only four times – all of them combined – and hit 12 of 26 from behind the arc.
Louisville controlled the boards 41–24 and was called for only 10 fouls compared to Alabama’s 21 fouls. Tajiana Roberts And elif istanbuloglu Each had 18 points, and Laura Ziegler Was 12. The Cardinals have advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 13th time, and now head to the Fort Worth 3 Regional. On the other hand, fresher ace austin She had 17 points to lead Alabama, which was trying to make the program’s first Sweet 16 since 1998. Instead, the Crimson Tide finished their season at 24–11.
Louisville’s Sweet 16 opponents: (2) michigan
How Louisville can advance to the Elite Eight: The Cardinals face a Michigan team that defeated Holy Cross by 35 and NC State by 29 in the first two games of the tournament. olivia olson (27 points against the Wolfpack) and stitched swords (26) have presented challenges for defenders all season, and the Cardinals will have to find a way to prevent them from taking over the game. Louisville didn’t defend the 3-point line as well as it wanted to against Alabama, and it can’t afford to give the Wolverines those kinds of looks. Louisville is looking for its ninth trip to the Elite Eight, while Michigan is looking for its second. –Michael Voepel
