The first round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament is underway as teams look to advance in the bracket.
We’re taking a look at how each team fared on Saturday, from upsets to blowouts and big performances.
Here’s ESPN’s guide to all the results from Day 2, including analysis from reporters on how each game was won, and our experts’ take on each winner’s chances to advance to the Sweet 16.
How Virginia won: Virginia clearly thrives under pressure, as the Cavaliers have now won two NCAA Tournament games after losing both games – and, in their second, became First lower seeded team to win this year. The Cavaliers erased an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force Georgia into overtime, then dominated the extra period to advance to the next round. The performance came after a 57–55 win over Arizona State in the First Four. Kimora Johnson Hit a 3-pointer with 30.6 seconds remaining. This is their first NCAA Tournament appearance with multiple wins since 2000.
In the final 8:20 of the Georgia game, the Bulldogs scored only two points. Georgia had built its large lead due to a large inconsistency at the free-throw line; The Bulldogs took 35 free throws compared to Virginia’s 15. mia woolfolkJoe dominated the second half for the Bulldogs, having 16 free-throw attempts. But in the final 3:20 of regulation, Georgia went scoreless. roman levy Hit a 3-pointer with 1:29 remaining to tie it. Woolfolk then missed two free throws with 1:03 remaining that would have given Georgia the lead. In overtime, Woolfolk appeared to go into labor early, and fouled out with 2:54 left and Virginia was up four minutes. The Cavaliers never looked back from there and defeated Georgia 11–2 in overtime.
How the Cavaliers can advance to the Sweet 16: The Cavaliers are playing with confidence and belief right now. Even when they fell behind in the fourth quarter, they remained calm and composed. It helps to have a scorer like Johnson, who had 28 points in the win. Sa’Maiah Smith also had a huge game, his best game this season with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Romi Levi scored 14 runs and made excellent saves in the second half to close the match. Riley TheurcoffWho had 20 points on 5-of-7 3-point shooting at the break. If Virginia can avoid fouls and play more cleanly while defending, the Cavaliers have the scorers to help them going forward.
How South Carolina won: The Gamecocks’ size and skill around the rim were too much for Southern in the opening minutes of the routine, en route to a 103-34 first-round victory. South Carolina scored 44 points in the first half, including 32 in the paint Joyce Edwards Was 19. Then in the third quarter, the 6-foot-6 Madina Okot took control. As if a 44–19 lead at halftime wasn’t comfortable enough, the Gamecocks scored the first 20 points of the third quarter, with Okot contributing seven points. Ultimately, South Carolina outscored Southern 32–2 in the period and became just the third team in NCAA Tournament history to outscore an opponent by 30 or more in a quarter (joining UConn in 2016 and 2018). Edwards finished the game with 27 points and became the first South Carolina player to score more than 25 points on better than 70% shooting (11 of 14) in an NCAA Tournament game. Okot had 15. Tania Latson Contributed 17 points and six assists.
How the Gamecocks can advance to the Sweet 16: It was an impressive way for the Gamecocks to start the NCAA Tournament, but a blowout win here was also a necessary step towards the bigger goal of a national championship. The 69-point margin in the first round was the largest in program history. If Don Staley had to find something to address in film sessions, it might be 3-point shooting. South Carolina improved as the game went on, finishing 8 of 28 from beyond the arc after starting 1-13 in the first half, but this remains an area of improvement for a team that ranked eighth in the country at 37.1% during the season. — charlie cream
How did Louisville win?:Louisville pulled it off with a dominant performance in the second half beat vermont. The Cardinals overcame a disorganized first half, in which they struggled to make open shots and had trouble slowing down the Vermont guards. keira hanson. But after the break it was a different story mckenley randolph Led the aggressive charge. His nine third-quarter points helped Louisville outscore Vermont 23–10 in the quarter, holding a halftime lead of only four points. Vermont, on the other hand, struggled to connect – Hanson went 1 of 4 from the field after scoring 14 points in the first half. Louisville shot 55% in the second half.
Randolph led Louisville with a career-high 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting and a career-high 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double in the last five games. Henson led Vermont with 22 points.
How the Cardinals can advance to the Sweet 16: There is no doubt that Jeff Walz would like his team to get off to a better start in the next round after struggling to score goals, especially on the pass. The ball movement improved significantly in the second half and the way Randolph has played over the last five games is something for Louisville to look forward to in their next game. There’s no doubt that Vermont provided a test from which the Cardinals can learn as they move forward.
hOU Ohio State won: Buckeyes’ win 75-54 Howard was sealed in the second quarter, and his full-court press was responsible. Howard did a good job of handling the press in the opening quarter, but then Ohio State’s defense moved to another level. Ohio State outscored the Bison 23–4 over the next 10 minutes, causing 12 turnovers that resulted in the Buckeyes scoring 16 points – and the game changed. The Buckeyes rank 17th in the nation in turnover rate, forcing 21.4 per game. Other than a tough second quarter, the Bison handled the press well – they had 17 total turnovers – but the damage was done.
How the Buckeyes can advance to the Sweet 16: Although the press is disruptive against any team, it is generally less effective the higher the level of competition. it is right here Jaloni Cambridge Comes inside. He is one of the best guards in the country. His ability to penetrate and fuel any offense that Ohio State runs. The Buckeyes’ hopes for their first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2023 hinge on good play from Cambridge. He did so against Howard with 21 points, two steals and two blocks. The Buckeyes were also particularly effective from 3-point range (9 of 24) Chance GrayWho made 3 of 6 and finished with 11 points.
