The first two days of the 2026 Women’s March Madness tournament have already delivered upsets and thrilling finishes, and the action continues Saturday with 16 more games determining who advances to the next round. From Storrs, Connecticut, to Los Angeles, arenas across the country are buzzing as teams battle for a chance at a national championship. This year’s tournament features a mix of perennial powerhouses and Cinderella stories, promising a captivating finish to the first round.
The tournament’s expansion to 68 teams in 2022, mirroring the men’s bracket, has added another layer of excitement and opportunity for programs across the nation. This year, several mid-major conferences are well-represented, hoping to replicate the success of teams like Furman from the 2023 men’s tournament. The increased visibility and competitive balance are a testament to the growing popularity and investment in women’s college basketball. Fans are eager to notice if any of these underdog teams can pull off a stunning upset and make a deep run in the tournament.
Saturday’s schedule is packed with intriguing matchups, beginning with Southern facing off against the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks at 1 p.m. ET on ABC. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, is a strong favorite to win it all, boasting a dominant regular season record and a roster full of talented players. But as history has shown, even the top seeds are vulnerable in March. The Gamecocks finished the regular season with a 29-2 record, earning them the No. 1 overall seed.
Key Matchups and Early Game Developments
Several other games promise to be closely contested. The matchup between Virginia and Georgia at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 features two ACC rivals vying for a spot in the second round. Later in the afternoon, UConn, another perennial powerhouse, will host UTSA at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. The Huskies, despite facing some challenges this season, remain a formidable opponent in the tournament. UConn has won 11 national championships, the most in women’s college basketball history.
As of 4:30 PM ET, Fairleigh Dickinson has upset No. 2 seed Iowa 72-68 in a stunning first-round victory. Caitlin Clark, the nation’s leading scorer, struggled to find her rhythm against a tenacious Fairleigh Dickinson defense. The Rams’ upset is already being hailed as one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. Iowa’s loss is a significant blow to the Big Ten conference and opens up the bracket for other contenders.
Upset Potential and Cinderella Stories
The beauty of March Madness lies in its unpredictability. While the top seeds are often favored, the tournament is known for its upsets and Cinderella stories. Teams like James Madison and High Point, both double-digit seeds, will look to defy expectations and make a statement against their higher-ranked opponents. These teams may lack the name recognition of the powerhouses, but they possess the talent and determination to make a run.
The rise of the transfer portal has likewise contributed to the increased parity in women’s college basketball. Players are now more mobile than ever, allowing them to find programs that better suit their skills and ambitions. This has led to a more competitive landscape, where teams can quickly improve their rosters and challenge for championships. The transfer portal has become a key factor in roster building for many programs.
Looking Ahead: Second Round Implications
The winners of Saturday’s games will advance to the second round, where they will face the winners of Friday’s matchups. The second round promises to be even more competitive, as the remaining teams will be battling for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. The stakes will be high, and every possession will matter.
The tournament’s bracket is wide open, with several teams capable of making a deep run. South Carolina, UConn, and Iowa are among the favorites, but teams like Ohio State, Stanford, and Baylor are also legitimate contenders. The next few days will be crucial in determining which teams will emerge as the frontrunners.
Here’s a look at the full Saturday schedule:
- (16) Southern vs. (1) South Carolina: 1 p.m., ABC
- (10) Virginia vs. (7) Georgia: 1:30 p.m., ESPN2
- (11) Fairfield vs. (6) Notre Dame: 2 p.m., ESPN
- (12) James Madison vs. (5) Kentucky: 2:30 p.m., ESPNU
- (11) Rhode Island vs. (6) Alabama: 2:30 p.m., ESPNEWS
- (16) UTSA vs. (1) UConn: 3 p.m., ABC
- (9) USC vs. (8) Clemson: 3:30 p.m., ESPN2
- (15) Fairleigh Dickinson vs. (2) Iowa: 4 p.m., ESPN
- (13) Miami (OH) vs. (4) West Virginia: 5 p.m., ESPNU
- (9) Syracuse vs. (8) Iowa State: 5:30 p.m., ESPN2
- (15) High Point vs. (2) Vanderbilt: 7 p.m., ESPNEWS
- (9) Princeton vs. (8) Oklahoma State: 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
- (10) Colorado vs. (7) Illinois: 9:30 p.m., ESPN2
- (16) California Baptist vs. (1) UCLA: 10 p.m., ESPN
The second round tips off on Monday, and we’ll be here to provide live updates and analysis as the tournament progresses. Stay tuned for more coverage as we follow the journey to the Final Four.
What are your thoughts on today’s upsets? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow basketball fans!
