The madness continues as the Women’s NCAA Tournament narrows the field in explosive second-round matchups. Championship dreams hang in the balance as powerhouses face determined underdogs across a weekend packed with must-see basketball action.
From defending champion South Carolina battling sharpshooting Indiana to Paige Bueckers and UConn facing Cinderella hopeful South Dakota State, the second round promises dramatic showdowns between contrasting styles, legendary programs, and individual stars ready to etch their names in tournament lore.
Top Second Round Matchups of Women’s March Madness
(1) South Carolina vs. (9) Indiana – March 23, 3 p.m. | ABC
The defending champion Gamecocks face their first real test against an Indiana squad built for upsets. South Carolina’s dominant interior presence meets Indiana’s elite perimeter shooting in a classic strength versus strength matchup that could become the round’s most compelling contest.
The battle between Aliyah Boston’s post dominance and Indiana’s Grace Berger’s crafty playmaking presents fascinating matchup on both ends. While South Carolina enters as heavy favorites, Indiana’s experience and shooting efficiency give them legitimate upset potential.
(2) UConn vs. (10) South Dakota State – March 24, 8 p.m. | ESPN
Paige Bueckers and the perennial powerhouse Huskies face a dangerous South Dakota State team with giant killer DNA. SDSU’s disciplined offense and tournament experience make them precisely the type of mid major that can threaten UConn’s championship aspirations.
This David vs. Goliath matchup offers the tournament’s most intriguing Cinderella possibility. Bueckers’ electrifying playmaking ability will be tested against SDSU’s cohesive team defense creating a compelling contrast between individual brilliance and collective execution.
(3) LSU vs. (6) Florida State – March 24, 6 p.m. | ESPN
National superstar Angel Reese leads LSU’s physical interior attack against Florida State’s balanced and perimeter oriented offense. The Tigers’ rebounding advantage meets FSU’s speed and shooting in a stylistic clash that could remain competitive until the final minutes.
Reese’s dominance in the paint provides must watch moments against a well balanced Florida State squad featuring multiple scoring options. The battle between LSU’s methodical interior focus and FSU’s up tempo attack creates tactical intrigue throughout.
(4) Ohio State vs. (5) Tennessee – March 23, 8 p.m. | ESPN
Two storied programs collide in what feels like a Sweet Sixteen or Elite Eight matchup. Ohio State’s lightning quick transition game challenges Tennessee’s trademark physical defense in a contrast of styles between programs with championship pedigrees.
Guards Jacy Sheldon (Ohio State) and Jordan Horston (Tennessee) provide star power in the backcourt. This evenly matched contest features tournament tested programs and could easily require overtime to determine which historic powerhouse advances.
(3) Notre Dame vs. (6) Michigan – March 23, 1 p.m. | ABC
This rare Midwest rivalry brings regional bragging rights to the national stage. Notre Dame’s fast paced and pass heavy offense presents a compelling contrast to Michigan’s physical grinding defensive approach in a clash that transcends typical tournament intensity.
The spotlight falls on playmaking guards Olivia Miles (Notre Dame) and Leigha Brown (Michigan) whose decision making will dictate the game’s tempo. Michigan’s upset potential makes this a dangerous matchup for the higher seeded Irish in what could be the round’s most physical contest.
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(4) Kentucky vs. (5) Kansas State – March 23, 2 p.m. | ESPN
Future WNBA talents Rhyne Howard (Kentucky) and Ayoka Lee (Kansas State) headline a perfectly balanced 4-5 matchup. Howard’s perimeter brilliance against Lee’s post dominance creates a fascinating inside outside dynamic with each star capable of taking over the game.
The evenly matched nature of this contest makes it one of the second round’s most unpredictable games. With both teams bringing complementary strengths and exploitable weaknesses expect a back and forth affair where adjustments and execution in the final minutes prove decisive.
The weekend offers additional compelling matchups across both days. Monday features Caitlin Clark leading Iowa against Oklahoma’s high octane offense while Duke’s stifling defense tries to contain Oregon’s up tempo attack on Sunday.
NC State’s depth faces Michigan State’s three-point barrage and USC’s star studded roster battles Mississippi State’s physical play in Monday’s late window. With sixteen games spread across two days basketball fans face the delightful challenge of prioritizing between simultaneous classics in the making.
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