The second round of the 2026 women’s NCAA tournament is underway, with teams battling for a spot in the regional semifinals. Louisville defeated Alabama to advance to the Sweet 16 after Reyna Scott drained a big insurance bucket.
Kentucky’s Road to the Sweet 16
Kentucky secured its place in the Sweet 16 by defeating West Virginia in a tight contest. The Wildcats led for 33 minutes, building a lead as large as 14 points. The play of Teonni Key, Clara Strack, and Tonie Morgan proved decisive for Kentucky. Key led the team with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Strack recorded a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds, her fourth in six career NCAA tournament games. Morgan added 15 points.
Kentucky’s Sweet 16 opponent is (1) Texas. To advance to the Elite Eight, Kentucky will need to use their size to their advantage. They average 40 rebounds per game, which could help them against the high-powered offense of Texas. This marks the Wildcats’ first Sweet 16 appearance since 2016, with a chance to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2013.
Notre Dame Overcomes Adversity
Notre Dame overcame the loss of four starters and two important reserves from last year’s Sweet 16 team to advance. Junior guard Hannah Hidalgo led the way with 26 points, 13 rebounds, eight steals, and two assists. Vanessa de Jesus contributed 15 points, while Cassandre Prosper and Iyana Moore each added 13 points. KK Bransford chipped in 10. The Irish forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 25 points.
Notre Dame’s Sweet 16 opponent is (2) Vanderbilt or (7) Illinois. The Irish went 3-6 in January and after falling at Cal on Jan. 29, they were 13-8 overall and 5-5 in the ACC. Their season started to turn around Feb. 1 after a victory at Stanford. The Irish have lost just twice since then: 81-70 at Virginia on Feb. 8 and 65-63 to Duke on March 7 in the ACC tournament semifinals. Hidalgo has been the rock for the Irish.
Looking Ahead
Notre Dame is rolling and will be a challenge for any foe. Prosper’s progress and the improved chemistry of transfers Moore (from Vanderbilt) and de Jesus (from Duke) have been key to the team’s success.