South Carolina looks to cut the championship nets for the third time in four seasons. Its title defense begins Friday, with Dawn Staley’s top-seeded Gamecocks one of 32 women’s basketball teams dancing on Day 1 of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
The slate sets off with Syla Swords and Michigan against Iowa State. Notre Dame gets a chance to redeem its late-season lull, loaded up with a thrilling duo of Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles. They start with Stephen F. Austin on Friday. TCU showcases its breezy offense with Hailey Van Lith, and Duke gets to properly follow up from its ACC tournament surge.
The last two games of the night are good ones, too. No one in their right mind would turn down Lady Vols basketball in tourney time. Then, the wagon that is UCLA rattles off the rails. Like the Gamecocks, Lauren Betts and the Bruins harbor huge expectations for the next few weeks. Unlike them, though, UCLA is pursuing its first national championship in program history.
Here’s your guide to the Madness that lies ahead. We’re right back at it with another Round 1 slate on Saturday morning.
How to watch the women’s NCAA Tournament first round (Day 1)
| Matchup | Reg. | Time (ET) | TV | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
No. 6 Michigan |
B3 |
11:30 a.m. |
ESPN2 |
|
|
No. 4 Kentucky |
