Women's March Madness Sweet Sixteen: Saturday Showdowns

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sat, Mar 3st, 2026 by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Women's March Madness Heats Up: Sweet Sixteen Showdowns on Saturday

Saturday, March 21st, 2026 - The Women's March Madness tournament continues today with the highly anticipated Sweet Sixteen round. All eyes are on the regional campuses as eight intense matchups determine who will advance to the Elite Eight and continue their quest for the national championship. This year's tournament has already delivered upsets and thrilling performances, and today promises to be no different.

A Tournament Driven by Parity and Rising Stars

While several top seeds remain in contention, the early rounds demonstrated the increased parity within women's college basketball. The gap between established powerhouses and emerging programs is shrinking, leading to more competitive games and unexpected outcomes. This shift is a testament to the growing investment in women's basketball programs nationwide, as well as the increasing talent pool of young athletes.

This year, the tournament is seeing a surge in viewership, fueled by increased media coverage and the compelling storylines surrounding individual players and teams. Stars like Caitlin Clark (though no longer in the tournament after a shocking second-round exit), Angel Reese, and others have captured the nation's attention, bringing new fans to the sport and elevating its profile.

Saturday's Schedule: A Regional Breakdown

Today's games are spread across four regional hubs, each featuring two exciting contests. Here's a complete rundown of the schedule (all times Eastern):

Bridgeport Regional:

• South Carolina vs. Vermont (12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN2): The top-seeded Gamecocks face a challenging Vermont team. South Carolina's dominant defense will be tested against Vermont's offensive strategy.
• North Carolina vs. James Madison (2:30 p.m. ET - ESPN2): This matchup pits two strong programs against each other, promising a fast-paced and competitive game.

Greensboro Regional:

• NC State vs. Chattanooga (12:30 p.m. ET - ESPN): NC State, another top seed, looks to continue its strong tournament run against Chattanooga. Expect a physical battle in the paint.
• Louisville vs. Iowa State (3:00 p.m. ET - ESPN): A clash of contrasting styles as Louisville's high-scoring offense takes on Iowa State's disciplined defense.

Dallas Regional:

• Notre Dame vs. Richmond (1:00 p.m. ET - ESPNU): Notre Dame, consistently a national contender, aims to overpower Richmond. The Irish boast a well-rounded team with scoring threats at every position.
• Oklahoma vs. Florida Gulf Coast (3:30 p.m. ET - ESPNU): Oklahoma's offensive prowess will be on display as they face a resilient Florida Gulf Coast squad.

Seattle Regional:

• Connecticut vs. Sacred Heart (4:30 p.m. ET - ABC): UConn, a perennial powerhouse, is a heavy favorite in this matchup against Sacred Heart. Coach Geno Auriemma's team is looking to add another championship to its impressive resume.
• Iowa vs. West Virginia (7:00 p.m. ET - ABC): A primetime showdown between two strong teams vying for a spot in the Elite Eight. This game is expected to be a nail-biter.

How to Tune In

Fans can catch all the action on a variety of platforms. Games will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ABC, providing widespread coverage. For those who prefer streaming, ESPN+ offers a comprehensive viewing experience. Sporting News' live scores page will provide real-time updates throughout the day, keeping fans informed of all the latest developments.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Final Four

The Sweet Sixteen is a pivotal stage of the tournament, where the competition intensifies and the stakes get higher. The winners of today's games will advance to the Elite Eight, one step closer to the Final Four and a chance to compete for the national championship. With so much talent on display, this year's Women's March Madness promises to be an unforgettable tournament. The rise of exciting players and the increasing competitiveness of the sport suggests that the future of women's college basketball is brighter than ever.