The first spherical of the 2026 girls’s NCAA match is underway as groups look to advance within the bracket.
We’re monitoring how each group gained Friday, from upsets, blowouts and massive performances.
Here is ESPN’s information to all of the Day 1 outcomes, with evaluation from reporters of how every recreation was gained, and our consultants’ takes on every winner’s probabilities to advance to the Sweet 16.
How TCU gained: Like a lot of the season, Olivia Miles fueled TCU’s win over UC San Diego. She was wanting her 19.6 PPG common, however Miles nonetheless dominated and registered a triple-double with 12 factors, 16 rebounds and 14 assists. She turns into the third participant to file a number of triple-doubles in NCAA match play, becoming a member of Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu and Stanford’s Nicole Powell. The Horned Frogs shot 14-of-20 for 36 factors off Miles’ passes, essentially the most factors produced by one participant’s passes in an NCAA match recreation since 2021.
TCU jumped out to a 15-4 early lead and was by no means threatened by the Tritons, who shot simply 23.0% from the sector.
With Miles doing a lot of the establishing, three different Horned Frogs completed in double figures, led by senior Taylor Bigby‘s 27 factors on 7-of-9 3-point capturing. Clara Silva had 13 factors and Marta Suarez had 11, all within the first half.
How the Horned Frogs can advance to the Sweet 16: The Horned Frogs scored simply 53 factors within the Big 12 match championship recreation in opposition to West Virginia. TCU scored 48 within the first half in opposition to UC San Diego, erasing the reminiscence of their second-lowest offensive output of the season. The Tritons are definitely not the Mountaineers, however an offensive recreation like this helps restore TCU’s confidence. The pick-and-roll offense seemed sharp once more with the Horned Frogs registering 23 assists on their 32 subject targets. The 13 3-pointers on 26 makes an attempt have been additionally essentially the most for TCU since early December. Having that capturing stroke in opposition to both Georgia or South Dakota State within the second spherical will likely be necessary. — Charlie Creme
How Duke gained: Duke set the tone early by making it tough for Charleston to get into any rhythm offensively. The Cougars shot simply 19% within the first half and trailed 45-26. But within the second half, Charleston outscored Duke 38-36. At one level, Duke coach Kara Lawson tossed her dry erase board in frustration as a result of the Blue Devils weren’t taking part in with the precision she is aware of they are going to want for the remainder of the match.
That mentioned, plenty of credit score ought to go to Charleston junior guard Taryn Barbot, the Coastal Athletic Association Player of the Year. She had 36 factors, her fourth 30-plus recreation this season and tenth of her profession. It’s essentially the most factors the Blue Devils have allowed to any participant this season — they usually have performed a tough schedule.
Ultimately, the ACC champion Blue Devils had an excessive amount of offense of their very own, led by sophomore ahead Toby Fournier‘s 24 factors on 11-of-18 capturing. Delaney Thomas had 19 factors and Jordan Wood got here off the bench for 17.
How the Blue Devils can advance to the Sweet 16: The Blue Devils have had among the best defenses within the nation, and that confirmed extra within the first half Friday than the second. That’s one thing Duke must be extra constant about within the second spherical. The Blue Devils moved the ball nicely with 25 assists, however a part of Lawson’s irritation was turnovers, as Duke had 20. The Blue Devils gained the rebounding battle 47-39, however Lawson needs extra dominance in that class as nicely. — Michael Voepel
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Charleston Cougars vs. Duke Blue Devils: Game Highlights
Charleston Cougars vs. Duke Blue Devils: Game Highlights
