The 2026 NCAA women’s tournament is just days away. Here’s everything you need to know about Region 2 in Sacramento.
Who are the favorites?
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The Bruins had a pretty decent argument for the overall No. 1 seed in the tournament, but they still trail UConn as the favorite. The Huskies opened the tournament as -275 favorites to win it all, which makes a lot of sense after their undefeated season in which they won games by an average margin of more than 38 points.
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When will the number 1 spot fall?
If the Bruins are going to fall, it will probably be in the Elite Eight.
UCLA was very dominant in the Big Ten this season and looks ready to make a real run at a title. The Bruins are second in the NET rankings, behind only UConn, and a nearly perfect 19-1 in Quad 1 wins, which is easily the highest win total in that category in the country. Lauren Betts averaged 16.4 points and shot better than 56% from the field and grabbed 8.6 rebounds per game, which was the second-best output in the Big Ten, behind only Oregon’s Ehis Etute. Betts, along with Kiki Rice, has formed a nearly unstoppable duo in Los Angeles.
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If the Bruins are going to fall, it will almost certainly be at the hands of LSU. The Tigers are No. 2 in the region after a 27-5 season in which they nearly beat South Carolina twice and held on to Texas. The Tigers are also fifth in the NET rankings, with Flau’jae Johnson and Milaysia Fulwiley leading the way. This Elite Eight matchup would be incredibly fun, even if UCLA still had the advantage on paper.
Who is the Cinderella of the region?
Don’t write off Gonzaga so quickly. The Bulldogs are the most accurate three-point shooting team in the country outside of UConn, and Lauren Whittaker is a dominant force inside. Gonzaga, after winning the WCC tournament, is able to pull off an early victory over Ole Miss in the first round.
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That would then put them with either Minnesota or Green Bay, which is a very solid path to the Sweet 16.
The biggest surprise in the region?
It would be easy to assume that Minnesota can handle Green Bay in the first round, but Phoenix is a tough team. This is a slow-moving team that won the Horizon League and hung on with Wisconsin, NC State and Washington all on their non-conference slate. If Phoenix can control the pace and catch the Gophers falling, this upset is not out of the question.
Lauren Betts’ numbers are down from last year, but the Bruins appear to be in a much better position. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
(Michael Hickey via Getty Images)
Players to watch
Lauren Betts is the best player in this region and a big reason why the Bruins were as dominant as they were all season. Betts averaged 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season and shot over 56% from the field. All of them are down significantly from last season, but UCLA appears to be in a much better position as a team this time around.
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Flau’jae Johnson didn’t lead LSU in scoring this season (that was Milaysia Fulwiley with her 14.6 points per game), but Johnson will be key for the Tigers if they want to make a run. The senior scored 13.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season and is undoubtedly the leader of the team. She can also make a big improvement in her WNBA Draft stock in the coming weeks.
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Lauren Whittaker Gonzaga
Lauren Whitaker is one of the best mid-post players in the entire country. The freshman from New Zealand averaged a double-double with 19.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game this season to lead the Bulldogs, and recorded six double-doubles in her final eight regular-season games. If teams can’t stop it, it will be difficult to overcome the Bulldogs.
Sacramento Region 2 game schedule, tip times
All times ET
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No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 16 Cal Baptist
Where: Los Angeles
When: Saturday | 10 p.m.
Television: ESPN
No. 8 Oklahoma State vs. No. 9 Princeton
Where: Los Angeles
When: Saturday | 19:30
Television: ESPN2
No. 5 Ole Miss vs. No. 12 Gonzaga
Where: Minneapolis
When: Friday | 3:30 p.m.
Television: ESPN2
No. 4 Minnesota vs. No. 13 Green Bay
Where: Minneapolis
When: Friday | 6 p.m.
TV: ESPNU
No. 6 Baylor vs. No. 11 Nebraska/No. 11Richmond
Where: Durham, North Carolina
When: Friday | 2 p.m.
Television: ESPN
No. 3 Duke vs. No. 14 Charleston
Where: Durham, North Carolina
When: Friday | 11:30 a.m.
Television: ESPN2
No. 7 Texas Tech vs. No. 10 Villanova
Where: Baton Rogue, LA
When: Friday | 20:30
TV: ESPNU
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No. 2 LSU vs. No. 15 Jacksonville
Where: Baton Rogue, LA
When: Friday | 6 p.m.
Television: ESPN
Who comes to Phoenix?
Don’t think too much about this. UCLA should be able to run this region without much trouble and get past LSU if necessary in the Elite Eight. The Bruins are headed to the Final Four for the second straight year and will be in position to reach their first national championship game.