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NCAA Tournament Highlights: Sweet 16 Bound Teams

3/23/2026, 8:08:10 AM

LSU Women's Basketball Dominates Texas Tech

In a commanding performance, the No. 2 seed LSU women's basketball team defeated No. 7 Texas Tech 101-47 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, setting a new NCAA record for the most 100-point games in a season with 16. Flau'jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams led the Tigers with 24 points each, while Amiya Joyner contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds. LSU shot 56% from the field and showcased their offensive prowess, outscoring Texas Tech 33-7 in the third quarter. The victory marks LSU's fifth consecutive trip to the Sweet 16 under coach Kim Mulkey, who praised her team's performance and the support from the home crowd at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Oklahoma State's Historic Win

Oklahoma State secured its first NCAA Tournament win under coach Jacie Hoyt, defeating Princeton 82-68. Achol Akot was instrumental, scoring a career-high 28 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Cowgirls, who advanced to the second round for the first time since 2021, overcame a slow start and showcased resilience throughout the game. Micah Gray and Jadyn Wooten also made significant contributions, with Wooten scoring 18 points and providing 10 assists. This victory is a pivotal moment for the program, as it builds momentum heading into a challenging matchup against No. 1 seed UCLA.

Iowa's Upset of Defending Champions

In a thrilling encounter, Iowa eliminated defending national champion Florida with a 73-72 victory. Alvaro Folgueiras hit a crucial three-pointer with just 4.5 seconds remaining, propelling Iowa into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015. The ninth-seeded Hawkeyes, led by Tavion Banks with 20 points, rallied after losing a 12-point lead in the second half. Florida's season ended as the first No. 1 seed to be knocked out in this year's tournament, despite a strong performance from Alex Condon, who scored 21 points.

Purdue Advances with Veteran Leadership

Purdue continued its strong tournament run by defeating Miami 79-69, marking the Boilermakers' third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. Fletcher Loyer led the team with 24 points, while Trey Kaufman-Renn added 19 points and nine rebounds. Purdue's experience proved crucial, as they maintained composure against Miami's athletic guards. Coach Matt Painter celebrated his 500th career win, emphasizing the importance of team commitment and continuity in achieving success.

Tennessee's Narrow Escape

Tennessee secured its place in the Sweet 16 with a hard-fought victory over No. 3 seed Virginia, winning 73-71. Ja'Kobi Gillespie led the Volunteers with 21 points, while Nate Ament contributed 16 points. Tennessee held off a late surge from Virginia, which tied the game at 66 with just over four minutes remaining. The Volunteers will face No. 2 Iowa State next, aiming for their fourth consecutive Elite Eight appearance.

Minnesota's Last-Second Victory

In a dramatic finish, Minnesota defeated Mississippi 65-63, thanks to Amaya Battle's game-winning jump shot with just 0.7 seconds left. The Gophers advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 21 years, with Battle contributing 14 points and 11 rebounds. The victory was celebrated by a raucous home crowd, which played a significant role in the team's success.

Conclusion

As the NCAA Tournament progresses, these teams have demonstrated resilience and skill, setting the stage for an exciting Sweet 16. With historic performances and thrilling finishes, the tournament continues to captivate fans across the nation.