Women's March Madness 2026: Elite Eight Showdowns Set

Previews, live updates, and analysis from Sunday's Elite Eight matchups

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:00pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the official colors of the teams competing in the Elite Eight, capturing the energy and intensity of the women's basketball tournament.The Elite Eight matchups in the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament promise to be a showcase of the sport's top talent and intense competition.Notre Dame Today

The women's Final Four is about to take shape, with Sunday's Elite Eight action set to determine two of the teams headed to Phoenix. ESPN has full coverage, with reporters on site at both regional sites providing keys to the game for each team in action.

Why it matters

The Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament is a critical juncture, with the Final Four berths on the line. These matchups will showcase some of the top teams and players in the country, setting the stage for the national semifinals.

The details

In the first game, No. 1 seed UConn will face off against No. 6 seed Notre Dame, with the Huskies looking to advance despite the defensive prowess of Irish star Hannah Hidalgo. In the second game, No. 2 seed UCLA will battle No. 3 seed Duke, with the Bruins' size and experience in the post posing a challenge for the Blue Devils.

  • The UConn-Notre Dame game tips off at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.
  • The UCLA-Duke game follows at 3 p.m. ET, also on ABC.

The players

Hannah Hidalgo

A standout guard for Notre Dame who has led the team's stifling defense in the tournament.

Geno Auriemma

The legendary head coach of the UConn Huskies, who is looking to guide his team to another Final Four appearance.

Lauren Betts

The 6-foot-7 senior center for UCLA, who has been dominant in the paint during the Bruins' tournament run.

Toby Fournier

A sophomore forward for Duke who has emerged as a key contributor in the Blue Devils' surprising tournament success.

Kara Lawson

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who is seeking to lead her team to the Final Four in just her second season.

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What they’re saying

“Hidalgo has been at the heart of their success, setting the tone on defense, and that is exactly what won the game against Vanderbilt.”

— Andrea Adelson, ESPN Analyst

“The Huskies, meanwhile, carry the burden of being undefeated and the defending national champions.”

— Alexa Philippou, ESPN Reporter

“If the Blue Devils can maintain pressure on defense, especially in transition, they have a chance at another upset.”

— Michael Voepel, ESPN Analyst

“Eliminate the slow starts and increase opportunities in the paint, and UCLA will be on its way to a second straight Final Four.”

— Charlotte Gibson, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The winners of Sunday's Elite Eight matchups will advance to the women's Final Four, which will take place in Phoenix, Arizona on April 4 and 6.

The takeaway

The Elite Eight round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of some of the top teams and players in the country, with the Final Four berths on the line. Fans can expect high-intensity, competitive games as these powerhouse programs battle for a spot in the national semifinals.