NU Women's Basketball to Open NCAA Tournament

Wildcats to face Malone University in first round on Friday

Mar. 9, 2026 at 3:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Northwood University (NU) women's basketball team will open the 2026 NCAA Division II Tournament on Friday, facing off against Malone University. The Wildcats earned an automatic bid to the tournament by winning their conference championship.

Why it matters

This is the Wildcats' first NCAA Tournament appearance in three years, marking a return to the national stage for the program. A strong performance could help raise the profile of NU women's basketball and the school's athletic department.

The details

The first-round matchup between NU and Malone will take place on Friday at a neutral site. The Wildcats are led by senior guard Sarah Thompson, who averaged 18.2 points per game this season. Malone, the champions of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, are making their fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

  • The NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament begins on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Northwood University

A private university located in Midland, Michigan, known for its business and management programs.

Sarah Thompson

A senior guard for the Northwood Wildcats, she led the team in scoring this season.

Malone University

A private Christian university located in Canton, Ohio, and the champions of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited to be back in the NCAA Tournament and have the opportunity to compete against a tough Malone team. Our players have worked hard all season to get to this point, and we're ready to give it our all.”

— Head Coach Kathy Smith

What’s next

The winner of the NU-Malone matchup will advance to the second round of the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament, which will be played on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Northwood University's women's basketball team has returned to the NCAA Tournament after a three-year absence, showcasing the program's resilience and the talent of its players. A strong performance in the opening round could help raise the profile of NU athletics and inspire the local community.