TCU Cruises Past UCSD, Washington Upsets South Dakota State in NCAA Tournament

Olivia Miles records triple-double as Horned Frogs advance, Avery Howell leads Huskies to victory

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:21am

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In the Sacramento 4 region of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, No. 3 seed TCU defeated No. 14 seed UC San Diego 86-40 behind Olivia Miles' triple-double, while No. 6 seed Washington upset No. 11 seed South Dakota State 72-62 led by Avery Howell's 30-point performance.

Why it matters

The dominant wins by TCU and Washington set up an intriguing second-round matchup between the two teams, with the winner advancing to the Sweet 16. The tournament continues to showcase the depth and talent of women's college basketball.

The details

TCU's Olivia Miles recorded her sixth triple-double of the season, joining elite company in the NCAA record books. The Horned Frogs shot 49.2% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, while holding UCSD to just 22.7% shooting. For Washington, Avery Howell caught fire from beyond the arc, draining 7 three-pointers, and the Huskies used their defensive pressure to force 18 turnovers and score 16 points off those miscues.

  • The games were played on March 20, 2026 in the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament's Sacramento 4 region.
  • TCU and Washington will face off in the second round on March 22, 2026.

The players

Olivia Miles

A standout junior guard for TCU who recorded her sixth triple-double of the season, joining elite company in the NCAA record books.

Avery Howell

A senior guard for Washington who exploded for 30 points, including 7 three-pointers, to lead the Huskies to an upset victory over South Dakota State.

Brooklyn Meyer

A senior forward for South Dakota State who scored a game-high 29 points in the Jackrabbits' loss to Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Olivia Miles is just an incredible player. To have six triple-doubles in a season is unbelievable, and she did it on the biggest stage of the NCAA Tournament.”

— Raegan Pebley, TCU Head Coach

“We knew we had to come out and play our best basketball to have a chance against a really good South Dakota State team. I'm so proud of the way our team stepped up and executed the game plan.”

— Tina Langley, Washington Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the TCU-Washington second-round matchup will advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

The takeaway

The dominant performances by TCU and Washington showcase the depth of talent in women's college basketball, as the tournament continues to provide thrilling moments and highlight the skills of the game's top players.