Kentucky and West Virginia Women Aim for Sweet 16 Berth

The winner of Monday's second-round matchup will advance to the NCAA Tournament's regional semifinals.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:35pm

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Kentucky and West Virginia will face off on Monday in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament, with the winner earning a trip to the Sweet 16. Kentucky, the No. 5 seed, is led by star center Clara Strack, who is averaging a double-double this season. West Virginia, the No. 4 seed, is known for its relentless full-court press defense that forces turnovers and limits opponents' scoring. Both teams are seeking their first Sweet 16 appearance in several years.

Why it matters

This matchup features two programs looking to break through to the Sweet 16 for the first time in a while. Kentucky hasn't made it that far since 2016, while West Virginia's only Sweet 16 appearance came in 1992. The winner will advance to the regional semifinals, a significant milestone for either program.

The details

Kentucky is led by 6-foot-5 center Clara Strack, who earned honorable mention on the AP All-America team. She's averaging a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, as well as 2.5 blocks. Kentucky has several other players averaging double-figure scoring to complement Strack. West Virginia is known for its relentless full-court press defense that forces 22 turnovers per game and limits opponents to under 59 points on average. The Mountaineers are coming off a Big 12 tournament title and have won seven straight games.

  • The second-round matchup will take place on Monday, March 25, 2026.
  • Kentucky last made the Sweet 16 in 2016.
  • West Virginia's only previous Sweet 16 appearance was in 1992.

The players

Clara Strack

Kentucky's 6-foot-5 star center who earned honorable mention on the AP All-America team. She's averaging a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, as well as 2.5 blocks.

Kenny Brooks

Kentucky's head coach, who praised Strack's all-around game and leadership on defense.

Mark Kellogg

West Virginia's head coach, who wants to make sure his team doesn't allow Kentucky to get off to a fast start like they did in the first round.

Gia Cooke

A West Virginia player who said the team will try its best to force turnovers and get out in transition on offense.

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What they’re saying

“She's unbelievable. Clara will do whatever Clara has to do to help us win a basketball game. When you have a superstar like Clara, they want the basketball all the time. And she wants the basketball.”

— Kenny Brooks, Kentucky Head Coach

“They're just relentless. Their tenacity is unbelievable. They just keep going. They know how to create opportunities for themselves.”

— Kenny Brooks, Kentucky Head Coach

“That first quarter won them the game. If you're not careful and you're not on it, teams go on big runs. I think you've got to be dialed in. You just don't want them to find rhythm early.”

— Mark Kellogg, West Virginia Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of Monday's second-round matchup between Kentucky and West Virginia will advance to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

The takeaway

This game features two programs hungry to break through to the Sweet 16 for the first time in years. Kentucky's size and scoring balance will be tested by West Virginia's relentless defensive pressure, making for a compelling clash of styles with a trip to the regional semifinals on the line.