• ‍What is March Madness and how does it work?‍
• No1: Bonnie Deas dominates glass in freshman 2025-26 SEC season‍
• It's A Cole World: Five-star basketball podcast packed with star power

Three Australian women's basketballers have advanced to the NCAA Women's March Madness Sweet 16 after securing second round wins on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (AEDT).

Adeang Ring's Virginia survived a double OT thriller, Amelia Hassett's Kentucky Wildcats survived a one-point battle while Monique Williams Vanderbilt were simply too much for Illinois.

Isla Juffermans (Louisville) and Sarah Portlock (TCU) are inactive.

Australians STILL IN (Sweet 16 — Updated)

• Isla Juffermans — Louisville Cardinals (did not play — redshirt)
• Adeang Ring — Virginia Cavaliers
• Amelia Hassett — Kentucky Wildcats
• Monique Williams — Vanderbilt Commodores
• Sarah Portlock — (did not play - red shirt).

Eliminated — Women

• Last-Tear Poa — Arizona State
• Erin Condron — UC San Diego
• Jessica Petrie — Nebraska
• Tabitha Betson — Colorado
• Jade Crook — Colorado
• Sienna Harvey — Washington
• Ella Brow — Baylor
• Mia Jacobs — Oregon
• Sophie Burrows — Syracuse

basketball.com.au is tracking every Australian throughout the 2026 March Madness tournament.

Australians in 2026 March Madness — Women’s Tournament Viewing Guide

SECOND ROUND

March 24 – 🇦🇺 #3 Louisville Cardinals 69 def. #6 Alabama Crimson Tide 68 (Final)

Louisville survived a one-point thriller to advance to the Sweet 16, using a decisive 20–14 third quarter to build separation before holding off Alabama late.

Coffs Harbour forward Isla Juffermans (1.90m) sat out her sophomore season at the Cardinals, who are chasing the national champion from the three-seed.

Louisville controlled the glass 41–24 and generated 19 assists, which proved crucial in a tight finish.

Elif Istanbulluoglu led Louisville with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Tajianna Roberts also added 18 points. Laura Ziegler contributed 12 points and eight rebounds as the Cardinals maintained interior presence across both halves.

Alabama was paced by Ace Austin’s 17 points off the bench and Diana Collins’ 14 points, shooting an efficient 46% from three, but turnovers (13) and the rebounding deficit limited their ability to close out the upset.

Louisville moves into the regional semifinals, while Alabama’s tournament run ends in the second round.

March 24 – 🇦🇺 #10 Virginia Cavaliers 83 def. #2 Iowa Hawkeyes 75 (2OT)

Virginia produced one of the upsets of the tournament, outlasting Iowa in a double-overtime thriller to advance to the Sweet 16. The Cavaliers controlled the second extra period 8–0 after scores were tied at the end of the first overtime.

Australian forward Adeang Ring came off the bench and played 15 minutes, finishing with 3 points (1-5 FG, 1-5 3PT), 2 rebounds and 2 steals as Virginia generated key defensive stops late.

Kymora Johnson starred for Virginia with 28 points, while Paris Clark added 20 points and 7 rebounds. Caitlin Weimar delivered a strong bench performance with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Iowa was led by Ava Heiden (26 points) and Chazadi Wright (21 points), while Hannah Stuelke dominated the glass with 19 rebounds, but the Hawkeyes struggled from three (5-for-29) and were unable to score in the second overtime.

Virginia advances to the regional semifinals, keeping its March Madness run alive.

March 24 – 🇦🇺 #5 Kentucky Wildcats 74 def. #4 West Virginia Mountaineers 73 (Final)

Kentucky survived a one-point thriller to advance to the Sweet 16, using a decisive 26–14 third quarter to swing momentum before holding off a late West Virginia charge.

Australian forward Amelia Hassett started and logged 38 minutes, finishing with 9 points (2-7 FG, 2-7 3PT, 3-3 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal as the Wildcats controlled the glass 39–23.

Clara Strack dominated inside with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Teonni Key added 19 points and 10 boards to anchor Kentucky’s interior presence. Tonie Morgan contributed 15 points including clutch free throws late.

West Virginia was paced by Gia Cooke (23 points) and Sydney Shaw (23 points), shooting 45% from three (9-20), but the Mountaineers’ rebounding deficit and inability to contain Kentucky’s third-quarter surge proved decisive.

Kentucky advances to the regional semifinals, while West Virginia’s tournament run ends in the second round.

March 24 – 🇦🇺 #9 Syracuse Orange 45 lost to #1 UConn Huskies 98 (Final)

Top-seed UConn delivered a dominant defensive performance to overwhelm Syracuse and advance comfortably to the Sweet 16, building a decisive 65–12 halftime lead that effectively ended the contest early.

Australian guard Sophie Burrows started and played 34 minutes, finishing with 2 points (1-10 FG, 0-4 3PT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block as Syracuse struggled to generate efficient offence. The Orange shot just 33% from the field and 6% from three (1-18) while committing 20 turnovers.

Azzi Fudd powered UConn with 34 points on 13-of-18 shooting (8-of-11 from three), supported by Sarah Strong’s 18 points and 9 rebounds as the Huskies controlled the glass 46–28 and produced 28 assists in a high-tempo offensive display.

Syracuse’s season ends in the second round, while undefeated UConn moves into the regional semifinals with a comprehensive victory.

March 24 – 🇦🇺 #2 Vanderbilt Commodores 75 def. #7 Illinois Fighting Illini 57 (Final)

Vanderbilt used a decisive first quarter (21–8) to seize early control before extending the margin with a 24–16 third period, securing an 18-point win and a place in the Sweet 16.

Australian guard Monique Williams came off the bench and played 2 minutes, finishing with 0 points, 0 rebounds and 0 assists.

Mikayla Blakes led Vanderbilt with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, while Justine Pissott added 18 points and Aubrey Galvan contributed 12 points. The Commodores shot 42% from three (11-26) and matched Illinois on the boards 45–45 while generating 15 assists.

Illinois struggled offensively, shooting 30% from the field and 13% from three (3-23), despite Berry Wallace’s 18 points and 9 rebounds and Cearah Parchment’s 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Vanderbilt advances to the regional semifinals, while Illinois’ tournament run ends in the second round.

March 23 – 🇦🇺 #6  Baylor Bears 46 lost to Duke Blue Devils 69 (Final)

Duke controlled the contest from the opening quarter, holding Baylor to just 16 made field goals and 0-from-14 from three in a defensive performance that secured a comfortable 23-point win and a place in the Sweet 16.

Australian guard Ella Brow came off the bench and played 14 minutes, finishing with 0 points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT), 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 steals. Baylor struggled to create efficient offence throughout the night, shooting 30% from the field and committing 23 turnovers, which Duke converted into transition scoring opportunities.

Taliah Scott led Baylor with 13 points, while Kyla Abraham and Kayla Nelms each added 8 points off the bench.

Duke was paced by Delaney Thomas (17 points, 7 rebounds) and Toby Fournier (15 points), with strong playmaking from Taina Mair (8 assists) as the Blue Devils generated 17 assists on 25 made baskets.

Baylor’s season ends in the second round, while Duke advances to the regional semifinals with a defence-led victory.

March 23 – 🇦🇺 #8 Oregon Ducks 58 lost to #1 Texas Longhorns 100 (Final)

Top-seed Texas overwhelmed Oregon with a dominant offensive performance, building control early and extending the margin with a 28–8 third quarter. The Longhorns shot 56% from the field and 67% from three (8-12) while forcing 15 turnovers to cruise into the Sweet 16 with a 42-point victory.

Australian forward Mia Jacobs started and played 21 minutes for Oregon, finishing with 6 points on 2-of-9 shooting (1-of-7 from three), 1 rebound and no turnovers. Oregon struggled to generate consistent half-court offence, shooting 41% overall and 26% from deep, while also converting just 11-of-20 free throws (55%).

Katie Fiso led the Ducks with 16 points, while Ehis Etute added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Texas was powered by Madison Booker’s 40-point, 8-rebound performance, supported by Jordan Lee’s 17 points and balanced bench scoring as the Longhorns recorded 22 assists on 37 made field goals.

Oregon’s season ends in the second round, while Texas advances comfortably to the regional semifinals.

March 23 –  Washington Huskies 59 lost to TCU Horned Frogs 62 (OT)

TCU edged Washington in a tight overtime finish to advance to the Sweet 16, winning the extra period 11–8 after scores were level at the end of regulation.

Australian guard Sienna Harvey did not play (DNP) for Washington. The Huskies shot 35% from the field and 8-for-25 from three, struggling to generate consistent offence in a low-scoring contest.

Sayvia Sellers led Washington with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Avery Howell added 14 points and 8 rebounds.

TCU was led by Olivia Miles (18 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) and Clara Silva (16 points, 8 rebounds), with the Horned Frogs holding a 42–35 rebounding advantage.

Washington’s season ends in the second round, while TCU progresses to the regional semifinals.

FIRST ROUND

March 22 – 🇦🇺 Virginia Cavaliers 82 def. Georgia Lady Bulldogs 73 (OT)

Virginia survived an overtime battle to advance in the NCAA Tournament, closing the extra period 11–2 after the teams were locked late in regulation. The Cavaliers shot 52% from the field and generated strong perimeter production (10-21 3PT) while also winning the rebounding battle 37–26.

Australian forward Adeang Ring logged eight minutes off the bench, finishing with two points (1-2 FG), one rebound and no turnovers as Virginia rotated its frontcourt depth during the physical contest.

Kymora Johnson led Virginia with 28 points and seven assists in 44 minutes, while Sa’Myah Smith added 23 points and 11 rebounds in a double-double effort. Georgia was powered by Mia Woolfolk’s 27 points and Rylie Theuerkauf’s 22 points on 5-9 three-point shooting, but struggled to generate offence in overtime as Virginia’s efficiency and composure proved decisive.

March 22 – 🇦🇺 Louisville Cardinals 72 def. Vermont Catamounts 52 (Final)

Louisville broke the game open in the second half, outscoring Vermont 40–24 after halftime to secure a comfortable first-round NCAA Tournament win. The Cardinals shot 45% from the field, knocked down 8 threes, and controlled the boards 40–28 to generate consistent second-chance opportunities and transition offence.

Coffs Harbour forward Isla Juffermans (1.90m) sat out her sophomore season at the Cardinals, who are chasing the national champion from the three-seed.

Mackenly Randolph led the Cardinals with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Laura Ziegler and Tajianna Roberts added 12 points each. Vermont was paced by Keira Hanson’s 22 points and Nikola Priede’s 16, but the Catamounts struggled to maintain offensive rhythm after halftime as Louisville’s defensive pressure and rebounding margin proved decisive.

March 22 – 🇦🇺 Kentucky Wildcats 71 def. James Madison Dukes 56 (Final)

Kentucky established control early with a 32–10 first quarter and maintained a double-digit margin throughout to advance comfortably in the NCAA Tournament first round. The Wildcats dominated the glass 46–38, generated 10 steals, and converted 15 free throws to sustain offensive separation despite shooting just 38% from the field.

Australian forward Amelia Hassett logged 37 minutes, finishing with 14 points (4-13 FG, 4-13 3PT, 2-2 FT) along with two rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks. Her perimeter volume helped stretch James Madison’s defence as Kentucky controlled tempo from the opening period.

Tonie Morgan led the Wildcats with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Clara Strack added 10 points and 14 rebounds. James Madison received 16 points from Ashanti Barnes and 15 from Peyton McDaniel, but struggled from long range (3-17 3PT) and could not recover from the early deficit.

March 22 – 🇦🇺 Syracuse Orange 72 def. Iowa State Cyclones 63 (Final)

Syracuse surged in the second quarter (30–12) to take control and held off Iowa State’s late push to secure a first-round NCAA Tournament win. The Orange shot 41% from the field, hit nine threes, and matched Iowa State on the glass (41–41) while limiting the Cyclones to 14% from three-point range (3-22).

Australian guard Sophie Burrows played 40 minutes, finishing with 14 points (3-15 FG, 2-8 3PT, 6-6 FT), nine rebounds and four assists with zero turnovers. Her all-around production and ball security helped stabilise Syracuse through key stretches, particularly after their second-quarter run.

Syracuse was led by Uche Izoje’s 23 points and seven rebounds, while Laila Phelia added 18 points. Iowa State received a dominant 37 points from Audi Crooks on 17-25 shooting, but lacked perimeter support as the Cyclones struggled to convert from deep and could not recover from the early deficit.

🇦🇺 Madeline Potts (Syracuse)

Sophomore  Madeline Potts didn't play.

March 22 – 🇦🇺 Vanderbilt Commodores 102 def. High Point Panthers 61 (Final)

Vanderbilt delivered one of the most dominant performances of the opening round, racing to a 54–32 halftime lead before extending the margin across the second half. The Commodores controlled the glass 56–26, shot 49% from the field, and generated 22 assists in a balanced offensive display that overwhelmed High Point.

Australian guard Monique Williams played three minutes off the bench, finishing with one point (1-2 FT) and no other recorded statistics as Vanderbilt utilised its deep rotation in a blowout result.

Mikayla Blakes led the Commodores with 30 points on 11-16 shooting, while Sacha Washington added a dominant 10 points and 17 rebounds. High Point received 27 points and seven threes from Macy Spencer, but struggled to contain Vanderbilt’s interior size and transition scoring throughout the contest.

March 22 –‍ 🇦🇺 Illinois Fighting Illini 66 def. 🇦🇺 Colorado Buffaloes 57 (Final)

Illinois closed strongly in the fourth quarter (19–13) to secure a nine-point first-round NCAA Tournament win after a tight three-quarter contest. The Fighting Illini shot 44% from the field, forced 14 Colorado turnovers, and limited the Buffaloes to just 1-of-9 from three-point range (11%).

Colorado's Australian forward Tabitha Betson started and played 19 minutes, finishing with four points (1-1 FG, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and three assists. Fellow Australian Jade Crook logged four minutes off the bench, collecting one rebound, one steal and one turnover without scoring.

Illinois was powered by Cearah Parchment’s 21 points on 8-10 shooting, while Berry Wallace added 18 points and Destiny Jackson contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Colorado received 17 points from Desiree Wooten and 15 from Jade Masogayo, but struggled to generate perimeter offence as Illinois controlled the closing stretch.

🇦🇺 Erica Finney (Illinois)

Freshman guard Erica Finney, from Sydney, NSW, sat out her first season at Illinois.

March 21 – 🇦🇺 TCU Horned Frogs 86 def. 🇦🇺 UC San Diego Tritons 40 (Final)

TCU was powered by a historic performance from Olivia Miles, who recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists to lead the Horned Frogs into the second round. TCU built a double-digit lead early and extended the margin through sustained defensive pressure and dominant rebounding control.

Australian star Erin Condron started for UC San Diego and logged 37 minutes, finishing with 12 points and six rebounds. Condron shot 4-from-11 from the field and 1-from-2 from three, adding two blocks while providing interior resistance as the Tritons struggled to generate offensive rhythm.

TCU controlled the glass 56–28 and shot 50% from three, with Taylor Bigby adding 27 points on 7-from-9 long-range shooting to underline the Horned Frogs’ offensive efficiency.

🇦🇺 Sarah Portlock (TCU)

Melbourne freshman centre Sarah Portlock (2.03m) sat our her first year at TCU but remains part of a powerful #3 seed Horned Frogs program chasing a national championship.

March 21 – 🇦🇺 Oregon Ducks 70 def. Virginia Tech Hokies 60 (Final)

Oregon built an early double-digit advantage and maintained scoreboard control to eliminate Virginia Tech in the NCAA Tournament first round. The Ducks shot 48% from the field and controlled the rebounding battle 44–38, generating consistent interior scoring and second-chance opportunities.

Australian forward Mia Jacobs started and played 32 minutes, finishing with 13 points and five rebounds. Jacobs shot 5-from-8 from the field and 3-from-4 from three, adding two turnovers while providing efficient perimeter spacing during Oregon’s strong first-half run.

Katie Fiso led Oregon with 22 points on 9-from-12 shooting, while Ehis Etute added 11 points and 11 rebounds. Virginia Tech was paced by Carys Baker’s 21 points and 14 rebounds but struggled with shooting efficiency, finishing 32% from the field.

Oregon advances with a 23–12 record, while Virginia Tech concludes its season at 23–10.

March 21 – 🇦🇺 Baylor Bears 67 def. 🇦🇺 Nebraska Cornhuskers 62 (Final)

Baylor closed strongly in the fourth quarter to overturn a narrow deficit and eliminate Nebraska in a tightly contested first-round matchup. The Bears controlled the rebounding battle 43–33 and generated key free-throw opportunities late to separate.

Australian forward Jessica Petrie played 24 minutes off the bench for Nebraska, finishing with 10 points and three rebounds. Petrie shot 4-from-6 from the field and 1-from-2 from three, adding one assist, one steal and one block while providing interior energy during Nebraska’s second-half push.

For Baylor, Australian guard Ella Brow logged 13 minutes in a rotation role, finishing scoreless but contributing three assists and one rebound as the Bears stabilised their backcourt late.

Britt Prince led Nebraska with 27 points and shot 8-from-19 from the field, while Darianna Littlepage-Buggs paced Baylor with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Baylor advances with a 25–8 record, while Nebraska’s season concludes at 19–13.

March 21 – 🇦🇺 Washington Huskies 72 def. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 54 (Final)

Washington broke the game open with a dominant middle stretch, outscoring South Dakota State 46–28 across the second and third quarters to advance comfortably in the NCAA Tournament first round. The Huskies shot 42% from the field and generated 21 assists, controlling tempo and ball movement throughout the contest.

Australian guard Sienna Harvey saw brief court time late, playing one minute and not recording a statistic as Washington rotated its bench in the closing stages.

Avery Howell led Washington with 30 points, hitting seven three-pointers, while Sayvia Sellers added 10 assists to drive the Huskies’ offence. South Dakota State was powered by Brooklyn Meyer’s game-high 29 points on 13-from-20 shooting but struggled with turnovers, committing 18 in the defeat.

First Four (Winner earned entry into the tournament)

March 19 – #11 Nebraska 75 #11 Richmond 56‍

🇦🇺 Jessica Petrie (Nebraska)

Nebraska broke the game open with a decisive 27–6 third quarter, turning a two-point halftime deficit into full control and advancing comfortably in Sacramento. The Cornhuskers shot 57% from the field and 50% from three, generating consistent offensive flow through guard Britt Prince while maintaining defensive pressure that limited Richmond to 17% from deep.

Australian forward Jessica Petrie provided an important two-way bench contribution, stabilising Nebraska’s second unit during the momentum-shifting middle stages. Petrie’s activity on the glass and defensive playmaking helped Nebraska extend possessions and disrupt Richmond’s offensive rhythm as the game tilted decisively after halftime.

The junior forward, from Melbourne, logged key rotation minutes in a balanced Nebraska performance that featured five players scoring six or more points, with the bench adding scoring punch and playmaking support.

• Jessica Petrie — 8 PTS │ 4 REB │ 4 AST │ 2 STL │ 1 BLK │ 3 TO │ FG 3–6 │ 3PT 1–2 │ FT 1–2 │ 23 MIN

‍March 20 – Virginia Cavaliers 57 def. Arizona State Sun Devils 55 (Final)‍

NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship — Regional 4 First Four (Sacramento)

Virginia edged Arizona State in a tight First Four contest, holding off a late push to advance after leading by eight points at halftime.

Australian guard Last-Tear Poa , played her last game of NCAA women's basketball, contributed primarily as a rebounder and facilitator for the Sun Devils, finishing with one point, seven rebounds and four assists in 22 minutes. Poa also collected three offensive boards, helping Arizona State generate second-chance opportunities despite limited scoring efficiency.

For Virginia, Australian forward Adeang Ring logged one minute and did not record a statistic as the Cavaliers relied heavily on their starting group and frontcourt depth.

Virginia controlled the glass 42–39 and received a key double-double from Kymora Johnson (17 points, 10 rebounds), while Caitlin Weimar added 11 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Arizona State was led by Marley Washenitz’s 19 points, but struggled with 16 turnovers and shot 36% from the field in the narrow defeat.

2026 NCAA Women’s March Madness – Key Dates (AEDT)

Tournament Schedule

• First Round: Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22 (AEDT)
• Second Round: Monday, March 23 – Tuesday, March 24 (AEDT)
• Sweet 16: Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29 (AEDT)
• Elite Eight: Monday, March 30 – Tuesday, March 31 (AEDT)
• Final Four: Saturday, April 4 (AEDT)
• National Championship Game:
• Monday, April 6 (AEDT)

Tournament Locations

Sweet 16 & Elite Eight:

• Dickies Arena — Fort Worth, Texas
• Golden 1 Center — Sacramento, California

Final Four & Championship:

• Footprint Center — Phoenix, Arizona

‍