March Madness Day 1: Chalk Dominates as Seeds Shine in Women's Tournament

March Madness Day 1 Review

The first day of the 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament delivered a classic display of dominance as the higher seeds showcased their prowess across all 16 matchups. Notably, the tournament opened with a clean sweep for favorites, all 16 higher seeds advanced in a day that was filled with extraordinary performances and dramatic moments.

Historic Performances

Among the standout moments, TCU's Olivia Miles made headlines with a stunning triple-double—12 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists—truly cementing her status as one of the tournament's brightest stars. Miles has now joined an elite list of players who have recorded multiple triple-doubles in NCAA tournament play.

“Olivia Miles is making a strong case for her team to be feared in this tournament,” I remarked as her assist counts climbed through the roof.

Another impressive performance came from Aaliyah Chavez, who made her NCAA tournament debut with an impressive stat line including no turnovers in 31 minutes, adding depth to the Oklahoma Sooners' offense.

Game Summaries

Fort Worth 3 Region

NC State vs. Tennessee

(7) NC State 76, (10) Tennessee 61

NC State controlled the game from start to finish, leading by 15 points early in the first quarter. Despite a valiant effort from Tennessee, who clawed back to cut the lead, NC State's consistency in the paint proved to be too much. The Lady Vols ended their season on an unfortunate eight-game losing streak, unable to find any momentum as they struggled from the field.

Texas vs. Missouri State

(1) Texas 87, (16) Missouri State 45

In a dominant performance, Texas showcased their depth by having multiple players contribute, including a lead from sophomore guard Jordan Lee, who scored 19 points. Texas's ability to capitalize on turnovers and defensive rebounds helped them secure an easy victory.

Sacramento 4 Region

TCU vs. UC San Diego

(3) TCU 86, (14) UC San Diego 40

TCU's early surge left no doubt, as they shot an impressive percentage from the field while UC San Diego struggled to find their rhythm, leading to a blowout victory for the Horned Frogs.

Analysis & Implications

The tournament started as expected—with top seeds performing well and asserting their dominance. However, as we move forward, it will be crucial to watch how these standout players adapt and grow throughout the rounds. Teams like TCU and Oklahoma are now viewed as contenders not only for the upcoming rounds but maybe even the championship. As I reflect on this initial day of March Madness, there's an electrifying energy in the air—a promise of excitement that only the NCAA Tournament can deliver.

Looking Ahead

With the second-round matchups set, anticipation builds. Will the favorites continue their winning ways, or will the underdogs rise? Every game tells a story, and I can't wait to see how these narratives unfold in the coming days.