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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. First Four Tips Off Tonight 🍿
And so it begins… The women’s NCAA Tournament kicks off tonight with two First Four play-in games. No. 11 Richmond faces No. 11 Nebraska at 7 PM ET, followed by No. 16 Stephen F. Austin vs No. 16 Missouri State at 9 PM ET. (ESPN)
📺 Watch at 7:00 PM ET and 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2
WHY IT MATTERS: This is the official start of the biggest event of the year for women’s hoops. For the next 3 weekends, it’s 67 games, potential upsets, star making moments, and touching storylines. If you’ve been waiting for March Madness, this is your signal. It’s time.
🗳️ Did you fill out a bracket this year?
2. Chiney Ogwumike Gets Her Own ESPN Show 🎙️
From hooper to host. Chiney Ogwumike is launching her own ESPN digital show on all things basketball, adding another major step in her media career after eight years as a full-time analyst. (People)
WHY IT MATTERS: After an All-Star career as a player, Chiney has become one of the most respected voices in basketball media. She brings real player insight, strong analysis, and credibility across the sport. This is also another sign that women’s basketball voices are expanding into the broader basketball conversation.
3. Team USA Finishes Perfect, Clark Named MVP 🇺🇸
A perfect finish. Team USA closed out the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament with an 84–70 win over Spain, finishing 5–0. Caitlin Clark led the tournament in scoring and assists and was named MVP. (USA Today)
WHY IT MATTERS: This run gave us a glimpse of what’s next for USA Basketball. The veterans are still key, but the next generation is clearly ready for the moment. Roughly half of the roster made their USA senior team debut this tournament, and with Clark stepping into a lead role, this could be the start of a bigger shift heading toward future international play.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Trojan Party: 5-star recruit Sara Okeke committed to USC, joining an already loaded class heading to Los Angeles.
Georgia Peach: Kate Harpring was named the 2026 Naismith Girls’ High School Player of the Year after a record-breaking career in Georgia.
Still Talking: The WNBA and players’ union met for an eighth straight night as CBA negotiations continue.
