-
Charlie Creme
Multiple Authors
The final stretch has begun. The 2025-26 women’s college basketball season is now a crucial two-week rush to determine regular-season titleholders and conference tournament standings, while finalizing NCAA tournament seedings.
South Carolina has already accomplished much with a perfect 3-0 SEC record over LSU, Texas, and Vanderbilt; however, a few obstacles remain before securing a fifth consecutive conference championship.
UCLA is likely to clinch the Big Ten title along with a No. 1 seed for the NCAA tournament, but what about the second place? Michigan, Ohio State, and Iowa are all contenders.
The Big 12 race could likely extend to the very last day of the regular season.
Duke faces two more games against rivals before claiming the ACC championship.
This past weekend’s packed schedule established the backdrop for these narratives, and the following ten games should offer the most thrilling matchups to close out the regular season.
All times Eastern
Tuesday: 7 p.m., ESPNU (Oxford, Mississippi)
The winter storm that affected the Southeast a couple of weeks ago caused the postponement of this match originally set for Jan. 26. Both teams now face a tight schedule of three games in six days, which is critical as the Lady Vols and Rebels vie for a top-four SEC position. This will be the second game in a three-game series for Ole Miss, which also includes contests against Kentucky and LSU.
Wednesday: 7 p.m., ESPN+ (Lubbock, Texas)
The Big 12 battle is a four-team competition, with these being two of the vital contenders. A narrow win in Waco on December 21 marked a turning point in the Lady Raiders’ unexpected season until they triumphed over TCU two weeks ago. A win for Texas Tech would give them a 4-0 record against Baylor, TCU, and West Virginia, positioning them well for their first conference title since 2000.
Sunday: 3 p.m., SEC Network+ (Nashville, Tennessee)
Vanderbilt’s 84-83 victory in Lexington on Feb. 5 was arguably their best display until they defeated Texas last Thursday. Mikayla Blakes particularly excelled in that match, scoring 19 out of her season-high 37 points in the fourth quarter. Kentucky’s chances for a top-four NCAA tournament seed could hinge on a win in this rematch.
Sunday: noon, Fox (Iowa City, Iowa)
The end of Michigan’s schedule is the toughest. After facing Michigan State at home, the Wolverines will travel to Iowa and then to Ohio State. The outcome of these two matches might well dictate second place in the Big Ten standings. The Hawkeyes are unlikely to match up well against Olivia Olson, which could lead to a significant performance from Michigan’s leading scorer.
Feb. 25: 8 p.m., Peacock (Columbus, Ohio)
Matching up with Ohio State’s quick guard Jaloni Cambridge may prove challenging for the Wolverines. She’s the leading scorer in Big Ten play and previously scored 29 points against Michigan in last season’s clash.
Feb. 25: 6 p.m., ESPN+ (Richmond, Virginia)
Back in late December, Rhode Island’s 12-point victory over the Rams in Kingston set them on course for the Atlantic 10 title. To claim it outright, they will need to replicate that success. Meanwhile, Richmond hasn’t lost since, making this a likely championship showdown. The losing team will face significant damage to its at-large candidacy.
Baylor at TCU
March 1: 4 p.m., ESPN (Fort Worth, Texas)
A flurry of three-point shots propelled the Horned Frogs to a critical and convincing victory over the Bears in Waco last Thursday. This sets the stage for an exciting two-week, four-team race for the Big 12 title, likely concluding with the winner being seeded no lower than No. 2 in the conference tournament and a spot in the top four seeds for the NCAA tournament leading into Championship Week.
1:42
Olivia Miles scores a career-high 40 in TCU’s victory against Baylor.
Olivia Miles shines with a 40-point game leading TCU to a win over Baylor 83-67.
March 1: noon, ESPN (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
There are few better ways to wrap up the regular season than with a Duke-North Carolina showdown. The ACC-leading Blue Devils appear to be out of reach for the Tar Heels, but North Carolina could be vying for a top-four finish in the standings and a double bye in the ACC tournament.
1:19
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils: Game Highlights
Highlights from the North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils matchup.
March 1: noon, ACC Network (Charlottesville, Virginia)
This clash features another significant in-state rivalry with high stakes. Virginia’s chances in the NCAA tournament could hinge on avenging their 12-point defeat to the Hokies in Blacksburg on Feb. 1. This is just one of three critical games for Virginia Tech in the final weeks, enhancing their NCAA tournament profile more than Virginia’s.
March 1: 2 p.m., SEC Network+ (Lexington, Kentucky)
The Wildcats face a difficult conclusion to their SEC season as they welcome the Gamecocks, who may have already secured the conference championship and a No. 1 seed for the NCAA tournament. While a top-four finish in the SEC and a double bye in the SEC tournament could be beyond reach for the Wildcats, a strong performance here might still land them a favorable NCAA tournament seed.
