The Sooners' March Madness run begins with hosting the Vandals on Friday from Lloyd Noble Center in Norman
The University of Oklahoma women's basketball team has once again punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament, marking the 26th appearance in program history and the fifth consecutive under head coach Jennie Baranczyk.
The Sooners, ranked No. 10 nationally, earned a No. 4 seed in the Sacramento 4 Region. This prestigious seeding comes with the exciting advantage of hosting first- and second-round games at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, allowing the team to compete in front of their passionate home crowd.
The tournament journey begins on Friday when the 10th-ranked Sooners (24-7 overall) face off against Big Sky Conference champion and No. 13 seed Idaho. The winner of that matchup will advance to Sunday's second-round contest at Lloyd Noble Center, where they will take on the victor of the No. 5 Michigan State vs. No. 12 Colorado State game.
Hosting these early rounds provides a significant boost, giving Oklahoma the familiar surroundings and energetic support that have become a hallmark of their postseason success under Baranczyk.
Head coach Jennie Baranczyk expressed her gratitude and excitement about the opportunity. "We're grateful for the chance to compete in the NCAA Tournament and to do it at home in front of Sooner Nation," she said.
"This team has grown a lot since November—in how we play together, how we respond to adversity, and how we continue to improve every day. Hosting at the LNC is a testament to the work our players have put in all season, and we can't wait to play in front of our fans again."
This season has been defined by explosive offense and solid defense. Oklahoma boasts one of the most potent scoring attacks in the country, with their starting five ranking as the second-highest scoring unit nationally.
The team is averaging an impressive 86.7 points per game, putting them on pace to shatter the program's single-season scoring record.
Leading the charge are standout players like Aaliyah Chavez, a dynamic freshman guard who was named ESPN's National Freshman of the Year. Chavez paces the team in scoring and assists, showcasing her all-around impact.
Complementing her is Raegan Beers, an All-SEC selection and a finalist for the prestigious Wooden Award, honoring the nation's top player. Beers dominates inside with strong rebounding and scoring presence.
Other key contributors include guards like Payton Verhulst and Zya Vann, along with forward Sahara Williams, forming a balanced and deep lineup that has overwhelmed opponents throughout the year.
Defensively, the Sooners remain stout, ranking in the top 30 nationally in defensive rating. This combination of high-powered offense and reliable defense has fueled a remarkable campaign, especially notable as it marks their second full season competing in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) after transitioning from the Big 12.
Under Baranczyk's leadership since her arrival in 2021, Oklahoma has consistently excelled in March. The team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament in all five of her seasons, earning a top-five seed each time, a feat that ties the program's record for consecutive top-five seeds (previously set from 2006-10).
Lloyd Noble Center is no stranger to tournament action; this marks the eighth time it has hosted NCAA games and the second straight year, only the second back-to-back hosting stint in school history (2001-02).
Historically, Oklahoma's women's basketball program has built a strong NCAA Tournament resume with 26 appearances total, including 24 since 2000. The Sooners have reached three Final Fours (2002, 2009, 2010) and advanced to 11 Sweet 16s, most recently last season.
This year's squad is positioned well to build on that legacy. The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship features the standard 68-team field. The First Four games are scheduled for March 18-19 at select top-16 host sites, followed by first- and second-round action March 20-23 on campus sites like Norman.
Regional semifinals and finals (Sweet 16 and Elite Eight) will be split between Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, and Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, from March 27-30. The Women's Final Four and national championship games are set for April 3 and 5 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Fans eager to witness the action in Norman can purchase tickets through the Oklahoma Ticket Office.
With home-court advantage, a high-powered roster, and a proven coach, the Sooners are ready to make a deep run and add another memorable chapter to their storied postseason history.