The first two rounds have concluded. We saw a series of great matchups and plenty of heartbreak as teams lost their chance to keep dancing.

Now, with the Sweet 16’s arrival, the matchups only get better as the top teams in the nation continue to fight for a spot in Phoenix.

Regional 1 – Fort Worth

Notre Dame (6) vs Vanderbilt (2): In my recent preview of the first two rounds, I stated that Notre Dame was a team to keep an eye on heading into the tournament. The Irish have played some of their best basketball toward the end of the regular season and just defeated Ohio State (3) in the second round. On the other hand, Vanderbilt has been impressive all season, earning the respect of many. Both teams can thank their leading scorers for the positions they are in now. With that being said, all eyes will be on Hannah Hidalgo (25.2 PPG) and Mikayla Blakes (27.0 PPG) in a showdown between two of the nation’s top scorers. This matchup will likely be decided by which team can slow down the opposing star more effectively.

UNC (4) vs UConn (1): The Tar Heels will look to do what no other team has done this season: defeat UConn. The Huskies have cruised their way to the Sweet 16 behind Sarah Strong (18.4 PPG) and Azzi Fudd (17.8 PPG). UNC, led by Nyla Harris (11.5 PPG), has relied more on a collective effort, which will need to be sharp to stand a chance against a dominant UConn team.

Regional 2 – Sacramento

Minnesota (4) vs UCLA (1): Minnesota had a great season and just knocked out an Ole Miss team many expected to advance. Now they face UCLA, who went undefeated in Big Ten play and have only one loss this season, coming to Texas back in November. NPOY candidate Lauren Betts (17.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG) and UCLA have their sights set on returning to Phoenix for another Final Four appearance, but can Minnesota find enough to pull off another upset?

Duke (3) vs LSU (2): This will be a rematch between Duke and LSU. These two teams met in December, with LSU winning by 16 points. Duke is a completely different team now, coming off an ACC Tournament championship. Meanwhile, LSU has had a strong season but fell short of its SEC goals. Expect a back-and-forth matchup between two teams familiar with each other. The key for LSU will be how well their backcourt trio of Flau’jae Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Mikaylah Williams (all averaging at least 14.0 PPG) performs, along with their ability to slow down Toby Fournier (17.4 PPG). Duke will need to limit turnovers and slow LSU, especially in transition, to pull off the win.

Regional 3 – Fort Worth

Kentucky (5) vs Texas (1): This game features one of two SEC rematches. Texas has been on a roll this season and capped it off by winning the SEC Tournament title over South Carolina. The resume speaks for itself, and this team, led by Madison Booker (19.3 PPG), is determined to return to the Final Four. Kentucky, however, is not a team to overlook. They have the talent to compete with anyone, but can they put it together for 40 minutes? Clara Strack (16.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG) has stepped up late in the season and should be the go-to option for the Wildcats.

Louisville (3) vs Michigan (2): I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Jeff Walz’s program continues to find ways to compete, even during evolving seasons. Now they’re back in the Sweet 16, set to face a strong Michigan team. Louisville’s depth has been its biggest asset, with multiple players capable of stepping up. That depth, however, took a slight hit with the departure of Skylar Jones, following reported internal issues. Michigan, powered by its talented sophomore class, also thrives on depth. The Wolverines have multiple contributors, with Olivia Olsen (19.2 PPG) leading the way, while Tajianna Roberts (11.6 PPG) leads Louisville.

Regional 4 – Sacramento

Oklahoma (4) vs South Carolina (1): In their regular-season matchup, Oklahoma upset South Carolina at home in an overtime win led by star freshman Aaliyah Chavez (18.3 PPG). The Sooners will look to repeat that performance, but South Carolina enters this game with plenty of motivation. Expect Joyce Edwards (19.9 PPG) and the Gamecocks’ frontcourt, especially Madina Okot, to play a larger role. Both teams have shown strong guard and post play all season, setting up what should be another gritty, competitive matchup.

UVA (10) vs TCU (3): UVA has emerged as this year’s Cinderella after knocking off Iowa (2). They’ve shown they have the tools to make a deep run and will look to keep their season alive behind Kymora Johnson (19.5 PPG). TCU, led by Olivia Miles (19.4 PPG), has remained competitive in the Big 12 and is aiming for a deeper run than last season. This should be a competitive matchup between two teams looking to make a statement and shape how their programs are viewed moving forward.