Fort Worth Regional 3 Second Round Predictions and Matchups

PackWBB.com’s predictions for the Regional 3 – Fort Worth second-round matchups. These games determine who will advance to the Sweet 16 in Fort Worth next week.

(1) Texas vs. (8) Oregon

Prediction: Texas
Rationale: The top-seeded Longhorns enter Sunday with a -26.5 point spread after a crushing 87–45 opening-round win. Texas remains undefeated at the Moody Center this season (19–0) and holds a perfect 4–0 all-time record against the Ducks. While Oregon’s Katie Fiso was impressive with 22 points in their first-round victory, the Ducks will struggle to move the ball past the Longhorns’ relentless perimeter pressure.

(2) Michigan vs. (7) NC State

Prediction: NC State (The Upset)
Rationale: Despite being a +14.5 underdog on the road, the Wolfpack have the momentum and the “it” factor in Zam Jones, who just dropped a 30-point masterpiece. If freshman Destiny Lunan continues her poised play in relief of the injured Zoe Brooks (who is a gametime decision), NC State’s defensive pressure can force Michigan into the high-turnover territory (14.7 per game) that often plagues them. The Pack’s ability to turn defense into transition points will be the key to stunning the 2-seed at the Crisler Center.

(4) West Virginia vs. (5) Kentucky

Prediction: West Virginia
Rationale: The Mountaineers are playing at home in Hope Coliseum, where they are 44–5 over the last three seasons. Fresh off capturing the Big 12 Tournament title, they dispatched Miami (OH) with a balanced effort featuring four players in double figures. Kentucky looked sharp in their opener, but West Virginia’s depth and home-court advantage in Morgantown should propel them to their first Sweet 16 since 1992.

(3) Louisville vs. (6) Alabama

Prediction: Louisville
Rationale: The Cardinals will host this matchup at the KFC Yum! Center. While Alabama’s Essence Cody has emerged as a surprising deep threat—hitting three triples in their opening win—Louisville’s Mackenly Randolph (20 points in the first round) provides a physical interior presence that is difficult to stop. In a game of runs, the Cardinals’ experience and home crowd should be enough to edge out the Crimson Tide.

Second Round Schedule (Regional 3):