LSU Women's Basketball vs Texas Tech: NCAA Tournament 2026

LSU Women's Basketball vs. Texas Tech: 2026 NCAA Tournament Second Round Preview

March Madness is in full swing, and one of the most anticipated second-round matchups tips off today. No. 2 seed LSU women's basketball faces No. 7 seed Texas Tech on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. CT on ABC from the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. After a dominant first-round performance, the Tigers are hungry for a Sweet 16 berth — and the Red Raiders are riding a wave of historic momentum of their own.

Whether you're tuning in live or tracking every update, here's everything you need to know about today's game, including how to watch, key players, and what's at stake for both programs.

How LSU Dominated in the First Round

LSU wasted no time announcing its March intentions. On Friday, March 20, the Tigers dismantled No. 15 seed Jacksonville 116-58, one of the most lopsided victories in this year's tournament. The 58-point margin of victory sent a clear message to the rest of the bracket: the Tigers are playing their best basketball at the right time.

The offensive explosion was a team effort in every sense. Seven LSU players scored in double figures, showcasing the depth that has made this roster one of the most feared in the country. Flau'jae Johnson led all scorers with 20 points, delivering the kind of performance that has made her one of women's basketball's brightest stars. Mikaylah Williams was equally impressive, recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists — a stat line that highlights her evolution as a complete playmaker.

The only notable absence was Amiya Joyner, who did not play against Jacksonville. Her status heading into the Texas Tech game will be worth monitoring. Full score updates and lineup news are available here.

Texas Tech's Historic First-Round Upset

Don't let the No. 7 seed fool you — Texas Tech arrives in Baton Rouge with serious momentum. On Saturday, March 21, the Red Raiders defeated No. 10 seed Villanova 57-52, delivering the program's first NCAA Tournament win in 21 years. That kind of breakthrough doesn't happen without a team playing with real purpose.

Senior guard Bailey Maupin was the catalyst, pouring in 18 points in the victory. Her veteran leadership and scoring ability make her the player LSU's defense will need to account for most. Texas Tech's physical, determined style of play kept Villanova off-balance throughout — expect the Red Raiders to bring that same edge into Sunday's matchup.

For a program that has waited more than two decades for this moment, playing loose and confident could be Texas Tech's greatest advantage. There's nothing to lose when you've already made history.

What's at Stake: The Road to the Sweet 16

For LSU (28-5), a win today means a trip to the Sweet 16 in the Sacramento 2 Region — and another step toward the program's ultimate goal of a national championship. This would mark LSU's fifth consecutive second-round appearance under head coach Kim Mulkey, a testament to the sustained excellence Mulkey has built since arriving in Baton Rouge.

The Tigers enter the game as clear favorites, but coach Mulkey has never allowed her team to overlook opponents. LSU has the talent, the depth, and the home-court advantage — all factors that make them formidable heading into Sunday's tip-off.

For Texas Tech, the stakes are equally high but framed differently. The Red Raiders are already playing with house money after their historic win over Villanova. Every minute of March Madness from here is uncharted territory, and that freedom can be a powerful motivator against even the most talented opponents.

How to Watch LSU vs. Texas Tech Today

Here's everything you need to know to catch the action:

• Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
• Time: 2 p.m. CT
• Location: Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• TV Channel: ABC
• Streaming: ESPN App, Fubo

The game airs on ABC, making it widely accessible for fans across the country. Cord-cutters can stream through the ESPN App with an eligible TV provider login, or via Fubo, which carries ABC as part of its live TV package. Check here for the full channel and streaming guide for today's game.

For those looking for a complete broadcast and viewing breakdown, this guide covers how to watch LSU vs. Texas Tech in the NCAA Tournament across every platform.

Flau'jae Johnson and the Star Power Driving LSU

No conversation about LSU women's basketball is complete without discussing Flau'jae Johnson. The dynamic guard has become the face of this program — a scorer, entertainer, and cultural force who draws fans well beyond the traditional basketball audience. Her 20-point performance against Jacksonville was vintage Flau'jae: efficient, explosive, and timely.

Off the court, Johnson continues to generate buzz. Johnson made headlines before the final PMAC game when she linked up with college football coach Lane Kiffin — a moment that underscores her crossover celebrity status in the college sports world.

Alongside Johnson, Mikaylah Williams is emerging as one of the most complete players in the tournament. A 10-assist game is rare for any player, and Williams demonstrated that she can control a game's tempo while also filling up the scoring column. If both players perform at this level against Texas Tech, LSU's path to the Sweet 16 becomes significantly clearer.

Kim Mulkey's Legacy and LSU's Program Momentum

The numbers tell the story of what Kim Mulkey has built at LSU. Five straight second-round appearances. A 28-5 record this season. The kind of consistent excellence that makes Baton Rouge one of the premier destinations for elite women's basketball recruits.

Mulkey arrived at LSU already a proven winner, having built a dynasty at Baylor. What she's accomplished in a shorter window in Baton Rouge — including a national championship run — suggests this program has the infrastructure to compete at the highest level for years to come.

The loss to South Carolina 79-72 in the SEC Tournament earlier this season served as a reminder that there is still a gap to close against the very best teams. But LSU's response has been emphatic: 28 wins, a dominant first-round performance, and a roster built for the pressure of March.

For live score updates and highlights as Sunday's game unfolds, follow along with this live score and highlights tracker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does LSU women's basketball play today?

LSU tips off against Texas Tech on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. CT from the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.

What channel is the LSU vs. Texas Tech game on?

The game is broadcast on ABC and can also be streamed on the ESPN App and Fubo.

How did LSU perform in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament?

LSU defeated No. 15 seed Jacksonville 116-58 on March 20, 2026, with seven players scoring in double figures. Flau'jae Johnson led with 20 points, and Mikaylah Williams recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists.

Has Texas Tech won an NCAA Tournament game recently?

Yes — Texas Tech defeated Villanova 57-52 on March 21, 2026, which was the program's first NCAA Tournament win in 21 years. Senior guard Bailey Maupin led the Red Raiders with 18 points.

What happens if LSU wins today?

A LSU victory over Texas Tech sends the Tigers to the Sweet 16 in the Sacramento 2 Region, continuing their pursuit of a national championship under head coach Kim Mulkey.

Final Thoughts

Today's matchup between No. 2 LSU and No. 7 Texas Tech is exactly the kind of second-round game that makes March Madness special. On one side, a powerhouse program with elite talent, home-court advantage, and a head coach who knows how to win big games. On the other, a hungry team making history and playing with nothing to fear.

LSU is the heavy favorite, and the Tigers' depth and star power make them difficult to beat in Baton Rouge. But Texas Tech's grit, Maupin's scoring ability, and the unpredictability of tournament basketball mean this game is worth watching in full. Tip-off is at 2 p.m. CT on ABC — don't miss it.