Nebraska vs Richmond predictions, picks, odds for NCAA Tournament first round The First Four of the 2026 women’s NCAA Tournament kicks off on Wednesday as No. 11 seed Nebraska faces No. 11 seed Richmond in the opening game of the two-game schedule. The matchup, set for March 18 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET. The game marks the start of the 68-team tournament, with the First Four games serving as the first round of the postseason. Expert analysts across the USA TODAY Sports Network have provided their insights into the matchup. Cydney Henderson, Meghan Hall, and Mitchell Northam all favor Richmond in the contest, citing the team’s defensive strength and balanced scoring potential. While Nebraska brings a strong offensive presence, the underdog status of Richmond has drawn attention to their ability to disrupt opponents’ rhythm. The game is expected to be a closely contested battle between two teams with similar rankings and competitive resumes. Odds for the game reflect the slight edge given to Nebraska, with the opening moneyline set at -155 for the Cornhuskers. The spread favors Nebraska by 2.5 points, while the total points for the game are listed at 138.5. These lines suggest a slight expectation of a low-scoring contest, though both teams have shown the ability to move the ball effectively in recent games. The 2026 women’s NCAA Tournament schedule is packed with key dates, with the First Four games running from March 18-19. The First Round follows from March 20-21, leading into the Sweet 16 (March 27-28), Elite 8 (March 29-30), Final Four (April 3), and the National Championship on April 5. The tournament’s structure ensures a fast-paced, high-stakes competition as teams vie for a spot in the Final Four.#nebraska #ncaa_tournament #richmond #cameron_indoor_stadium #usa_today_sports_network
Nebraska Women's Basketball Team Prepares for NCAA Tournament Clash with Richmond Nebraska women's basketball coach Amy Williams and players Britt Prince and Callin Hake participated in a media session at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., ahead of their NCAA Tournament practice on Tuesday. The Huskers, seeded 11th, are set to face the 11th-seeded Richmond Spiders in the First Four game on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Central Time. The winner of that matchup will advance to take on No. 6 seed Baylor in a Friday showdown at Duke. Williams expressed enthusiasm about the team’s return to the tournament, emphasizing the opportunity for growth. “This is a group that feels like we have not really maxed out yet, so to have another chance to do that on this stage in the NCAA Tournament just feels like kind of new life for this group,” she said. The coach highlighted the significance of the tournament as a platform for the team to showcase its potential. Senior guard Callin Hake, from Victoria, Minn., will compete in her third NCAA Tournament appearance. Reflecting on her journey, Hake shared her excitement about the moment. “It’s so special. I always talk about how little Callin remembers watching Selection Show Sunday and being, like, Maybe that could be me one day,” she said. “To hear your name called and then just to play in NCAA games, that’s what you set your eyes on in June. To be here in March and just have the opportunity present itself, it means everything that this is my senior year and how it’s gone.” Point guard Britt Prince, a first-team All-Big Ten sophomore from Omaha, expressed her thrill at playing in Cameron Indoor Stadium, a historic venue known for its intense atmosphere. “This is a super cool place to play and very historic,” she said.#nebraska_womens_basketball #amy_williams #britt_prince #callin_hake #cameron_indoor_stadium
