Louisville vs Alabama Predictions and Picks for NCAA Second Round
The Second Round of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament rolls on Monday with a matchup that’s got plenty of buzz—No. 3 Louisville faces No. 6 Alabama.
This game is just one of eight on a packed schedule that’s sure to keep basketball fans glued to their screens. With expert picks and predictions from journalists across the USA TODAY Sports Network, there’s no shortage of opinions on what might happen.
Let’s dig into the Louisville vs. Alabama game, look at some expert takes, check out the betting odds, and run through key tournament details.
Expert Predictions Favor Louisville
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As the Second Round unfolds, the spotlight lands squarely on Louisville and Alabama. Experts from the USA TODAY Sports Network lean heavily toward Louisville.
Writers like Heather Burns, Mitchell Northam, Nancy Armour, Cydney Henderson, and Meghan Hall have all picked Louisville to win this one.
Why Louisville is the Favorite
So, why is Louisville getting so much love from the experts?
- Strong Season Performance: Louisville’s had a pretty impressive season, showing off solid skills and real teamwork.
- Home Court Advantage: They’ll play at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, so the Cardinals get to enjoy the comforts of home.
- Experienced Roster: Their roster is packed with players who’ve been there before and know how to handle the pressure.
Betting Odds and Analysis
If you’re into the betting side of things, here’s what the latest numbers look like:
- Opening Moneyline: Louisville (-410)
- Opening Spread: Louisville (-8.5)
- Opening Total: 131.5 points
What These Numbers Mean
That -410 moneyline? It means Louisville is a big favorite. You’d have to bet $410 just to win $100 if they come out on top.
The -8.5 spread says Louisville needs to win by at least nine points for that bet to pay off. And the 131.5 total points is the combined score prediction, so, yeah, they’re expecting a decent amount of offense.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to watch:
- Teams: No. 3 Louisville vs. No. 6 Alabama
- Date: March 23, 2026
- Time: 12:00 p.m. (ET)
- Location: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Streaming: Available on Fubo
How to Watch the Game
If you want to catch the action, just flip over to ESPN.
Prefer streaming? Fubo’s got you covered so you won’t miss a second.
March Madness Tournament Schedule
March Madness never disappoints with its wild schedule. Here’s a quick look at the big dates:
- First Four: March 18-19
- First Round: March 20-21
- Second Round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite 8: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 3
- National Championship: April 5
Conclusion
The Second Round matchup between Louisville and Alabama looks like it could be a real nail-biter. Louisville’s coming in as the favorite, at least if you trust the experts.
There’s plenty of info out there on betting odds, game times, and the overall tournament schedule. Fans should have everything they need to soak in the excitement.
Seriously, you won’t want to miss Louisville and Alabama fighting for a spot in the next round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
If you’re after more analysis or just want to keep up with the latest, check out the USA TODAY Sports website.