RealGM Wiretap
The madness of the 2026 NCAA Women's Tournament officially lands at the Moody Center in Austin tomorrow night as the #16 seed Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks battle the #16 seed Missouri State Lady Bears. With a ticket to the Round of 64 and a Friday showdown against the #1 seed Texas Longhorns on the line, this First Four clash features two of the most resilient mid-major programs in the country.
The Missouri State Lady Bears (22-12) arrive in Austin as one of the hottest teams in the nation after a historic run to the Conference USA Tournament title. Entering their conference tournament as the #6 seed, the Lady Bears knocked off the top three seeds to secure their 12th tournament crown in program history. Missouri State is known for its gritty defense and interior presence, anchored by a veteran core that has returned the Lady Bears to the Big Dance for the first time since 2022. The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks (22-12), meanwhile, represent the Southland Conference after a thrilling overtime victory over Lamar in their tournament semifinals and a dominant championship win. The Ladyjacks feature a high-octane offense that thrives on perimeter pressure and transition scoring. Tomorrow’s matchup in the Moody Center essentially serves as a home-state advantage for SFA, but Missouri State’s momentum as "bracket busters" makes this an unpredictable "win-or-go-home" scenario.
How to watch Stephen F. Austin vs Missouri State
Tomorrow's NCAA Tournament "play-in" game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, with the winner advancing to face the Texas Longhorns in the South Regional on Friday.
How to watch SFA vs Missouri State with Sling TV
To watch tomorrow's high-stakes First Four matchup, fans can utilize Sling TV, the most cost-effective way to access ESPN2 and the rest of the ESPN family during the opening rounds of March Madness.
Sling TV: The ideal choice for Ladyjacks and Lady Bears fans. Sling Orange provides high-definition access to ESPN2, ensuring you catch every second of the battle for a spot in the Round of 64. The current 1-day pass option is perfect for catching tonight's critical play-in game.
