BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — No. 9 Florida Atlantic defeated No. 8 Charlotte, 74–70, in overtime in the first round of the 2026 American Women’s Basketball Championship on Tuesday afternoon at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
With the win, the Owls (14–17) advance to face No. 5 North Texas in the second round of the 2026 American Conference Championship on Wednesday, March 11, at 1 p.m. ET / noon CT on ESPN+.
 
Charlotte opened the game by making its first two baskets, but a 10–0 run gave the Owls an early advantage. Florida Atlantic shot 50 percent (13-for-26) in the first half, while the 49ers were held to just 22.2 percent (8-for-36), helping Florida Atlantic take a 14-point lead into halftime.
 
The momentum shifted in the second half, as Charlotte shot 48.6 percent from the field while the Owls were limited to 28 percent. The 49ers used an 11–0 run in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to five with 5:36 remaining. Janavia Gage then hit the game-tying layup with 33 seconds left to force overtime. In the extra period, the Owls gained the edge at the free-throw line and closed out the 74–70 victory.
 
Madi Gewirtz and Vivian Onugha led Florida Atlantic with 16 points each.
 
Princess Anderson scored a game-high 35 points, including 22 in the second half.
  
2026 American Women's Basketball Championship Schedule
Legacy Arena At The BJCC | Birmingham, Alabama

First Round | Tuesday, March 10
Game 1: No. 9 Florida Atlantic 74, No. 8 Charlotte 70 (OT)
Box Score | Postgame Notes | Florida Atlantic Quotes | Charlotte Quotes

Game 2: No. 7 Temple vs No. 10 Tulane - 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT | ESPN+| Stats
 
Second Round | Wednesday, March 11
Game 3: No. 9 Florida Atlantic vs No. 5 North Texas - 1 p.m. ET/Noon CT | ESPN+| Stats

Game 4: Game 2 Winner vs No. 6 UTSA - 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT | ESPN+| Stats
 
Quarterfinals | Thursday, March 12
Game 5: Game 3 Winner vs No. 4 Tulsa - 1 p.m. ET/Noon CT | ESPN+| Stats

Game 6: Game 4 Winner vs No. 3 South Florida - 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT | ESPN+| Stats
 
Semifinals | Friday, March 13
Game 7: Game 5 Winner vs No. 1 Rice - 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT | ESPN+| Stats

Game 8: Game 6 Winner vs No. 2 East Carolina - 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT | ESPN+| Stats
 
Final | Saturday, March 14
Game 9: Game 7 Winner vs Game 8 Winner - 9:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. CT | ESPNU | Stats