BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — No. 7 Temple defeated No. 10 Tulane, 86–77, in overtime in the first round of the 2026 American Women's Basketball Championship on Tuesday evening at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
With the win, the Owls (11–20) advance to face No. 6 UTSA in the second round of the 2026 American Women's Basketball Championship on Wednesday, March 11, at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
 
Despite shooting just 15 percent from the floor in the first quarter, Temple took a 10–8 lead into the second period. The Owls found their rhythm, shooting 50 percent from the field and 75 percent from three to outscore the Green Wave 25–13 in the second quarter and carry a 14-point lead into halftime.
 
After trailing by as many as 17 points, the Green Wave mounted a comeback, holding Temple without a field goal for the final 3:38 of regulation. Kanija Daniel knocked down a three-pointer with ten seconds remaining to tie the game and force overtime.
 
Temple responded with an 11–0 run in overtime to take control, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Kaylah Turner.
 
Turner led all scorers with 31 points, including 10 in the extra period. Tristen Taylor and Saniyah Craig added 14 points each for the Owls.
 
Four Tulane players scored in double figures, with Freshman of the Year Mecailin Marshal posting a team-high 25 points, 21 of which came 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 | Florida Atlantic Press Conference | Charlotte Press Conference

Game 2: No. 7 Temple 86, No. 10 Tulane 77 (OT)
Box Score | Postgame Notes | Temple Quotes | Tulane Quotes | Temple Press Conference | Tulane Press Conference

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: No. 7 Temple 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