Watch Missouri State vs Texas on ESPN: Dave O'Brien and Jimmy Dykes Call NCAA Women's First Round Clash

American basketball fans can catch the thrilling NCAA Women's Basketball Championship first-round matchup between Missouri State Lady Bears and dominant No. 1 Texas Longhorns live on ESPN, the ESPN App, or ESPN Unlimited at 8:00 PM UK time (3:00 PM ET) from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This Regional 3 opener in Fort Worth pits a gritty 16-seed against a powerhouse 1-seed, with Dave O'Brien on play-by-play and Jimmy Dykes providing expert analysis.[1][8]

Texas Longhorns enter as massive favourites, boasting a stellar 31-3 record and an unbeaten 18-0 home mark, averaging 85.0 points per game while holding opponents to just 56.6. Their dominance is evident in recent SEC wins, including a 78-61 rout of South Carolina and 85-68 over Mississippi.[1][8] Facing them are the Missouri State Lady Bears (23-12), who punched their tournament ticket with an 85-75 First Four victory over Stephen F. Austin, marking their 20th NCAA Tournament win and extending a streak of advancing in each of the last four appearances.[2][7]

In that play-in thriller, Kaemyn Bekemeier shone with 22 points and 13 rebounds for her 10th double-double, surpassing 600 points for the season as only the fifth Lady Bear to achieve it. A pivotal 13-0 third-quarter run, sparked by Maiesha Washington's layup and featuring contributions from Bekemeier, Lainie Douglas, and Faith Lee, propelled Missouri State to a 15-point lead they protected en route to victory.[2][7][9]

Viewers are in expert hands with Dave O'Brien, a veteran ESPN broadcaster whose career spans decades calling major college sports, including multiple March Madness tournaments for both men's and women's basketball. O'Brien's smooth delivery and deep game knowledge have made him a staple, previously handling Big Ten football and MLB play-by-play for the Red Sox, earning him widespread acclaim for his precision under pressure. Joining him is Jimmy Dykes, a former coach turned analyst whose 15 years at Arkansas and stints elsewhere give him unparalleled insight into team dynamics and player matchups. Dykes' energetic colour commentary, honed on ESPN's top college basketball coverage, often highlights strategic nuances, making complex plays accessible to fans on both sides of the Atlantic.[1]

For Brits tuning in, while Sky Sports occasionally airs select NCAA Tournament games, this fixture streams via ESPN+ internationally or fubo.tv for cord-cutters, ensuring global access to the action.[4][13] The spread lists Texas as 44.5-point favourites, underscoring their statistical edge: 50% field goal shooting versus Missouri State's 41%, plus superior assists (18.1 vs 12.4) and steals (11.8 vs 7.2).[1] Yet, the Lady Bears' rebounding prowess (39.9 per game) and recent momentum could spark an upset bid.[1][2]

Texas counters with standouts like Rori Harmon (2.7 steals per game) and Kyla Oldacre (1.1 blocks), fortifying a defence that smothers foes.[8] Missouri State's path mirrors Cinderella stories past; their conference tournament run included wins over FIU (74-69), LT (43-38), and MTSU (69-66), proving resilience despite a 7-6 away record.[1][7] As March Madness unfolds, this clash at the Moody Center promises high stakes, with Texas chasing a deep run and Missouri State aiming to extend their fairy tale.

Fans can follow live updates on NCAA.com for real-time scores and highlights.[3] Whether you're stateside on ESPN or streaming abroad, O'Brien and Dykes will guide you through every bucket, board, and blockbuster moment in this Women's NCAA Tournament opener. Tune in as underdogs challenge giants in Austin – March Madness at its finest.

Article generated: 20 March 2026, 20:03 GMT