With all respect to the opening round, this is where things get real and when March goes mad. The second round of the women’s tourney commences Sunday, with games starting at noon Eastern and running through the night. The winners advance to the Sweet 16; the losers pack it in and start summer early.

We’ve got an awesome slate. Second-seeded Duke has been surging since its ACC tournament title, and it gets to begin Sunday’s action against underdog (underduck?) Oregon. Notre Dame’s ultra-talented big three takes on Michigan’s standout freshmen in the second game, followed by revitalized Kentucky and pugnacious Kansas State.

Defending champion South Carolina pursues its dynastic ambitions on ABC, taking the Goliath mantle against Indiana. On paper the closest matchups of the day are No. 4 Baylor vs. No. 5 Ole Miss and No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Tennessee. Hailey Van Lith leads TCU versus Louisville, and Lauren Betts closes out Sunday night with UCLA hosting Richmond.

The second round continues on Monday, with Sweet 16 games scheduled for Friday and Saturday of next week.

How to watch the women’s NCAA Tournament second round (Sunday)

Games on ESPN can also be streamed on ESPN+.

Women’s March Madness title odds

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(Photo of Lauren Betts and Timea Gardiner: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)