Women’s March Madness: Elite Eight Takes Shape as Top Seeds Advance
As the excitement of March Madness continues to unfold, half of the Elite Eight is now set. The top seeds are showing their mettle, with No. 1 seeds UCLA and South Carolina advancing with impressive wins on Friday. Joining them in the next round is No. 2 seed Duke, who also secured their spot in the Elite Eight.
However, the real story of the day was the third-seeded LSU Tigers, who pulled off an upset against No. 2 seed NC State in the Spokane 1 Regional. This victory allows LSU to join the party and continue their quest for glory.
As we look ahead, the question remains: Which teams will join the Bruins, Gamecocks, Blue Devils, and Tigers in the Elite Eight? The regional semifinals resume on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC, with a thrilling rematch between Notre Dame and TCU, a game that promises to be a nail-biter.
We’re keeping a close eye on every game as the march to the Final Four continues. Here’s your guide, complete with analysis from on-site reporters in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington, to Friday’s games.
LSU vs. NC State
Final: LSU 80, NC State 73
How LSU won: In a game filled with dramatic momentum swings, LSU delivered the final blow. After trailing by five points with just over four minutes left, Mikaylah Williams and Sa’Myah Smith took charge, scoring LSU’s final 16 points to secure the lead. Williams, despite a slow start, ended strong, making four of her last five attempts and finishing with six assists. Smith, recovering from a knee injury, recorded her second consecutive game with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, providing a crucial boost to LSU’s frontcourt.
LSU’s victory was also thanks to Aneesah Morrow, who became the first player since Stanford’s Nneka Ogwumike in 2010 to score at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Sweet 16 game or later. Morrow’s dominance on the boards and second-chance points were pivotal in LSU’s success.
Despite some strong moments from NC State’s guards, LSU’s defense held Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers to a combined 6-for-21 from the field. NC State struggled in the final minutes, failing to score in the last two minutes of the game.
LSU’s keys to the Elite Eight: With Morrow’s early impact and Williams and Smith’s late-game heroics, LSU managed to overcome a quiet performance from Flau’Jae Johnson, who scored just three points. LSU is undefeated this season when Johnson scores at least 20 points, highlighting her importance to the team’s success. The Tigers are now headed to their 11th Elite Eight appearance and third straight under coach Kim Mulkey, who continues to find ways to win despite roster changes.
UCLA vs. Ole Miss
Final: UCLA 76, Ole Miss 62
How UCLA won: The name of the game was Lauren Betts. The junior center was unstoppable, scoring 31 points on 15 of 16 shooting. Her defensive presence was equally impactful, limiting Ole Miss to just 2 of 16 shooting on shots she contested. Betts’ dominance in the paint was unmatched, and her performance was reminiscent of Brittney Griner’s in 2013.
While Betts was the star, UCLA’s guards Londynn Jones and Kiki Rice stepped up in the second half, combining for 20 points. Their contributions helped shift the momentum in UCLA’s favor, ensuring a comfortable victory.
UCLA’s keys to the Elite Eight: UCLA will face a familiar foe in the Elite Eight, with a rematch against LSU from last year’s Sweet 16. The Bruins will need to find ways to get Betts more involved, not just in scoring but also in facilitating for her teammates. Defensively, UCLA must focus on containing LSU’s big three and dominating the glass to secure a spot in the Final Four.
South Carolina vs. Maryland
Final: South Carolina 71, Maryland 67
How South Carolina won: MiLaysia Fulwiley was the hero for South Carolina, stepping up when it mattered most. Her clutch plays in the third quarter helped South Carolina regain the lead and ultimately secure the win. Fulwiley’s 23 points were a career high in the NCAA tournament, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
South Carolina’s keys to the Elite Eight: South Carolina will face Duke in the next round, a team known for their defensive prowess. The Gamecocks will need to handle Duke’s pressure and improve their shooting efficiency to advance to the Final Four. If they can overcome these challenges, South Carolina will be headed to Tampa, Florida, for another shot at the championship.
Duke vs. North Carolina
Final: Duke 47, North Carolina 38
How Duke won: Defense was the name of the game for Duke, as they held North Carolina to just 28.3% shooting from the field. The Tar Heels’ 20 first-half points were among the lowest in their NCAA tournament history. Duke’s balanced offensive attack, led by Oluchi Okananwa and Ashlon Jackson, secured the victory.
Duke’s keys to the Elite Eight: Facing South Carolina, Duke’s defensive capabilities will be crucial. However, they must also improve their shooting to have a chance at reaching the Final Four. A standout offensive performance, combined with their usual defensive intensity, will be key to their success.
- Can UCLA’s Lauren Betts continue her dominant form?
- Will LSU’s Mikaylah Williams and Sa’Myah Smith lead their team to victory again?
- Can South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley deliver another clutch performance?
- Will Duke’s defense be enough to overcome South Carolina’s challenge?
Originally Written by: ESPN
