March Madness: Day 1 of Women’s NCAA Tournament Delivers Thrills and Surprises
March Madness is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as the women’s NCAA tournament kicks off with a bang. Day 1 has already seen 16 games unfold, and the action is just getting started. With 12 hours of non-stop women’s basketball, fans are in for a treat. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and keep those scoreboards refreshed. Whether you’re tracking your Women’s Tournament Challenge bracket or just enjoying the games, this is your go-to destination for all the highlights, results, analysis, and on-site reporting from ESPN.
Friday Takeaways
Duke’s Dominant Defense
In a historic display of defensive prowess, Duke crushed Lehigh with a final score of 86-25. This marks only the second time in NCAA tournament history that a team has been held to 25 or fewer points. Duke’s defense was relentless, contesting or forcing turnovers on 95% of Lehigh’s first-half possessions. By the end of the third quarter, Duke had contested 88% of Lehigh’s shots. The Blue Devils held the Mountain Hawks scoreless for the first five minutes of the second half, during which Lehigh missed its first eight shots and committed 15 turnovers. Duke’s fourth-quarter points alone surpassed Lehigh’s total for the entire game.
Next up for Duke is a matchup against Oregon, who narrowly defeated Vanderbilt in overtime. Duke’s defense has been their cornerstone all season, holding ACC opponents to 54.1 points per game and forcing 22.2 turnovers per contest. With an experienced squad and talented freshmen like Toby Fournier, Jenessa Cotton, and Arianna Roberson, Duke is riding high on momentum from their ACC tournament win as a 3-seed.
Tennessee’s Three-Point Barrage
Tennessee showcased their shooting prowess in a 101-66 victory over South Florida. Under Kim Caldwell’s leadership, the Lady Vols excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 16 of 37 attempts with contributions from eight different players. Defensively, Tennessee forced 24 turnovers and held USF to under 36% shooting. The Lady Vols’ depth was evident as they registered 54 bench points compared to USF’s three.
With this win, Tennessee avoids an early exit and sets their sights on a potential Sweet 16 appearance. They’ll face Ohio State next, a team known for their quick pace and defensive strategy. Tennessee’s depth and reliance on 3-point shooting could give them an edge against the Buckeyes.
Richmond’s Resounding Victory
Richmond delivered a commanding performance against Georgia Tech, winning 74-49. Despite being an 8-9 matchup on paper, Richmond dominated the game, leading by as many as 26 points in the fourth quarter. Maggie Doogan was the star, scoring 30 points and adding 15 rebounds and 6 assists. Richmond’s defense was equally impressive, holding Georgia Tech to their lowest-scoring total of the season.
Richmond now faces a daunting challenge against the No. 1 overall seed UCLA. The Bruins’ interior defense, led by 6-foot-7 Lauren Betts, will test Richmond’s ability to score in the paint. However, Richmond’s ball movement and Doogan’s versatility could make for an intriguing matchup.
Oregon’s Overtime Triumph
Oregon pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far, defeating Vanderbilt 77-73 in overtime. As the first double-digit seed to win a game, the Ducks overcame a blown second-half lead and poor free throw shooting. Oregon’s defense, which had held Vanderbilt to 43 points through three quarters, came alive in overtime, limiting them to six points. Peyton Scott played a crucial role, drawing a key charge and scoring four points in overtime.
This victory marks Oregon’s first NCAA tournament win since 2021. The Ducks will likely face Duke in the second round, a team they upset in 2017 as a 10-seed. Deja Kelly, who scored 20 points against Vanderbilt, will be a key player for Oregon moving forward.
Ole Miss Overcomes Early Deficit
Ole Miss secured an 83-65 win over Ball State after overcoming an early 7-0 deficit. Madison Scott’s defensive mindset was crucial, as the Rebels pressured Ball State into 24-of-61 shooting. Ole Miss built a 14-point halftime lead and maintained their intensity throughout the game.
With this win, Ole Miss advances to face Baylor. Kennedy Todd-Williams and Starr Jacobs both recorded double-doubles, showcasing the Rebels’ depth and tenacity. Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s emphasis on choosing joy seems to have paid off, as Ole Miss looks to make a deep tournament run.
Ohio State’s Second-Half Surge
Ohio State pulled away from Montana State with a 71-51 victory, thanks to a strong third quarter. Chance Gray’s trio of 3-pointers sparked the Buckeyes, who forced 14 turnovers and held Montana State to 10 points in the third quarter. Ohio State’s balanced scoring and defensive identity were key to their success.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will face the winner of Tennessee vs. USF. The Buckeyes’ starters all finished in double figures, a promising sign for their tournament prospects. With a perfect home record this season, Ohio State aims to avoid another early exit.
South Carolina’s Record-Breaking Performance
South Carolina delivered a historic performance in their 108-48 win over Tennessee Tech. The Gamecocks set program records for points, field goals, 3-pointers, and margin of victory. Their 66 bench points were the most in NCAA tournament history. Joyce Edwards led the way with 22 points, while Tessa Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley contributed significantly.
South Carolina’s depth and dominance were on full display, as they outrebounded Tennessee Tech 47-15 and outscored them in transition 32-4. Up next is a rematch with Indiana, a team they narrowly defeated in last year’s Sweet 16.
Indiana’s Gritty Win
Indiana overcame a poor 3-point shooting performance to defeat Utah 76-68. The Hoosiers excelled in other areas, shooting 72.7% from 2-point range and 86.7% from the line. Chloe Moore-McNeil led a strong defensive effort, while Yarden Garzon scored 17 points.
Indiana now prepares to face South Carolina, a team they pushed to the brink in last year’s tournament. Despite losing their best player, the Hoosiers have maintained their winning ways and are poised for another deep run.
Kentucky’s Narrow Escape
Kentucky held on for a 79-78 win over Liberty, thanks to Georgia Amoore’s 34-point performance. Despite a strong start, the Wildcats struggled in the fourth quarter, allowing Liberty to close the gap. Coach Kenny Brooks acknowledged the need for a more consistent effort moving forward.
Kentucky will face Kansas State next, a team with a significant size advantage. The Wildcats will need to improve their post defense and shooting consistency to advance further in the tournament.
Michigan’s Freshman-Led Victory
Michigan’s freshmen played a crucial role in their 80-74 win over Iowa State. Jordan Hobbs led the way with 28 points, while Olivia Olson and Mila Holloway contributed significantly. The Wolverines’ starting five accounted for all their points, showcasing their reliance on young talent.
Michigan now faces Notre Dame, a team with more experience. The Wolverines’ freshmen will need to step up once again to overcome the Fighting Irish and continue their tournament journey.
- Key Matchups to Watch:
- Duke vs. Oregon: Can Oregon pull off another upset?
- Ohio State vs. Tennessee: Will Tennessee’s depth be the difference?
- South Carolina vs. Indiana: A rematch of last year’s thrilling Sweet 16 game.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement and drama are sure to intensify. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we continue to follow the journey of these incredible teams.
Originally Written by: ESPN
