March Madness: Day 1 of Women’s NCAA Tournament Delivers Thrills and Surprises
March Madness is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as Day 1 of the women’s NCAA tournament kicks off with a thrilling lineup of 16 games. Basketball fans, get ready for a marathon of action-packed hoops that will keep you on the edge of your seat for a full 12 hours. Whether you’re glued to the scoreboards or anxiously checking your Women’s Tournament Challenge bracket, this is your go-to destination for all the highlights, results, analysis, and on-site reporting from ESPN.
Let’s dive into the action and see how the first day unfolded, with some standout performances and unexpected outcomes that have already set the tone for an unforgettable tournament.
Friday’s Schedule (All Tips ET):
- (16) Southern vs. (1) UCLA, 10 p.m. (ESPN)
Friday Takeaways
Georgia Tech vs. Richmond
Final: Richmond 74, Georgia Tech 49
How Richmond won: In what was expected to be a closely contested 8-9 matchup, Richmond turned the game into a one-sided affair, dominating Georgia Tech. After a brief 5-4 lead in the first quarter, Georgia Tech never regained control, trailing by as many as 26 points in the fourth quarter. Maggie Doogan was the star of the show, delivering a 30-point performance, her 11th game of 20 points or more this season, along with 15 rebounds and 6 assists. Richmond’s defense was equally impressive, holding Georgia Tech to their lowest scoring total of the season at 49 points.
What it means for Richmond: Richmond’s reward for their dominant win is a likely matchup with the No. 1 overall seed, UCLA, on Sunday. The Bruins, led by 6-foot-7 Lauren Betts, will present a formidable challenge, especially in the paint. However, Richmond’s well-oiled offensive machine and Doogan’s versatility could push UCLA to adapt their defensive strategy. This matchup promises to be a fascinating battle.
Oregon vs. Vanderbilt
Final: Oregon 77, Vanderbilt 73
How did Oregon pull off the biggest upset in the NCAA tournament so far?: Oregon, as the first double-digit seed to win a game in the tournament, managed to upset Vanderbilt despite a blown second-half lead and poor free throw shooting. The Ducks executed their game plan effectively for most of the game, controlling the pace and the boards. However, Vanderbilt’s late surge forced overtime. Oregon’s defense came alive in the extra period, holding Vanderbilt to just six points. Peyton Scott’s crucial plays in overtime, including drawing a key charge, helped seal the victory.
What it means for Oregon: This victory marks Oregon’s first NCAA tournament win since 2021. The Ducks, who have a history of success as a 10-seed, will likely face Duke in the second round. Deja Kelly, a key player for Oregon, will be instrumental in the next matchup, having previously excelled at Duke’s home court.
Ball State vs. Ole Miss
Final: Ole Miss 83, Ball State 65
How did Ole Miss put the clamps on Ball State?: After an initial 7-0 run by Ball State, Ole Miss took control of the game with their stifling defense. The Rebels, known for their defensive prowess, pressured Ball State into a 24-of-61 shooting performance. Ole Miss maintained their lead throughout the game, achieving their second-largest margin of victory in program history.
What it means for Ole Miss: Despite being disappointed with their No. 5 seed, Ole Miss is determined to make a deep run in the tournament. Their next challenge is Baylor, and the Rebels will need to maintain their defensive intensity to advance further. Key players like Kennedy Todd-Williams and Starr Jacobs will be crucial in their upcoming matchup.
Nebraska vs. Louisville
Final: Louisville 63, Nebraska 58
How Louisville won: Louisville’s Jayda Curry played a pivotal role in the final minutes, taking charges and making crucial shots to secure the win. Despite a challenging game, Louisville managed to survive and advance to the next round.
What’s next for Louisville? Louisville will face TCU and Hailey Van Lith in the second round. This matchup is particularly intriguing as it marks the first time Van Lith will play against her former team. The game promises to be a tough test for both squads.
Montana State vs. Ohio State
Final: Ohio State 71, Montana State 51
How did the Buckeyes pull away? Ohio State’s strong third quarter, fueled by Chance Gray’s three-pointers, allowed them to create a comfortable lead. Their defensive identity shone through, forcing turnovers and limiting Montana State’s scoring opportunities.
What it means for Ohio State: Ohio State’s balanced performance, with all starters scoring in double figures, bodes well for their tournament run. They will face the winner of Tennessee and USF in the next round, aiming to avoid an early exit like last year.
Grand Canyon vs. Baylor
Final: Baylor 73, Grand Canyon 60
How did Baylor hold off Grand Canyon? Baylor’s defense and Aaronette Vonleh’s standout performance were key to their victory. Despite a strong challenge from Grand Canyon, Baylor pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
What it means for Baylor: With Littlepage-Buggs back in action, Baylor is poised for a confident second-round performance. They aim to build on their Sweet 16 appearance from last season.
Tennessee Tech vs. South Carolina
Final: South Carolina 108, Tennessee Tech 48
How did South Carolina roll to its first-round win? South Carolina’s record-breaking performance, with 108 points and a 60-point margin, showcased their dominance. Their depth and bench strength were on full display, setting the stage for a strong tournament run.
What it means for South Carolina: South Carolina’s impressive form continues as they prepare to face Indiana in the next round. Their recent performances against top teams indicate they are playing their best basketball of the season.
FDU vs. TCU
Final: TCU 73, FDU 51
How did TCU pull away? TCU’s improved defensive energy in the second half allowed them to secure a dominant victory. Madison Conner and Sedona Prince were instrumental in the win, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
What’s next for TCU? TCU will face the winner of Nebraska vs. Louisville. The team is eager to continue their tournament journey, having overcome first-round jitters with a strong performance.
Fairfield vs. Kansas State
Final: Kansas State 85, Fairfield 41
Does Kansas State have the chops to make a deep run? Kansas State’s size advantage and strong performances from Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell were key to their blowout win. The Wildcats’ roster could pose challenges for many teams in the tournament.
What it means for Kansas State: Kansas State is well-positioned to exploit their next matchup against Kentucky. Their strong showing against Fairfield sets the stage for a potential trip to the Sweet 16.
Stephen F. Austin vs. Notre Dame
Final: Notre Dame 106, Stephen F. Austin 54
How significant is Olivia Miles’ injury? Olivia Miles’ injury is a concern for Notre Dame, as she is a key player for the team. Despite her limited scoring, her playmaking ability was crucial in Notre Dame’s dominant win.
What the win means for Notre Dame: Notre Dame’s impressive performance, with Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron leading the way, sets them up for a challenging matchup against Michigan in the next round.
Utah vs. Indiana
Final: Indiana 76, Utah 68
How did Indiana win despite struggling from 3-point range? Indiana’s strong performance inside the arc and at the free-throw line helped them overcome their 3-point shooting struggles. Their defense also played a crucial role in securing the win.
What it means for Indiana: Indiana’s victory sets up a potential rematch with South Carolina, a team they challenged in last year’s tournament. The Hoosiers are eager to build on their success and make a deep run.
Liberty vs. Kentucky
Final: Kentucky 79, Liberty 78
How did Kentucky hang on? Kentucky managed to hold on to their early lead despite a challenging fourth quarter. Georgia Amoore’s standout performance was key to their victory, although the team will need to address their late-game struggles.
What it means for Kentucky: Kentucky’s narrow win highlights areas for improvement, particularly in post defense and consistency. They will need to elevate their game in the next round to advance further in the tournament.
Iowa State vs. Michigan
Final: Michigan 80, Iowa State 74
What was the catalyst behind Michigan’s second-half surge? Jordan Hobbs’ career-best performance was instrumental in Michigan’s comeback victory. Her scoring and leadership helped the Wolverines overcome early shooting struggles.
Will Michigan’s inexperience be a factor in the second round? Michigan’s young roster will face a tough test against Notre Dame. The team’s reliance on freshmen could be a factor, but their strong performance in the first round is a positive sign.
Originally Written by: ESPN
