Highlights from Albany 2 and Portland Regions
In an imposing display of skill and strategy, Iowa soared past Holy Cross with a commanding score of 91-65. A notable absence in the second half was that of Hannah Stuelke from Iowa, whose participation was keenly missed by fans and teammates alike. Nonetheless, Caitlin Clark, a star on the rise, more than compensated by delivering a stellar performance that included 27 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, showcasing her versatility on the court.
Holy Cross, despite their loss, had reasons to hold their heads high as they celebrated their victory in the Patriot League, a testament to their resilience and team spirit throughout the season.
Shifting the focus to USC, they stamped their authority with a robust victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, securing an 87-55 win. McKenzie Forbes and JuJu Watkins emerged as key players, each scoring 23 points, demonstrating the depth of talent within the USC lineup. Notably, this marked USC's first appearance as a No. 1 seed since the year 1986, a historical moment for the team. For Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, their participation in their first NCAA tournament was a milestone, marking the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring journey in college basketball.
Notable Games and Performances
The match between Notre Dame and Kent State saw Notre Dame triumph with a score of 81-67, thanks in large part to Sonia Citron’s remarkable 29-point contribution. This game was particularly poignant for Kent State as it marked their return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002, signalling a resurgence of their program.
In another gripping encounter, UConn secured a win against Jackson State with an 86-64 scoreline, propelled by Paige Bueckers' impressive 28-point performance. Jackson State, entering the tournament on the back of a 21-game winning streak, demonstrated fierce competition but ultimately could not prevail against the might of UConn.
UCLA and California Baptist battled it out, with UCLA coming out on top with an 84-55 victory. Despite the absence of Lauren Betts, UCLA’s performance did not falter, with Charisma Osborne nearly achieving a triple-double, underscoring her crucial role in the team. The match was a landmark for California Baptist as well, commemorating their first NCAA tournament participation since ascending to Division I, marking a significant milestone in their program’s history.
Looking Ahead
The journey to glory continues with Utah claiming a victory over South Dakota State with a score of 68-54, and NC State overcoming Chattanooga with a 64-45 win. NC State’s road ahead pits them against Tennessee, a team that scorched the boards with 92 points in their opening game, setting the stage for what is expected to be a thrilling encounter.
West Virginia also emerged victorious against Princeton with a score of 63-53, a game that saw JJ Quinerly shine with a remarkable 29-point game, eliciting excitement from fans and laying down a marker for the team's ambitions in the tournament.
As we move forward in the tournament, the performances from these teams not only highlight the immense talent pool within women's college basketball but also promise thrilling encounters filled with skill, strategy, and the unyielding spirit of competition. The stage is set for more action-packed games, where every dribble, pass, and basket carries the hopes and dreams of teams vying for the ultimate glory in college basketball.