The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament always delivers excitement and this year's games across the Albany 2 and Portland regions have continued that tradition with impressive performances, notable victories, and historic moments.
In a highlight game, Iowa surged past Holy Cross with a commanding 91-65 victory. Caitlin Clark led Iowa with an outstanding performance, scoring 27 points and adding 10 assists and 8 rebounds. However, it's worth noting that Hannah Stuelke did not participate in the second half for Iowa, leaving spectators curious about the impact of her absence. Despite the loss, Holy Cross celebrated their Patriot League championship, marking a significant achievement for the team.
USC also made headlines by defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi with an 87-55 margin. McKenzie Forbes and JuJu Watkins each tallied 23 points for USC in a game where their dominance was on full display. This victory marked USC's first appearance as a No. 1 seed since 1986, highlighting a momentous occasion for the program. On the other side, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's participation in their first NCAA tournament added a layer of history to the matchup.
Notable Games and Performances
The tournament featured several standout games and individual performances that captured the attention of fans and analysts. Notre Dame secured an 81-67 win against Kent State, thanks to Sonia Citron's impressive 29-point contribution. Kent State's participation marked their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2002, showcasing the team's progress.
Another noteworthy game saw UConn triumph over Jackson State with an 86-64 scoreline. Paige Bueckers shined for UConn, scoring 28 points in a crucial game where Jackson State entered the tournament riding a 21-game winning streak.
UCLA's matchup against California Baptist resulted in an 84-55 victory for UCLA. Charisma Osborne's near triple-double performance stood out, despite Lauren Betts not playing for UCLA. This game was particularly significant for California Baptist, marking their first NCAA tournament appearance since transitioning to Division I.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, several teams have already set their sights on the next round of competition. Utah secured a win against South Dakota State, 68-54, displaying a strong performance that will undoubtedly fuel their confidence going forward. Similarly, NC State achieved a 64-45 victory over Chattanooga and is set to face Tennessee next—a team that scored 92 points in their first-round game, indicating a potentially explosive matchup.
West Virginia rounded out the list of advancing teams by overcoming Princeton with a 63-53 victory. JJ Quinerly's 29-point game for West Virginia highlighted her as a player to watch in future rounds.
The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament continues to be a showcase of skill, determination, and historic moments. With each game, teams and individual players step into the spotlight, creating memorable experiences for fans and setting the stage for future stars of women's basketball. As the tournament moves forward, the anticipation for more thrilling games and standout performances remains high, promising even more excitement in the pursuit of championship glory.
