The inaugural round of the 2024 Women's NCAA tournament unfolded with few surprises as the higher-seeded teams dominated the competition, clinching victories in 31 of the 32 games played. This round was highlighted by standout performances from several players, with 13 athletes scoring at least 25 points, showcasing the remarkable talent present in college basketball today.
One of the standout moments came from Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair, who led the scoring charge with an impressive 32 points. With the second round now firmly set, ESPN provided extensive breakdowns of the outcomes and key highlights from the second day's games.
Highlights from Albany 2 and Portland Regions
In the Albany 2 region, No. 1 seed Iowa triumphed over No. 16 seed Holy Cross 91-65, despite a notable absence. Iowa's Hannah Stuelke, the second-leading scorer, was sidelined in the second half due to a migraine. Nonetheless, Iowa's Caitlin Clark stole the spotlight with 27 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, leading her team to a comfortable victory. Holy Cross ended their season on a high note, celebrating a First Four victory as Patriot League champions.
Over in Portland, the No. 1 seed USC faced No. 16 seed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, securing a commanding 87-55 win. McKenzie Forbes and JuJu Watkins both put up 23 points for USC, marking the first time USC played as a No. 1 seed since 1986. On the opposing side, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi made their inaugural NCAA tournament appearance as Southland Conference champions.
Notable Games and Performances
Notre Dame, the No. 2 seed in Region 1 in Albany, secured a victory against No. 15 seed Kent State, 81-67. Sonia Citron emerged as the leading scorer for Notre Dame with 29 points, driving the Irish to success. Kent State made a noteworthy appearance, marking their first NCAA tournament since 2002.
In another exciting matchup, No. 3 seed UConn showcased their dominance with an 86-64 win against No. 14 seed Jackson State in Region 3 in Portland. UConn's Paige Bueckers returned to the NCAA tournament in grand style, scoring 28 points in her first game since April 2022. Despite the loss, Jackson State celebrated a 21-game winning streak leading up to the tournament.
Region 2 in Albany witnessed UCLA's victory over California Baptist, 84-55, despite Lauren Betts sitting out due to a foot injury. Charisma Osborne nearly secured a triple-double for UCLA, guiding her team to success in California Baptist's first NCAA tournament since transitioning to Division I.
Looking Ahead
The Utah vs. South Dakota State game in Region 4 in Portland ended 68-54 in favor of Utah, demonstrating the competitive spirit and high level of play characteristic of the tournament. Meanwhile, NC State struggled offensively but managed to secure a win against Chattanooga, 64-45. NC State's performance sets up an intriguing next-round matchup against Tennessee, which scored a resounding 92 points in their first-round game.
West Virginia managed a 63-53 win against Princeton in Region 2 in Albany, thanks to JJ Quinerly's impressive 29-point performance. As the teams advance to the next round, strategies will evolve and performances will intensify as the stakes get higher.
The tournament's progression highlights not only the talent and dedication of these young athletes but also the dynamic nature of college basketball. As teams continue to battle it out, fans can look forward to more outstanding performances and memorable moments in the rounds ahead.
