The ladies’s NCAA Event obtained underway Friday with 16 video games. High seeds South Carolina and Texas gained their video games this afternoon. Different notable matchups at this time: Angel Reese and LSU opened their March Insanity slate at residence with a win over Rice, and Cameron Brink and Stanford gained within the late sport.
Here is how the Girls’s March Insanity motion from Friday went down:
MORE:Males’s March Insanity Friday recap
March Insanity girls’s bracket
You’ll find the entire girls’s March Insanity bracket right here.
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NCAA girls’s event scores
Right here’s the complete scoreboard for all the girls’s March Insanity first-round video games Friday.
Defending champion LSU doesn’t seem like repeat materials
The third-seeded Tigers needed to hold on for pricey life of their 70-60 win towards Rice, a group so unassuming it was seeded tenth within the American Athletic Convention event.
“It was an unsightly basketball sport. It’s OK, you gained’t harm our emotions,” LSU coach Kim Mulkey mentioned.
It’s unattainable to sugarcoat this one. LSU had extra turnovers, a season-high 24, than it did subject targets (21). And many of the miscues had been self-inflicted. The Tigers had been outscored within the paint 24-20. Angel Reese, the Most Excellent Participant of final 12 months’s title sport, was held to a season-low 10 factors and one subject objective, although she did have 19 rebounds.
About the one good factor you could possibly say is that LSU did win. Which, Mulkey famous, is the only goal right now of 12 months. — Nancy Armour
Nebraska outlasts Texas A&M in wild end to cap off Friday
CORVALLIS, Ore.— Why is it at all times the final video games of the day that go the craziest?
After trailing most the night time and lacking quite a few alternatives to take the lead, Eleventh-seeded Texas A&M lastly evened the rating towards Nebraska, 56-56, on two free throws — with 1:38 to play.
The ultimate 98 seconds had been as frenzied as you’ll be able to think about.
First Nebraska responded with a rushed shot, which air balled. However the Aggies gave it proper again after they had been known as for an offensive foul, and it remained 56-56 with 1:01 to play. Then, Nebraska’s Alexis Markowski obtained a seal inside and scored the go-ahead layup.
TAMU wasn’t performed. After Endyia Rogers missed a 3, Aicha Coulibaly flew in and tipped within the miss, drawing a foul on the play. She went to the road with 17.7 to play and made it, giving the Aggies a 59-58 lead. On the different finish, TAMU was whistled for an off-ball foul, placing Nebraska on the road for 2. The Huskers nailed each to take a 60-59 lead with 14.6 to play.
Then the Aggies known as a trip and superior the ball earlier than driving for a layup. However Janiah Barker misplaced her footing on the best way to the basket, and the ball. Nebraska grabbed it and known as a timeout with 3.1 seconds left, earlier than Jaz Shelley hit one in every of two on the line for a 61-59 win with 1.4 to play. Rogers’ game-winning 3 try missed badly.
Nebraska advances to play Oregon State on Sunday.
Why is it at all times the final video games of the day that go the craziest?
After trailing most the night time and lacking quite a few alternatives to take the lead, Eleventh-seeded Texas A&M lastly evened the rating towards Nebraska, 56-56, on two free throws — with 1:38 to play.
The ultimate 98 seconds had been as frenzied as you’ll be able to think about.
First Nebraska responded with a rushed shot, which air balled. However the Aggies gave it proper again after they had been known as for an offensive foul, and it remained 56-56 with 1:01 to play. Then, Nebraska’s Alexis Markowski obtained a seal inside and scored the go-ahead layup.
TAMU wasn’t performed. After Endyia Rogers missed a 3, Aicha Coulibaly flew in and tipped within the miss, drawing a foul on the play. She went to the road with 17.7 to play and made it, giving the Aggies a 59-58 lead. On the different finish, TAMU was whistled for a foul, placing Nebraska on the road for 2. The Huskers nailed each to take a 60-59 lead with 14.6 to play.
Then the Aggies known as a trip and superior the ball earlier than driving for a layup. However Janiah Barker misplaced her footing on the best way to the basket, and the ball. Nebraska grabbed it and known as a timeout with 3.1 seconds left, earlier than Jaz Shelley hit one in every of two on the line for a 61-59 win with 1.4 to play. Rogers’ game-winning 3 try missed badly.
Cornhuskers coach Amy Williams celebrated her birthday with the win on Friday.
Nebraska advances to play Oregon State on Sunday.
— Lindsay Schnell
Who does Stanford play subsequent? Audi Crooks and Iowa State
It’s going to be a battle of the bigs when Stanford and Iowa State play Sunday.
The second-seeded Cardinal simply dispatched Fifteenth-seeded Norfolk State on Friday night time, 79-50. Norfolk State was in a position to keep shut via the primary quarter, however couldn’t include Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen over the past three quarters.
Stanford’s bigs mixed for 34 factors, 24 rebounds and 6 assists. That’s nonetheless fewer than the 40 that Audi Crooks dropped on Maryland because the Cyclones stormed again from a 20-point deficit. The 40-point sport was simply shy of Tonya Burns’ single-game file of 42 for Iowa State.
Crooks, a freshman, additionally had 12 rebounds.
Stanford was led by Elena Bosgana, who had 18 factors. Brink and Iriafen had 17 every, which Brink including 15 rebounds for her twentieth double-double of the season and Iriafen flattening 9 boards. Hannah Soar had 13 factors to go along with her 4 assists.
Diamond Johnson led Norfolk State with 19 factors and in addition had seven rebounds. Kierra Wheeler was the Spartans’ solely different participant in double figures, including 17 factors and eight boards. — Nancy Armour
Nebraska enters fourth quarter up on Texas A&M
Simply while you suppose this sport would possibly get attention-grabbing … TAMU has pressured turnovers and had loads of alternatives, however the Aggies’ incapability to capitalize on these alternatives is why they’re trailing Nebraska 48-38 heading into the fourth quarter. TAMU is taking pictures 14-of-45 from the sphere. Yikes.In the meantime, Nebraska hit 4 3s within the third to create some separation. — Lindsay Schnell
Diamond Johnson hits wild shot for Norfolk State vs. Stanford
Norfolk State won’t get the win, however the Spartans will at all times have Diamond Johnson’s circus shot.
Late within the third quarter, Johnson obtained Cameron Brink to chunk on a faux, then drove the baseline. However she was off-balance and was virtually falling out of bounds as she put up a floater. Irrespective of. The shot with 1:47 left within the third, was good and even Brink may solely smile.
It was, let’s be sincere, the lone spotlight within the quarter for Fifteenth-seeded Norfolk State, which trails 58-37 going into the fourth quarter. The Spartans are taking pictures 36%, led by Johnson’s 15 factors and 12 from Kierra Wheeler. But it surely’s no match for second-seeded Stanford, which has 4 gamers in double figures, together with a double-double by Cameron Brink (13 factors, 11 rebounds) and a close to one by Kiki Iriafen (17 factors, eight rebounds.) — Nancy Armour
No. 6 Nebraska leads Texas A&M at halftime
A protracted drought for A&M halfway via the second quarter — the Aggies hit simply 1-of-11 subject targets in a stretch — helped Nebraska construct a 27-20 lead at halftime. Every group’s main scorer has eight factors: Janiah Barker for the Aggies, and Logan Nissley for the Huskers. The winner of this advances to play Oregon State on its residence ground Sunday.
Additionally how’s this for bizarre: Texas A&M has hit 4 3s, and Nebraska has simply two.
Cameron Brinks main Stanford vs. Norfolk State
Cameron Brink is doing Cameron Brink issues
With not even two minutes gone within the third quarter, the All-American has a bucket and a board, giving her a double-double for the sport with 10 factors and 10 rebounds. That’s helped Stanford open a 19-point lead, 40-21, on Norfolk State, its largest of the sport.
It’s Brink’s twentieth double-double of the season, tying her for sixth-most within the NCAA this season
Stanford pulling away from Norfolk State on the half
Kiki Iriafen had 10 factors within the second quarter as Stanford pulled away from Norfolk State to take a 32-19 lead at halftime.
The Spartans had been just a little too near consolation for the second-seeded Cardinal, trailing by simply three on the finish of the primary quarter after Diamond Johnson’s driving layup. However Iriafen was unstoppable within the second quarter, going 4 of six from the ground, together with a layup simply earlier than the halftime buzzer. She additionally had three rebounds.
Norfolk State continues to be hustling, however it may possibly’t compete when it’s taking pictures 29% whereas Stanford is hitting virtually 45% of its photographs. — Nancy Armour
Nebraska vs. Texas A&M: Each groups have a former Duck
CORVALLIS, Ore. — One thing attention-grabbing that sixth-seeded Nebraska and Eleventh-seeded Texas A&M have in frequent: Each have a former Oregon participant on their roster.
Endyia Rogers, a 5-foot-7 guard initially from Dallas, is taking part in for the Aggies this 12 months as a grad scholar after spending two season at Oregon (and earlier than that, two seasons at USC). A 3-time All-Pac-12 choice, Rogers averages 12.5 factors, 4.0 rebounds and three.9 assists for A&M.
At Nebraska, senior guard Jaz Shelley, an Australia native, transferred to Lincoln after two years with Oregon. Shelley averages 13.7 factors and 5.6 assists for the Huskers. There’s an argument to be made that one in every of these former Geese is the important thing to her group advancing to the second spherical.
On the finish of the primary, Nebraska leads 14-12. Nebraska, which usually shoots greater than 25 3s a sport — twenty first most in Division I — is 0-for-4 from long-distance up to now.
— Lindsay Schnell
No. 2 Stanford comes out sizzling after robust first quarter
Effectively, Norfolk State appears to now have Stanford’s full consideration. The Cardinal have opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run that prompted the Spartans to name a timeout after simply over 2 ½ minutes had been performed. Stanford now leads, 24-12, with Kiki Iriafen now as much as 9 factors and Cameron Brink and Hannah Soar including six every. — Steve Berkowitz
Nebraska vs. Texas A&M redux!
Here is a fast have a look at the upcoming final sport of the day: Nebraska vs. Texas A&M.
If that sounds acquainted, it ought to. Earlier tonight within the NCAA males’s event, Nebraska additionally met Texas A&M, with the Aggies successful 98-83 after scoring 58 factors within the first half. Including additional intrigue to those matchups, on March 13, Texas A&M introduced that it had employed Trev Alberts away from Nebraska to turn out to be its new athletics director. — Steve Berkowitz
Stanford vs. Norfolk State: No. 2 Cardinal not cruising
n a little bit of an early shock, Fifteenth-seeded Norfolk State is giving Stanford a tricky time via one quarter at Stanford. The Cardinal lead, 15-12, However they dedicated six turnovers through the quarter, letting the Spartans keep shut regardless of being out-shot and out-rebounded through the quarter. Whereas Stanford’s main scorer this season, ahead Kiki Iriafen scored 5 factors within the quarter, she additionally had three turnovers. — Steve Berkowitz
Oregon State vs. Japanese Washington last: Beavers win, 73-51
CORVALLIS, Oregon — Oregon State sophomore Raegan Beers scored 19 factors and grabbed 9 rebounds in simply three quarters of play, whereas Dominika Paurova (17) and Timea Gardiner (12) additionally scored in double figures. Beers went down with a rolled ankle on the finish of the third quarter and didn’t return, however mentioned after the sport that she “simply stepped incorrect” and will probably be prepared for Sunday.
Oregon State shot 55% from the sphere and held EWU to simply 30%. The Beavers additionally dominated the boards, 45-26.
Japanese Washington’s Jamie Loera led all scorers with 21 factors, nevertheless it took her 23 photographs to get there.
Iowa State completes historic comeback vs. Maryland behind freshman’s 40-point efficiency
Earlier Friday, No. 11 Center Tennessee accomplished an 18-point comeback to upset No. 6 Louisville and tie for the third-largest comeback in NCAA girls’s event historical past.
Iowa State took it even additional. The No. 7 Cyclones erased a 20-point deficit within the second quarter to defeat No. 10 Maryland, 93-86. The comeback win is the second largest in girls’s March Insanity historical past.
Iowa State freshman Audi Crooks led the cost with a career-high 40 factors and 12 rebounds (18-of-20 FG, 4-of-8 FT) in her first March Insanity event, essentially the most scored in a debut. Senior Emily Ryan had a double-double of her personal (18 factors, 14 assists).
“Coach (Invoice Fennelly) simply mentioned if that is the way you wish to exit, it’s as much as you,” Crooks mentioned afterwards about Fennelly’s halftime speech. “We knew proper then and there we wished to show it round.”
Maryland junior Allie Kubek led the Terrapins with a career-high 29 factors off the bench and was practically good, taking pictures 10-of-12 from the sphere, 7-of-8 from three and 2-of-2 from the free throw line, nevertheless it was not sufficient. Junior Shyanne Sellers racked up 19 factors and 7 rebounds, however was restricted within the sport as a consequence of foul hassle (4).
Oregon State star Raegan Beers harm
CORVALLIS, Oregon — Oregon State is rolling, up 56-39 on Japanese Washington on the finish of the third quarter, however there’s hassle afoot: the Beavers All-America put up Raegan Beers went down awkwardly on the finish of the interval clutching her proper ankle, in apparent ache. After a pair minutes she managed to stroll off the ground with out assist, nevertheless it’s unknown if she’ll be capable to return within the fourth. Beers has 19 factors and 9 rebounds up to now tonight. – Lindsay Schnell
Opinion: If LSU performs like this, the Tigers will probably be toast, not a title group
LSU positive doesn’t seem like championship materials.
The third-seeded Tigers needed to hold on for pricey life of their 70-60 win towards Rice, a group so unassuming it was seeded tenth within the American Athletic Convention event. Don’t be fooled by the ultimate rating. This sport was so much nearer than that, and the Tigers gained’t be lengthy for the NCAA Event until they get issues cleaned up fast.
It’s unattainable to sugarcoat this one. LSU had extra turnovers, a season-high 24, than it did subject targets (21). And many of the miscues had been self-inflicted. The Tigers had been outscored within the paint 24-20. Angel Reese, the Most Excellent Participant of final 12 months’s title sport, was held to a season-low 10 factors and one subject objective, although she did have 19 rebounds.
About the one good factor you could possibly say is that LSU did win. Which, Mulkey famous, is the only goal right now of 12 months. “I’m going to attempt to preserve my composure as a coach, don’t blow it out of proportion,” Mulkey mentioned in her post-game interview on ESPN. “All of us have unhealthy video games. … Perhaps they obtained it out of their system.”
Or possibly they merely don’t have what it takes this 12 months. Learn Nancy Armour’s column right here.
No. 5 Colorado rolls over No. 12 Drake, 86-72
Each groups shot above 50% and had the very same variety of turnovers (19). The most important distinction was Colorado’s whole domination on the glass. The Buffaloes outrebounded the Bulldogs 39-18, getting loads of further possessions with 15 offensive boards.
Heart Aaronette Vonleh led Colorado on the glass and scoreboard with 18 factors and 10 rebounds. Drake’s Katie Dinnebier led all scorers with 24 factors.
Colorado will sq. off with No. 4 Kansas State on Sunday in a second-round matchup.
Iowa State makes double-digit comeback to tie it up towards Maryland
No. 7 Iowa State was trailing by double digits at halftime, however the Cyclones outscored the No. 10 Terrapins 30-14 within the third quarter to tie it up at 66. Iowa State trailed by as many as 20 factors earlier than storming again. If the Cyclones are in a position to win, it is going to mark one of many largest comebacks in NCAA girls’s event historical past.
Junior Allie Kubek leads the Terrapins with 24 factors off the bench (6-of-7 from three), whereas Iowa State freshman Audi Crooks is nearing a double-double (29 factors, 9 rebounds).
Birthday blowout for Oregon State’s Dominika Paurova?
CORVALLIS, Oregon — Have a birthday, Dominika Paurova.
The 6-foot-1 freshman guard from Czech Republic is celebrating twice Friday: It’s her nineteenth birthday, and her mother and father are watching her in individual for the primary time in school. Clearly, each of these items have given her a carry, as a result of she’s obtained 13 factors in 14 minutes off the bench for the third-seeded Beavers, who’re up 39-27 towards Japanese Washington at halftime. Paurova additionally has three assists. Raegan Beers, Oregon State’s All-American within the paint, leads all scorers with 18 factors. – Lindsay Schnell
Maryland vs. Iowa State halftime: Terrapins up, 52-36
No. 10 Maryland has a 16-point lead over No. 7 Iowa State heading into halftime, because of Terrapins junior Allie Kubek’s 3-point efficiency. She has not missed a shot but! Kubek, who has 19 factors, knocked down 5 3-pointers and is 6-of-6 from the sphere.
Maryland is with no key piece of their offense. Lavender Briggs, who suffered a season-ending knee damage final month, averaged 8.7 factors and 5.0 rebounds.
Japanese Washington searching for upset towards Oregon State
CORVALLIS, Oregon — Don’t be fooled by what you see on TV, which is empty chairs behind the guests bench and empty bleachers throughout from the house bench. These areas are reserved for Texas A&M and Nebraska followers. Gill Coliseum is full to the rafters tonight, as Beavers followers pack the fitness center to look at No. 3 seed Oregon State tackle 14th-seeded Japanese Washington.
On the finish of the primary, EWU leads 18-15. The Eagles have already scored 10 factors off eight Oregon State turnovers. EWU guard Jamie Loera leads all scorers with 11 factors on 5-of-9 taking pictures.
This totally has the texture of a postseason sport — the depth and physicality has been turned as much as 11.
One cool factor about this 12 months’s model of the NCAA Event is that it options a couple of groups that nobody thought would get so far. Oregon State, picked to complete tenth within the Pac-12, is in that group (so is Rice, which gave LSU all it may deal with earlier Friday, and Southern Cal, which earned one of many high seeds within the Portland area and suggestions Saturday). — Lindsay Schnell
Colorado vs. Drake halftime: Buffaloes up 5
The No. 5 Buffaloes are heading into halftime with a 46-41 lead. Colorado led by as many as 12 within the second quarter earlier than Drake closed the primary half on a 17-10 run.
Colorado junior Aaronette Vonleh virtually has a double-double with 14 factors and 7 rebounds, whereas senior Maddie Nolan added eight factors.
Bulldogs junior Katie Dinnebier has a game-high 18 factors. Drake has 11 turnovers, which Colorado has transformed into 17 factors.
Alabama vs. Florida State last: Crimson Tide rolls Seminoles regardless of star fouling out
Issues had been all tied up at halftime, however No. 8 Alabama outscored No. 9 Florida State 23-11 within the third quarter. The Seminoles’ O’Mariah Gordon knocked down a 3 to drag inside two, 74-72, with 2:20 left, however Alabama closed the sport on an 8-2 run to win, 82-74.
The Crimson Tide had been with out senior Sarah Ashlee Barker a lot of the sport as a consequence of foul hassle. (She fouled out with Alabama main 70-65 with 4:42 remaining.) Freshman Essence Cody had a double-double, scoring a career-high 20 factors and 14 rebounds. Senior Aaliyah Nye and sophomore Karly Weathers added 18 factors every.
Florida State sophomore Ta’Niya Latson had 25 factors and 5 assists, whereas junior Makayla Timpson had 14 factors, 4 rebounds and two blocks.
Alabama strikes on to face No. 1 Texas.
Kansas State vs. Portland last: Wildcats win by 13
No. 4 Kansas State cruised to a 78-65 victory over No. 13 Portland behind a 22-point efficiency from senior Gabby Gregory and a close to double-double from senior Ayoka Lee (21 factors, 9 rebounds).
The Wildcats led by as many as 20 earlier than the Pilots reduce the result in 9 with 3:25 remaining. However two key threes from Gregory and Zyanna Walker iced the sport for Kansas State. Portland junior Maisie Burnham completed with a team-high 21 factors and eight rebounds.
Kansas State strikes on to face the winner of No. 5 Colorado vs. No. 12 Drake.
Duke vs. Richmond last: Duke 72, Richmond 61
Reigan Richardson’s 25 factors helped propel No. 7 Duke previous a balanced assault from No. 11 Richmond, 72-61.
The Spiders saved the stress on the Blue Devils, main 26-23 after the primary quarter and 37-28 at halftime. Richardson’s 3-pointer at 4:47 of the third quarter gave Duke the lead for good at 42-21.
Ashlon Jackson added 14 for Duke and Kennedy Brown had 10. Grace Townsend powered the Spiders with 18 factors; Addie Budnik had 17; and Maggie Doogan chipped in 15.
Duke strikes on to play No. 2 Ohio State on Sunday.
Alabama vs. Florida State halftime: Tied at 40
It’s even in Austin. Alabama and Florida State are tied at 40 at halftime.
Crimson Tide senior Sarah Ashlee Barker was held to 4 first-half factors as a consequence of foul hassle. She picked up two fouls within the first quarter and sat the whole second quarter. Senior Aaliyah Nye led Alabama with 11 factors and three rebounds. The Crimson Tide are taking pictures 53.3% from the sphere and 5-of-10 from three.
Florida State junior Makayla Timpson has a game-high 14 factors, 4 rebounds and two blocks. Sophomore Ta’Niya Latson added 10 factors. The Seminoles are taking pictures 47.2% from the sphere and are 4-of-5 from three.
Alabama wants to guard the ball higher within the second half after surrendering 11 first-half turnovers, in comparison with Florida State’s three.
LSU vs. Rice last: LSU 70, Rice 60
Effectively that wasn’t precisely the blowout most anticipated.
4 LSU gamers scored in double figures, led by 15 from Aneesah Morrow, and the defending champion Tigers needed to play their starters virtually the whole sport, as 14th-seeded Rice pushed LSU to the brink earlier than falling 70-60 in Baton Rouge. Morrow additionally snagged seven rebounds.
The Tigers shot 22-of-31 from the free throw line to drag away late. LSU dominated the glass, outrebounding Rice 42-29; Angel Reese had 19 boards. LSU was sloppy with the ball although, turning it over 24 occasions, which led to 16 factors for the Owls. Suffice it to say if LSU goes to win its second consecutive title, which no group has performed since 2016, the Tigers should play a lot, significantly better.
Future Jackson led Rice with 15. Sophomore Flau’jae Johnson and freshman Mikaylah Williams each chipped in 14 apiece for LSU.
LSU advances to play Eleventh-seeded Center Tennessee, which upset sixth-seeded Louisville earlier Friday.
Virginia Tech vs. Marshall last: Hokies dominate, 92-49
No Elizabeth Kitley, no downside for Virginia Tech … but. The No. 4 Hokies routed No. 13 Marshall, 92-49.
Virginia Tech, which led by as many as 47 factors, shot 53.8% from the sphere and 10-of-23 from the road. Senior Georgia Amoore was held to 9 factors as a consequence of foul hassle, however junior Matilda Ekh exploded for 21 factors and three rebounds. Heart Clara Strack added 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks, whereas senior Olivia Summiel had a game-high 14 rebounds.
Marshall senior Abby Beeman, who completed with 12 factors and 5 rebounds, was the one Thundering Herd participant in double digits. The group shot 24.4% from the sphere and 6-of-41 from the three-point line.
Virginia Tech will face the winner of No. 5 Baylor vs. No. 12 Vanderbilt.
Upset alert: LSU pulling away from Rice after third quarter
While you’re making an attempt to drag away, it helps to hit six of your final eight photographs.
That’s precisely what LSU did late within the third quarter, which helped the Tigers to a 53-42 benefit. Additionally useful: Angel Reese, the defending Most Excellent Participant, recording her thirteenth straight double-double (10 factors, 18 rebounds). They ended the interval on a 13-4 run.
One other main stat in LSU’s favor: The Tigers have shot 23 free throws, connecting on 16 (70%). In the meantime, Rice hasn’t been to the foul line as soon as.
Let’s be clear about one thing: Rice actually has no enterprise being right here. Or so the naysayers thought.
The tenth (tenth!) seed within the American Athletic Convention event, Rice earned an automated bid when it beat ninth-seeded East Carolina within the title sport. On condition that seeding and a shock championship, nobody would have been shocked if the Owls had walked into the house of the defending champs and been so wide-eyed, LSU blew them out from the bounce.
However Rice clearly has different plans.
The Owls held LSU with no subject objective within the final 3:45 of the primary half, and hit a pair key photographs to drag inside three, 30-27, at halftime. LSU guard Aneesah Morrow, the tremendous switch from DePaul, leads all scorers with 10 factors. Morrow additionally has three rebounds.
In the meantime, Emily Klaczek has 9 factors for Rice, all on 3s.
The Owls have pressured the Tigers into 13 turnovers, and scored 11 factors off these turnovers. How lengthy can Rice preserve this up?
Texas vs. Drexel last: Longhorns blow out Dragons, 82-42
No. 16 seed Drexel was no match for No. 1 seed Texas, which dominated the Dragons in an 82-42 wire-to-wire victory the place the Longhorns led by as many as 45 factors.
Senior Shaylee Gonzales had a game-high 21 factors, three steals and two assists, whereas senior Taylor Jones added 18 factors, two rebounds and one help. Freshman Madison Booker was near a double-double with eight factors and 14 assists.
Drexel junior Amaris Baker was the one Dragon in double digits with 10 factors and one help.
The Longhorns outscored the Dragons 44-16 within the paint. Texas shot 43.7% from the sphere and 5-of-10 from three, whereas Drexel shot 35.3% from the sphere and 3-of-14 from three. The Dragons had 21 turnovers and solely transformed 3-of-6 free throws, in comparison with Texas going 15-of-21 from the road.
Texas will face the winner of No. 8 Alabama and No. 9 Florida State.
Thundering Herd bitten by foul hassle
It’s been a tough day for the Marshall Thundering Herd — and it’s nonetheless early within the third quarter.
Other than the truth that Marshall, recognized for taking pictures a ton of 3s, isn’t hitting from outdoors at this time (the Herd is taking pictures simply 14% at 3-of-22), guard Ashley Tudor fouled out with 6:34 to play within the third. It’s tough while you’ve recorded extra fouls (5) than minutes (4). She went 0-for-1 from the sphere.
The junior guard doesn’t contribute a lot, averaging simply 2.5 factors and a pair of.2 rebounds, however shedding a recent physique is a giant blow, particularly while you want contributions from everybody to get again on this sport. Virginia Tech leads Marshall 60-31 with 5:40 to play within the third.
Caitlin Clark on her last event: ‘You have to benefit from the moments’
As Caitlin Clark prepares for her final March Insanity, she sounds relaxed and comfy with the place she and her group are located. Clark and the No. 1 seed Hawkeyes open towards Holy Cross on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.
Clark, who will graduate this spring, is making an attempt to maintain perspective.
“You’ll be able to’t be too nervous about when it is going to finish or how it is going to finish,” Clark mentioned. “You’ve got simply obtained to benefit from the moments … and do not allow them to go you by.”
The all-time main scorer in Division I, she declared for the WNBA draft final month and is anticipated to go No. 1 to the Indiana Fever.
“It’s actually gone actually quick, and clearly this final 12 months has been actually loopy. … simply attending to get pleasure from these previous couple of months of basketball with my finest pals has been actually enjoyable.”
MORE:See which movie star NCAA brackets have Hawkeyes successful
So what are the probabilities Iowa makes it again to the championship sport?
“I’ve 4 different folks on the court docket with me on the identical time, and I can depend on them. I will want them if we wish to attain our targets in March. It will possibly’t simply be me.”
Largest comebacks in girls’s March Insanity historical past
The place does MTSU’s comeback rank in girls’s NCAA Event historical past? The highest of the checklist of largest comebacks in girls’s NCAA Event historical past, based on ESPN.
- 1. 2017 first spherical: (5) Texas A&M 63, (12) Penn 61 (21 factors)
- 2. 2010 first spherical: (4) Oklahoma State 70, (13) Chattanooga 63
- T3. 2024 first spherical: (11) Center Tennessee 71, (6) Louisville 69
- T3. 2023 first spherical: (7) Baylor 78, (10) Alabama 74
- T3. 2021 second spherical: (2) Louisville 62, (7) Northwestern 53
- T3. 2011 Candy 16: (2) Maryland 81, (3) Texas A&M 74
– Every day (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) Information Journal
Louisville senior Merissah Russell apologizes for loss, vows comeback
The flip aspect to all of the enjoyable of March Insanity is heartbreak, and it was on full show in Louisville’s postgame information convention.
Senior Merissah Russell broke down in tears as she apologized to the teaching workers and followers for the Cardinals’ 71-69 upset loss to Eleventh-seeded Center Tennessee State. It’s Louisville’s first loss within the first spherical since 2006 and the primary below head coach Jeff Walz.
“This hurts,” Russell mentioned, starting to cry. “We all know the tradition right here, we all know the requirements right here and this isn’t it. … It’s not who we’re.
“I really feel like a failure,” she added as Walz reached over and rubbed her again to attempt to consolation her.
Louisville led by 18 within the first half. However the Cardinals have struggled to place video games away all season and this was no totally different. They had been outscored 15-10 within the second quarter and doubled up – 24-12 – within the third.
They nonetheless had an opportunity to win, however Russell’s last-second 3-pointer clanged off the rim.
Although Walz mentioned after the sport he takes accountability for the loss, Russell wasn’t having it. Nor does she wish to hear criticism of him.
“We’re coming again due to him,” Russell mentioned. “We’re going to go additional within the event subsequent 12 months due to him.”
Virginia Tech vs. Marshall halftime: Hokies lead 42-25
No. 4 seed Virginia Tech opened its first-round matchup towards No. 13 Marshall on a 13-0 run. The Thundering Herd reduce the result in single digits earlier than the Hokies went on a 10-0 run to shut the half. Virginia Tech leads by 17 at halftime.
The Hokies have dominated the Thundering Herd within the paint, outscoring them 16-8. Marshall has resorted to taking pictures from past the arc, however solely knocked down 3-of-19 threes within the first half.
Virginia Tech middle Clara Strack has a team-high 14 factors, two rebounds and two blocks, whereas senior Cayla King added seven factors, three rebounds and two steals. Senior Georgia Amoore, who discovered herself in early foul hassle and sat the whole second quarter, was held to 4 factors.
Marshall senior Mahogany Matthew scored seven factors, and had one block and one steal. Sophomore Meredith Maier has six factors and two rebounds. No Thundering Herd participant is in double digits. They’re taking pictures 27% from the sphere, whereas Virginia Tech is taking pictures 59.1% from the sphere and 4-of-9 from three.
The Hokies are with out middle Elizabeth Kitley, a three-time ACC participant of the 12 months, the whole event after she suffered a knee damage within the regular-season finale at Virginia.
Who will Center Tennessee play subsequent after Louisville upset?
After making one of many largest comebacks in NCAA girls’s event historical past with its upset of Louisville, the No. 11 seed MTSU Blue Raiders will face the winner of No. 3 LSU vs. No. 14 Rice within the second spherical of the Albany 2 area bracket. LSU is the defending NCAA champion.
Center Tennessee vs. Louisville last: Blue Raiders upset Cardinals, 71-69
No. 11 seed Center Tennessee accomplished a double-digit comeback to upset No. 6 seed Louisville on Friday, tying the third-largest comeback in girls’s event historical past.
It got here all the way down to the ultimate seconds. Louisville’s Sydney Taylor hit a three-point shot with 4 seconds remaining to chop MTSU’s result in 71-69. Blue Raiders Ta’Mia Scott missed each free throws that may have iced the sport and the Blue Raiders rebounded the ball with 3 seconds left. Cardinals’ Merissah Russell heaved up a half-court shot that narrowly missed, hitting the backboard and the rim as time expired.
The Blue Raiders trailed by as many as 18 factors within the first half earlier than outscoring the Cardinals 44-31 within the second half.
MTSU senior Savannah Wheeler had 22 factors — 20 within the second half — two rebounds and two steals. Senior Jalynn Gregory had a game-high 24 factors, 4 assists and three rebounds. Center Tennessee shot 39.2% from the sphere and 8-for-23 from three.
The win marks the Blue Raiders’ first within the event since 2007. It additionally marks the primary March Insanity first-round loss suffered by Louisville head coach Jeff Walz, who entered Friday’s matchup 14-0 in opening-round video games.
Cardinals ahead Olivia Cochran had a double-double with 17 factors and 10 rebounds, whereas Nina Rickards had 12 factors and 5 rebounds. The group shot 39.7% from the sphere and 6-of-19 from three.
Louisville is the one group within the nation to have performed in every of the previous 5 Elite Eights. The Cardinals have superior to the spherical of 16 in six consecutive seasons and the spherical of eight in every of the previous 5 seasons.
Upset watch: Louisville in hassle
Louisville trails Center Tennessee State 64-60 with a minute left to play. Louisville entered the day 14-0 in NCAA event first-round video games below coach Jeff Walz. The Cardinals have superior to the spherical of 16 in six consecutive seasons and is the one group within the nation to have performed in every of the previous 5 Elite Eights.
However Louisville skidded into the NCAA event. It misplaced six of its final 11 video games, and barely obtained by Boston School within the quarterfinals of the ACC event. After that sport, coach Jeff Walz joked he was going to go to a bar earlier than getting again to work. “Hopefully it is going to make this sport look so much higher once I watch it on movie, blurry probably,” he mentioned.
The Cardinals misplaced to Notre Dame the next day, committing 20 turnovers for a second consecutive sport. “We have to care. The ball has to matter. Each possession issues,” Walz mentioned after that sport. “We’ll work for every week and a half on simply grinding that in and instilling that into them.”
Upset watch: Center Tennessee takes lead from Louisville
Center Tennessee State now has all the momentum — and a lead towards Louisville. Once more, the Cardinals led this sport 38-20.
Eleventh-seeded Center Tennessee State will take a 51-50 result in the fourth quarter towards No. 6 seed Louisville, which is having all types of fouling issues. Within the third quarter, the Blue Raiders made 5 of seven subject targets (4 of 4 three-pointers) and 10 of a whopping 13 free throw makes an attempt. And MTSU’s high participant, guard Savannah Wheeler, who has simply two factors within the first half, now has 16 factors.
Upset watch: Richmond leads Duke
No. 10 seed Richmond leads No. 7 Duke, 26-23, on the finish of the primary quarter. The Spiders shot the ball at a shocking similar clip: 5 for 7 from three level vary, 5 for 7 from two-point vary. That is 71.4% and a very totally different deal from what occurred when groups met earlier this season. After one quarter of that sport, Duke led 18-9; it went on to win 83-53.
South Carolina star Te-Hina Paopao cheered on by father
Te-Hina Paopao had some very particular followers in attendance for South Carolina’s first-round sport.
Her father, Paul, was watching her play in individual for the primary time since she transferred to South Carolina. Her mother and father don’t prefer to journey, and their residence is obvious throughout the nation in Oceanside, California.
Household is huge for Paopao, and ESPN confirmed a clip of her emotional reunion along with her father forward of the sport. Additionally making the journey was her lovable niece, who can also be named Te-Hina. – Nancy Armour
Louisville lead slips away
Center Tennessee State, which trailed Louisville by 38-20 with 4 minutes left within the second quarter however closed the primary half on a 7-0 run, has continued to shut on the Cardinals early within the third quarter.
Louisville’s lead is all the way down to 44-40 with 4 minutes left within the third quarter. MTSU has made 3 of three three-pointers within the third quarter. – Steve Berkowitz
South Carolina steamrolls Presbyterian, 91-39
COLUMBIA, S.C. − Sophomore ahead Chloe Kitts tied a profession excessive with 21 factors and went 9-for-9 from the sphere, main South Carolina girls’s basketball to a straightforward 91-39 opening win over Presbyterian at Colonial Life Area.
Regardless of lacking senior middle Kamilla Cardoso and junior guard Bree Corridor, the shorthanded No. 1 Gamecocks (33-0) dispatched the No. 16 Blue Hose (21-15).
Corridor didn’t play for precautionary causes, based on the varsity. Cardoso was serving a one-game suspension for her function in a struggle towards LSU within the SEC Event championship.
Freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 17 factors and made a career-high 5 3-pointers to assist the Gamecocks. Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 and made 4 3-pointers. – The Greenville Information
Seinfeld creator Larry David not March Insanity fan, however he is aware of Caitlin Clark
Larry David, who co-created Seinfeld and whose present “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” highlights his cringe-worthy antics, isn’t a fan of March Insanity. Throughout an interview with Wealthy Eisen on Thursday, David mentioned he had sufficient groups to trace – he’s a fan of New York’s Knicks and Rangers.
“That is insane, I do not know something!” David mentioned on a current look on “The Wealthy Eisen Present” when requested if he fills out a bracket.
“How a lot can I comply with sports activities? I’m speculated to know who’s on Drake? It’s loopy! … I am unable to comply with all these groups, how do folks do it?” David asks incredulously. “I am unable to title one school participant. Not one. I am unable to offer you one title!”
To which Eisen responded, “Effectively, I am positive you have seen Caitlin Clark.” David mentioned, “Sure! That is the one one. She’s the one one.” – Heather Tucker
South Carolina dominates, as reserves rating 19 factors
Once more, all issues are relative for those who’re a No. 16 seed making an attempt to take care of taking part in No. 1 seed and undefeated South Carolina on its residence ground. So whereas Presbyterian trails 38-20 halfway via the second quarter, remember that Presbyterian scored a complete of 29 factors towards the Gamecocks in a sport earlier this season. Then again — in additional proof of South Carolina’s depth, the Gamecocks’ reserves have scored 19 factors themselves.
South Carolina takes off vs. Presbyterian
South Carolina trying snug in constructing a 15-8 lead with 3 1/2 minutes left within the first quarter. For Presbyterian, this can be a vital enchancment over what occurred within the groups’ assembly earlier this season. On the identical level in that sport, South Carolina led 23-7.
Savannah Wheeler scores first basket for MTSU
With lower than a minute left within the first half, MTSU’s main scorer, Savannah Wheeler lastly will get her first basket of the sport. It is a part of a 7-0 run that has gotten the Blue Raiders again to inside 38-27.
No. 1 South Carolina suggestions off vs. Presbyterian
With No. 1 seed South Carolina getting underway towards Presbyterian, a reminder that these groups met earlier this season, on Dec. 16 in Columbia — and the Gamecocks gained, 99-29. Sure, it was 99-29.
Louisville begins sturdy vs. Center Tennessee
Louisville has gotten off to a fast begin towards No. 11 seed Center Tennessee State in a sport being performed in Baton Rouge. The Cardinals lead 35-20 halfway via the second quarter. Louisville is taking pictures 53%, together with 4 for 8 from three-point vary. MTSU’s Savannah Wheeler, who entered the sport averaging 16.6 factors per sport, is scoreless up to now on 0 for six taking pictures from the sphere.
FAU-Northwestern males’s sport interrupted by royal household announcement
These watch Northwestern vs. Florida Atlantic obtained to see a serious information announcement, when the CBS broadcast reduce to Kate Middleton’s announcement she is receiving remedy for most cancers.
The cut-in occurred throughout a timeout within the motion, and after the announcement aired, the published went again to the sport. All the pieces we all know concerning the announcement right here. – Jordan Mendoza
No. 7 Duke vs. No. 10 Richmond suggestions off at 2:30 p.m. ET
Looking forward to subsequent sport in Columbus, Ohio: It is No. 7 seed Duke towards No. 10 Richmond, which is making its first NCAA event look since 2005 and coming off successful its first convention championship since 1991 in what was then referred to as the Colonial Athletic Affiliation. These groups met of their season opener, on Nov. 6 at Duke. The Blue Devils gained that sport 83-53. Since then, nevertheless, the Spiders have gone 29-4,
Caitlin Clark has a fan in Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw is aware of the way to play to the group.
McGraw wore a Caitlin Clark jersey throughout his live performance in Des Moines on Thursday night time. Her black highway jersey, to be particular. The nation celebrity additionally used a picture of Clark as his backdrop at Wells Fargo Area.
Learn extra from Nancy Armour, and see the images.
Ohio State beats Maine 80-57
Ohio State continued to broaden its lead over Maine, and ended up with a 80-57 victory. Up subsequent for the Buckeyes will probably be both No. 7 seed Duke or No. 10 seed Richmond.
Ohio State’s Jacy Sheldon put collectively 19 factors (surpassing 2,000 for her profession), 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Cotie McMahon added 13 factors. Maine’s Anne Simon — within the last sport of a profession that included two America East Convention participant of the 12 months awards — scored 25 factors.
North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart wins huge bonus
North Carolina’s win offers Tar Heels coach Courtney Banghart the 350th victory of her profession. It additionally offers her a $50,000 bonus — not for that milestone, however for reaching the event’s spherical of 32. UNC will play South Carolina on Sunday. It is a rematch for the groups, which met on Nov. 30 in Chapel Hill with South Carolina successful, 65-58.
North Carolina beats Michigan State: Deja Kelly free throws clutch
Deja Kelly makes the primary of two free throws, then misses the second — however she will get the rebound and will get fouled once more. She once more goes 1 for two, however UNC’s Alyssa Ustby obtained one other offensive rebound (UNC’s 18th of the sport) and the Tar Heels win 59-56.
Michigan State’s monster run
After North Carolina’s Deja Kelly made one in every of two free throws, Michigan State’s Tory Ozment hit a layup and the Spartans preserve closing in on the Tar Heels. That makes it an 11-1 run right here by Michigan State, which had trailed by as many as 16 factors.
After North Carolina’s Lexi Donarski made two free throws, Michigan State’s Theryn Hallock hit a three-pointer — and the Spartans are actually inside 57-56 with 5.4 seconds to play.
Maine hangs in vs. Ohio State getting into last quarter
Maine regrouped at halftime and performed Ohio State practically even within the third quarter. However the Buckeyes lead 66-54 heading to the fourth quarter — and so they exceeded 20 factors in every of the primary three.
Michigan State holds on
Effectively, simply when it appeared that North Carolina had issues in hand towards Michigan State, the Spartans have put collectively a 7-0 run to get inside 54-49 with 48.2 seconds left.
And with a steal and rating by DeeDee Hagemann, Michigan State is inside 54-51 with 30.6 seconds remaining within the fourth quarter. — Steve Berkowitz
North Carolina pulls away from Michigan State
North Carolina has progressively added to its lead over Michigan State because the fourth quarter has progressed. The Tar Heels lead 54-44 with two minutes to play as senior guard Alyssa Ustby has taken cost, totaling 16 factors, 16 rebounds and 6 assists. Earlier this season, towards Syracuse, Ustby picked up the primary triple-double in UNC. That feat got here amid a rise in girls’s pace of play that USA TODAY Sports activities’ Lindsay Schnell reviews on right here.
Center Tennessee vs. Louisville suggestions off at 1:30 p.m. ET
Looking forward to the third sport of the day within the girls’s event: It is No. 11 seed Center Tennessee taking part in No. 6 Louisville in Baton Rouge.
These groups really are acquainted with one another. MTSU routed Louisville, 67-49, in a regular-season sport early in December in Murfreesboro.
The Cardinals regrouped to make a run to the NCAA event last eight — the fifth consecutive season by which they achieved that feat. Louisville additionally will probably be seeking to make it 15-0 in first-round video games below coach Jeff Walz, and make it seven consecutive appearances within the NCAA spherical of 16.
Ought to they win, a former Cardinal is probably going ready for them within the second spherical: Hailey Van Lith, who earned All-American honors final 12 months for Louisville earlier than transferring to LSU within the offseason.
Sisters Teonni and Tamari Key star in March Insanity
It’s going to be a busy weekend for Tammy Brown.
Brown has two daughters taking part in in March Insanity this 12 months: Teonni Secret’s a sophomore guard/ahead for eighth-seeded North Carolina, presently up 48-37 on ninth-seeded Michigan State within the fourth quarter. And Tamari, a senior for the sixth-seeded Tennessee Girl Vols.
Tennessee takes on Eleventh-seeded Inexperienced Bay, with tip scheduled for 12 p.m. ET Saturday. Can Tammy get there in time? Learn extra. – Lindsay Schnell
North Carolina leads Michigan State getting into last quarter
Michigan State and North Carolina performed to a stalemate within the third quarter of their sport. North Carolina gained the quarter 9-8, however neither group scored through the last 2:50. For the quarter, Michigan State made 3 of 12 photographs, North Carolina 4 of 18. The Tar Heels will take a 44-35 result in the fourth quarter.
Maine star Adrianna Smith rolls ankle
Trailing 40-22 late the second quarter, Maine had an excellent worse improvement within the last minute of the second quarter when second-leading scorer Adrianna Smith stepped on a Ohio State participant’s foot and appeared to badly roll an ankle. She got here into the sport averaging 16.6 factors per sport. She needed to be helped off the court docket. For one last little bit of adversity, Ohio State hit a three-pointer on the halftime buzzer to increase its result in 43-24. For the second quarter, the Buckeyes outscored Maine, 21-8.
Ohio State’s Jacy Sheldon passes 2,000 factors
Ohio State grad scholar guard Jacy Sheldon simply surpassed 2,000 factors for her profession with a layup she transformed right into a three-point play. She is the eighth Ohio State participant to succeed in 2,000 factors for her profession.
Nobody within the fitness center is extra enthusiastic about this milestone than Jacy’s sister, Emmy, who’s a giant a part of Ohio State’s program.
Ohio State gaining on Maine
Simply over midway via the second quarter, Ohio State has began to realize management of its sport towards Maine. The margin was 22-16 after one quarter. It is now 35-18, as Maine has racked up 12 turnovers, equaling its season common. Three of Maine’s starters now have two fouls, together with main scorer Anne Simon.
When does Caitlin Clark play subsequent?
Iowa star Caitlin Clark is tipping off in her last March Insanity at 3 p.m. Saturday. Clark and Iowa start their bid to return to the NCAA girls’s nationwide championship sport because the No. 1 Hawkeyes tackle No. 16 Holy Cross, which blew out UT Martin within the the First 4 on Thursday. That is the primary time Iowa has obtained a No. 1 seed within the event since 1992. — Cydney Henderson
Get to know Maine coach Amy Vachon
Whereas Maine actually faces an uphill proposition towards Ohio State, the Black Bears have a gentle and tournament-experienced hand with coach Amy Vachon. Vachon, who attended Maine, participated in 4 NCAA tournaments as a participant and has taken the varsity to 2 earlier NCAA event appearances as a coach. A part of taking part in expertise included being the purpose guard for a group that beat Stanford in a primary spherical sport in 1999 — Maine’s solely NCAA event win.
Maine vs. Ohio State suggestions off
After one quarter, Fifteenth-seeded Maine is hanging in towards Ohio State in Columbus. The Black Bears are with 22-16, as they shot 6 for 9 from the sphere, together with 4 for six from three-point vary. However a possible signal: Maine dedicated its eighth turnover in the beginning of the second quarter, and its ninth shortly after. Ohio State has two turnovers up to now.
Maine has averaged 12 turnovers per sport this season. The group’s excessive this 12 months was 22, twice: vs. LaSalle (Nov. 9) and New Hampshire (Jan. 11). Ohio State averages 13.5 turnovers per sport, however its opponents this season have averaged 21.2.
Halftime rating: UNC 35, Michigan State 27
Michigan State managed to chop its 16-point, mid-second-quarter deficit to eight factors late within the quarter, however then with 36.8 seconds left within the half, main scorer Julia Ayrault dedicated her third foul. The Spartans scored once more simply earlier than the buzzer to make it 35-27, however their high two scorers will start the third quarter with three fouls apiece. Moira Joiner dedicated her third early within the second quarter.
Foul hassle for Spartans stars Moira Joiner, Julia Ayrault
Michigan State managed to get its offense going a bit towards North Carolina, however then three minutes into the second quarter, the group’s second-leading scorer, guard Moira Joiner, dedicated her third foul. That meant the Spartans’ high two scorers, Joiner and Julia Ayrault, each had been in foul hassle with greater than half of the quarter remaining.
Joiner sat out for about two minutes, then returned. However North Carolina prolonged its result in 30-14, prompting Spartans coach Robyn Fralick to name for a timeout with simply over 4 minutes left earlier than halftime.
Michigan State girls’s basketball struggling vs. North Carolina
The primary quarter of North Carolina-Michigan State couldn’t have gone significantly better for the Tar Heels — or a lot worse for the Spartans. Michigan State trailed 23-7 earlier than scoring the ultimate three level of the quarter. Amid that was a 16-2 run for North Carolina, which ended the quarter 10 of 19 from the sphere whereas Michigan State shot 3 of 10. The differential in shot makes an attempt was largely as a consequence of Michigan State committing seven turnovers within the quarter. — Steve Berkowitz
North Carolina’s Alyssa Ustby is doing all of it vs. Michigan State
Alyssa Ustby is the epitome of a do-everything participant for North Carolina. After only one quarter the 6-foot-1 guard already has eight factors, 5 rebounds, two assists and one block as UNC leads Michigan State 23-10 on the finish of the primary quarter.
Earlier this season, the senior recorded this system’s first-ever triple-double in an upset win over Syracuse (on the time, UNC was not ranked, however ‘Cuse was). Afterward, UNC coach Courtney Banghart advised reporters that she and Ustby had a frank dialog early within the ACC season throughout which Banghart emphasised that good gamers must play effectively in huge video games. Clearly, Ustby took these phrases to coronary heart towards Syracuse and at this time towards Michigan State. Additionally of notice: Banghart mentioned that triple-double file got here, partly, due to how a lot sooner the ladies’s sport is getting. — Lindsay Schnell
UNC rides layups to get early lead vs. Michigan State
North Carolina has jumped out to 15-5 lead on Michigan State, and all the Tar Heels’ factors have come on layups. Making issues worse for the Spartans, their main scorer, grad scholar Julia Ayrault has already dedicated her second foul. — Steve Berkowitz
UNC impressing early vs. Michigan State
North Carolina has been inconsistent all season, however the best way they appear the primary 4 minutes towards Michigan State is reinforcing to me that after they wish to be, they seem to be a high 20 group. — Lindsay Schnell
No. 8 North Carolina vs. No. 9 Michigan State underway
Don’t be fooled by the seeds right here for No. 8 North Carolina and No. 9 Michigan State. Both of those groups may make life troublesome for top-ranked South Carolina — as soon as they get previous one another. The sport is airing and streaming now on ESPN2. — Lindsay Schnell
Girls’s March Insanity schedule at this time, by TV channel and time
Right here is the entire NCAA girls’s event schedule for Friday’s first-round video games.
ESPN
ESPN2
ESPNU
ESPNews
What to learn about UNC head coach Courtney Bangart
It is humorous that Courtney Bangart, the UNC girls’s basketball coach, wound up at arguably essentially the most dominant girls’s soccer faculty within the nation. She was initially speculated to play soccer at Dartmouth. Then the Dartmouth coach obtained the job at Stanford, known as Bangart and mentioned she was welcome to come back to Stanford with him if she wished, presumably on some kind of scholarship as a result of Stanford had athletic scholarships, whereas the Ivy League would not. She was so in love with Dartmouth that as an alternative she known as the Dartmouth basketball coach and requested if she may play basketball as an alternative. That kicked off her hoops profession on the collegiate degree, however she nonetheless has soccer in her veins, as a result of each time she talks about taking a participant one-on-one she says one-v-one like they do in soccer. — Lindsay Schnell
North Carolina-Michigan State historical past
At the moment’s sport between No. 8 seed North Carolina and No. 9 Michigan State makes for an attention-grabbing occasion for Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz. He started the job in East Lansing on March 4 — after being North Carolina’s chancellor since 2019 and a member of the UNC school since 1995. And Guskiewicz isn’t any stranger to sports activities. He is a renown researcher on concussions in sports activities and has been concerned within the NCAA and NFL setting tips regarding the remedy of gamers that suffer a concussion. — Steve Berkowitz
Girls’s March Insanity gamers to look at
Listed here are the gamers in motion this afternoon within the NCAA girls’s event.
- North Carolina G Deja Kelly (16.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.3 apg), can take over a sport at any time
- Ohio State F Cotie McMahon (14.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg), who performs with an amazing stability of ardour and poise
- South Carolina G Te-Hina Paopao (47.1% from 3), essentially the most impactful switch of the 2023-24 season
- Texas G Madison Booker (16.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.9 apg), who doesn’t play like a rookie
- Virginia Tech G Georgia Amoore (19.2 ppg, 6.9 apg), one of many high ground generals within the nation
— Lindsay Schnell
When does Caitlin Clark play subsequent?
Iowa star Caitlin Clark is tipping off in her last March Insanity at 3 p.m. Saturday. Clark and Iowa start their bid to return to the NCAA girls’s nationwide championship sport because the No. 1 Hawkeyes tackle No. 16 Holy Cross, which blew out UT Martin within the the First 4 on Thursday. That is the primary time Iowa has obtained a No. 1 seed within the event since 1992. — Cydney Henderson
Girls’s school basketball is quicker than it is ever been. End result: Extra data falling
Shortly after Alyssa Ustby recorded the primary triple-double in North Carolina girls’s basketball historical past in early January, coach Courtney Banghart was requested: Why are so many data being damaged recently in girls’s school basketball? What’s totally different about now in comparison with, say, 10 years in the past?
“The sport is so quick,” Banghart mentioned, shaking her head in awe. “There’s so many possessions — the stats guys would possibly know that higher than me — however the expertise degree and pace of play is outstanding. I’ve been on this sport a very long time and (gamers at this time) can all accomplish that a lot with the ball. There’s simply extra versatility in addition to athleticism, and that results in extra possessions and extra impression on the sport.”
Because the girls’s event suggestions off Friday, extra eyeballs are on the sport than ever. A lot of that focus may be immediately attributed to Caitlin Clark, the Iowa celebrity who has spent her four-year profession shattering data (and TV scores). Learn Lindsay Schnell’s full story.
Girls’s March Insanity video games at this time
Here is the entire schedule.
Girls’s March Insanity predictions
Listed here are the USA TODAY Sports activities workers’s predictions for all 16 video games:
- Nancy Armour: North Carolina, Ohio State, Center Tennessee, South Carolina, Duke, Texas, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kansas State, Florida State, Vanderbilt, Colorado, Maryland, Oregon State, Stanford, Nebraska.
- Scooby Axson: North Carolina, Ohio State, Louisville, South Carolina, Duke, Texas, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kansas State, Alabama, Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Oregon State, Stanford, Nebraska.
- Ellen Horrow: North Carolina, Ohio State, Louisville, South Carolina, Duke, Texas, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kansas State, Alabama, Baylor, Colorado, Maryland, Oregon State, Stanford, Nebraska.
- Lindsay Schnell: North Carolina, Ohio State, Louisville, South Carolina, Duke, Texas, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kansas State, Florida State, Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Oregon State, Stanford, Nebraska.
Girls’s March Insanity upset predictions
USA TODAY Sports activities’ Nancy Armour picked No. 12 Vanderbilt to upset No. 5 Baylor, No. 11 MIddle Tennessee to upset No. 6 Louisville and No. 10 Maryland to upset No. 7 Iowa State. Try all of Nancy Armour’s picks right here.
Girls’s basketball stars to look at in March Insanity 2024
The Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark is poised for an additional Ultimate 4 run after her landmark season the place she broke Pete Maravich’s all-time scoring file. LSU’s Angel Reese, Stanford’s Cameron Brink, Connecticut’s Paige Bueckers and South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao are hoping to face in the best way of her first nationwide title.
NCAA girls’s event places 2024
A fast reminder that like in 2023, the ladies’s event can have two “tremendous” regionals, which means there will probably be 4 Candy 16 and two Elite Eight video games at every website. This modification was made in an effort to attract extra followers, and labored effectively final 12 months. Given the star energy within the sport this season — Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers — you’ll be able to count on extra of the identical.
First spherical
- Dates: March 22-23
- Venues and places: Colonial Life Area (Columbia, S.C.); Moody Heart (Austin, Texas); Worth Metropolis Area (Columbus, Ohio); Maples Pavilion (Stanford, Calif.); Pete Maravich Meeting Heart (Baton Rouge, La.); Gill Coliseum (Corvallis, Ore.); Cassell Coliseum (Blacksburg, Va.); Bramlage Coliseum (Manhattan, Kan).; Carver-Hawkeye Area (Iowa Metropolis, Iowa); Galen Heart (Los Angeles, Calif.); Purcell Pavilion (South Bend, Ind.); Pauley Pavilion (Los Angeles, Calif.); Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, Conn.), Reynolds Coliseum (Raleigh, N.C.); Simon Skjodt Meeting Corridor (Bloomington, Ind.); McCarthey Athletic Heart (Spokane, Wash).
Second spherical
- Dates: March 24-25
- Venues and places: Colonial Life Area (Columbia, S.C.); Moody Heart (Austin, Texas); Worth Metropolis Area (Columbus, Ohio); Maples Pavilion (Stanford, Calif.); Pete Maravich Meeting Heart (Baton Rouge, La.); Gill Coliseum (Corvallis, Ore.); Cassell Coliseum (Blacksburg, Va.); Bramlage Coliseum (Manhattan, Kan).; Carver-Hawkeye Area (Iowa Metropolis, Iowa); Galen Heart (Los Angeles, Calif.); Purcell Pavilion (South Bend, Ind.); Pauley Pavilion (Los Angeles, Calif.); Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, Conn.), Reynolds Coliseum (Raleigh, N.C.); Simon Skjodt Meeting Corridor (Bloomington, Ind.); McCarthey Athletic Heart (Spokane, Wash).
| Spherical | Places | Venues | Dates |
| Candy 16 | Portland | Moda Heart | March 29-30 |
| Candy 16 | Albany, N.Y. | Instances Union Heart | March 29-30 |
| Elite Eight | Portland | Moda Heart | March 31-April 1 |
| Elite Eight | Albany, N.Y. | Instances Union Heart | March 31-April 1 |
| Ultimate 4 | Cleveland | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse | April 5 |
| Nationwide championship | Cleveland | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse | April 7 |
Girls’s March Insanity schedule
Right here is the ladies’s schedule:
- First spherical: March 22-23
- Second spherical: March 24-25
- Candy 16: March 29-30
- Elite Eight: March 31-April 1
- Ultimate 4: Friday, April 5 at 7:30 and 9 p.m. ET on ESPN
- NCAA championship sport: Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC
The right way to watch girls’s March Insanity like a professional
So, you’re going to look at girls’s March Insanity. Is that this your first time? In that case, welcome. The ladies’s sport is rising at a fast charge, and we’re glad to have you ever right here. You’ve picked a good time to hitch the get together, given the star energy of gamers like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who’re taking part in of their final March Insanity. However don’t fear, there’s loads of younger superstars within the sport too, from JuJu Watkins (Southern Cal) to Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)to Madison Booker (Texas) and an entire host of others.
Filling out males’s brackets has at all times been par for the course however this 12 months, practically each bracket competitors has seen a major uptick in folks filling out girls’s brackets. There’s no query the ladies’s event goes to shine this 12 months — possibly even outshine the boys’s — and we’re right here that will help you get pleasure from it. So let’s speak semantics, so you’ll be able to have the most effective girls’s event viewing expertise doable. — Lindsay Schnell
Who gained the 2023 girls’s basketball nationwide championship?
Final 12 months’s NCAA Event featured the most-watched Ultimate 4 within the sport’s historical past when Iowa handed South Carolina a uncommon loss after which misplaced a nail-biter to LSU within the championship.