Historic Victories:
- Columbia Lions: In their inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance, Columbia secured a dramatic 63-60 win over Washington. Overcoming a 13-point halftime deficit, sophomore Riley Weiss led the charge with 24 points, marking a significant milestone for the program.
- William & Mary Tribe: Achieving their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, the Tribe defeated High Point 69-63 in the First Four. This win is particularly noteworthy as it’s the first March Madness victory in school history for either the women’s or men’s basketball teams.
Player Spotlight:
- Lauren Betts (UCLA): The 6-foot-7 junior center has been instrumental in UCLA’s success, averaging 20.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. Opting to delay her WNBA draft entry, Betts aims to lead the Bruins to NCAA glory alongside her sister, Sienna.
Upcoming Matchups to Watch:
- UCLA vs. Southern University: As the No. 1 overall seed, UCLA is set to face No. 16 seed Southern. With Betts at the helm, the Bruins are poised for a deep tournament run.
- South Carolina vs. Tennessee Tech: The reigning national champions, South Carolina, begin their title defense against Tennessee Tech. Under Coach Dawn Staley’s leadership, the Gamecocks are a formidable force.
Notable Strategies:
- Columbia’s Innovative Play-Calling: Drawing inspiration from college football, Columbia’s bench utilized humorous cardboard signs to communicate plays, adding a unique flair to their strategy and contributing to their historic win.
As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more exhilarating games, potential upsets, and memorable performances that embody the spirit of March Madness.