March Madness is in full swing, and the Women’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 has delivered a series of nail-biting games that have basketball fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s dive into the heart-stopping action that unfolded during Friday’s matchups.
The top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks, maintaining their unbeaten streak, narrowly escaped a fierce rally from the Indiana Hoosiers to clinch a 79-75 victory. Kamilla Cardoso was the star of the show, dropping 22 points to lead her team to the Albany 1 Regional Final. The Gamecocks, now three wins away from etching their names in history with the 10th perfect season in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, will next face the formidable Oregon State.
South Carolina’s dominance seemed unshakable as they built a 22-point lead in the third quarter. However, Indiana, fueled by Sydney Parrish’s 21 points, clawed back into the game. The Hoosiers even narrowed the gap to a mere two points on Mackenzie Holmes’ layup with just over a minute left. But it was Raven Johnson’s timely 3-pointer that sealed the deal for South Carolina, keeping their dream of a perfect season alive.
Meanwhile, the third-seeded North Carolina State Wolfpack earned their spot in the women’s Elite Eight with a 77-67 triumph over the Stanford Cardinal. Aziaha James shone brightly with 29 points, leading the charge for the Wolfpack, who overcame a 10-point deficit to secure the win. The victory was bittersweet for Stanford as AP All-American Cameron Brink, who contributed 13 points and nine rebounds, fouled out in what would be her final game for the team.
In another thrilling contest, Oregon State Beavers outlasted Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a 70-65 win, marking their first regional final appearance in six years. Timea Gardiner and Raegan Beers combined for 39 points, effectively containing Notre Dame’s star Hannah Hidalgo to just 10 points. The Beavers’ defense proved pivotal, especially after Hidalgo was sidelined briefly to remove a nose stud, disrupting her rhythm.
The Texas Longhorns, often overlooked among the No. 1 seeds, showcased their championship credentials with a resounding 69-47 victory over Gonzaga Bulldogs. Aaliyah Moore’s all-around performance of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists was instrumental in Texas’ win. The Longhorns’ stifling defense held Gonzaga to a paltry 26.5% shooting, highlighting their title contender status.
In the course of the tournament progressing, the intensity simply amplifies. South Carolina’s quest for perfection, NC State’s resilient comeback, Oregon State’s defensive masterclass, and Texas’ dominant display have set the stage for an unforgettable Elite Eight. With each team inching closer to the coveted National Championship, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Stay tuned for more heart-racing action as these elite teams battle it out for glory on the hardwood.
