Albany 2 and Portland Regions Roundup
In an action-packed weekend of women's NCAA basketball, fans witnessed some exceptional performances as teams went head-to-head in the Albany 2 and Portland regions. From record-setting teamwork to individual brilliance, the games offered everything a basketball aficionado could ask for.
Iowa Triumphs Over Holy Cross
The University of Iowa Hawkeyes dominated their game against Holy Cross, clinching a decisive 91-65 victory. However, it was a bittersweet moment as Hannah Stuelke, a key player for Iowa, sat out the second half. The showstopper was Caitlin Clark, who dazzled the crowd with her performance, scoring 27 points, delivering 10 assists, and grabbing 8 rebounds. This win came after Holy Cross had reasons to celebrate earlier, basking in the glory of winning the Patriot League.
USC's Historic No. 1 Seed Victory
On another front, the USC Trojans, buoyed by their first No. 1 seed position since 1986, made a resounding statement by defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi with an 87-55 scoreline. McKenzie Forbes and JuJu Watkins led the charge, each notching up 23 points in a game that marked Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's inaugural appearance in an NCAA tournament.
Remarkable Games and Stellar Performances
The spotlight also shone brightly on other exceptional games and performances across the regions.
Notre Dame's Commanding Win
Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured an 81-67 victory over Kent State, led by an incredible 29-point game from Sonia Citron. This was a notable match for Kent State, marking their return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002.
UConn's Continued Excellence
The University of Connecticut Huskies, a perennial powerhouse, showed their class by beating Jackson State 86-64. Paige Bueckers starred for UConn, scoring 28 points in a game that saw Jackson State entering the tournament on the back of a 21-game win streak.
UCLA's Triumph
The UCLA Bruins emerged victorious against California Baptist with an 84-55 win. In a game where Lauren Betts did not participate for UCLA, Charisma Osborne was on the verge of securing a triple-double, showcasing the depth and talent within the UCLA squad. This tournament was also a landmark for California Baptist, marking their first appearance since moving up to Division I.
The Road Ahead
As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the upcoming games.
Utah displayed their prowess with a solid 68-54 win against South Dakota State, while NC State overcame Chattanooga with a 64-45 scoreline. An exciting clash awaits as NC State prepares to face Tennessee, who impressed everyone by scoring 92 points in their first-round game.
Additionally, West Virginia secured a win over Princeton with a 63-53 scoreboard. JJ Quinerly was sensational, contributing 29 points to ensure West Virginia's advancement.
As teams gear up for the next round, the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA tournament continue to captivate fans worldwide. With standout performances and promising matchups on the horizon, the road to the championship remains wide open, promising more thrilling basketball action.