Tar Heels, Toof-less Bruins, and a Gopher Miracle: NCAAW Day
Tar Heels, Toof-less Bruins, and a Gopher Miracle: NCAAW Day
If you thought Sunday was for rest, you clearly weren't watching the Women’s NCAA Tournament. We had everything from freshman snipers in Chapel Hill to a point guard in Minnesota who decided she simply wasn’t ready to go home.
Grab your goggles; here’s the Sanchez Sideline report for Round 2, Day 1.
North Carolina 74, Maryland 66: The "Trust Fall" in Chapel Hill
Courtney Banghart might need a cardiologist after this one. Maryland’s Oluchi Okananwa—a former Blue Devil, because of course—was relentless on the boards, helping the Terps snag 21 offensive rebounds. Banghart joked she was praying Maryland would just make their free throws so her team wouldn't have to rebound anymore. But Elina Aarnisalo (21 pts) and Lanie Grant (20 pts) stayed cool, and freshman Nyla Brooks hit a dagger 3 that basically told the Terps "better luck next year." Carolina is headed to the Sweet 16 in back-to-back years for the first time since the Obama administration.
Michigan 92, NC State 63: The Brooks-less Blues
NC State showed up to Ann Arbor without their "engine," junior guard Zoe Brooks, who was stuck in a walking boot. For 20 minutes, the Wolfpack hung tough, trailing by only three. Then the second half started, and Michigan turned up the full-court pressure like they were trying to find a lost remote. The Wolverines outscored the Pack 35-5 off turnovers. Zamareya Jones fought for 16 points but admitted she was "gassed." It’s hard to run a race when your star driver is cheering from the pit wall.
Minnesota 65, Ole Miss 63: The Battle at the Buzzer
Amaya Battle is officially a Gopher legend. With 0.7 seconds left and the game tied, she took an inbound pass, danced along the baseline, and swished a jumper while falling onto her back. It was the "draw it up in the dirt" play of the century. Minnesota is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 21 years. Ole Miss had a chance for a miracle at the buzzer, but their 3-pointer hit the front of the rim, much like most people's brackets did this weekend.
LSU 101, Texas Tech 47: The 100-Point Factory
Kim Mulkey’s Tigers aren't just winning; they’re trying to break the scoreboard. LSU dropped 100+ points for the 16th time this season, a new NCAA record. Flau'jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams both put up 24, but the highlight was the "Mulkey Hug." With LSU up by 50, Flau'jae was subbed out for the last time at the PMAC, leading to a tear-fest between her and Mulkey. Texas Tech coach Krista Gerlich noted that LSU has "offense that sells tickets and defense that wins championships." Also, they have a lot of points. Like, a lot.
Duke 69, Baylor 46: The Cameron Lockdown
Duke decided that Baylor didn't actually need to score from deep. The Blue Devils held the Bears to zero—yes, zero—three-pointers. Arianna Roberson put up a 10/10 double-double, while Delaney Thomas led the way with 17 points. Baylor turned the ball over 17 times in the first half alone. It turns out playing at Cameron Indoor is less like a basketball game and more like a 40-minute visit to a haunted house where the ghosts are really good at perimeter defense.
Texas 100, Oregon 58: The Booker Prize
Madison Booker didn't just play; she rewrote the history books. She dropped 40 points, a new Texas NCAA Tournament record, making the Oregon defense look like they were standing in wet cement. Rori Harmon added 9 points and 5 steals in her home finale, helping Texas extend their home win streak to 44 games. The Longhorns outscored the Ducks 55-24 in the second half. If Booker keeps shooting like this, the Sweet 16 might want to just start the game with her already having 20 points.
Oklahoma 77, Michigan State 71: The Beers Special
Raegan Beers is 6-foot-4 of "not today." She dominated the paint with 18 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Sooners back to the Sweet 16. Michigan State led at the half, but a flagrant foul in the third quarter flipped the script. Aaliyah Chavez added 18 points and played "coach on the floor," calling plays for her teammates. The Sooners say the Sweet 16 is the "bare minimum" for them now. Talk about high standards.
TCU 62, Washington 59 (OT): Miles of Resilience
Olivia Miles was "crashing out." After missing a potential game-winner at the end of regulation, the Notre Dame transfer was distraught. But her teammates calmed her down, and she responded by leading the Frogs to an overtime victory. Clara Silva was the recipient of some "nifty" over-the-head passes from Miles to seal it. TCU has now won 44 straight home games, tying Texas for the longest active streak. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the drama.
