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Texas, USC, UConn Dominate Day 2 of NCAA Women’s Tournament

ByCoach

The second day of the women’s NCAA tournament resembled the first, with very few upsets and dominant performances from top contenders.

Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies set the tone early, showcasing a classic Geno Auriemma team performance.

Later, JuJu Watkins and USC delivered a blowout win, although concerns arose as Watkins left the game at various points due to injuries.

The night concluded with No. 1 USC and No. 3 LSU both hitting the 100-point mark, filling out the round of 32.

As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see if more upsets will occur in the second round.

The second round resumes early Sunday with matchups like Duke vs. Oregon and Notre Dame vs. Michigan.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of Saturday’s action.

Dominant Performances by Top Seeds

The first round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament saw several top seeds asserting their dominance.

Notably, No. 2 UConn demolished No. 15 Arkansas State with a staggering 103-34 victory. Paige Bueckers led the charge, reminding fans of UConn’s storied legacy under Geno Auriemma.

UConn’s Commanding Win

UConn’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The Huskies showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, leaving Arkansas State with little room to maneuver.

This victory sets a high bar for UConn as they advance in the tournament.

  • Score: 103-34
  • Key Player: Paige Bueckers
  • Team Strategy: Balanced offense and stifling defense

USC’s Blowout Victory

USC also made a statement with a 71-25 win over UNC Greensboro. Despite JuJu Watkins’ injuries, the team maintained its dominance throughout the game.

This victory, however, raises questions about Watkins’ availability for future rounds.

  • Score: 71-25
  • Key Player: JuJu Watkins
  • Concerns: Watkins’ injuries

High-Scoring Teams Break the Century Mark

Remarkably, five teams broke the 100-point mark in the first round, a historic feat in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

This offensive explosion highlights the high level of competition and skill in this year’s tournament.

Texas and LSU’s Offensive Showcase

No. 1 Texas and No. 3 LSU both crossed the 100-point threshold. Texas defeated William & Mary 105-61, and LSU crushed San Diego State 103-48.

These performances underscore the offensive firepower of both teams, making them formidable contenders as the tournament progresses.

  • Texas Score: 105-61
  • LSU Score: 103-48
  • Key Players: Madison Booker (Texas), Flau-Jae Johnson (LSU)

Notable Upsets and Close Calls

While the tournament has largely followed expectations, there were a few notable upsets and close calls that added excitement to the first round.

Four lower-seeded teams advanced, including No. 10 South Dakota State and No. 9 Mississippi State.

South Dakota State’s Surprise Win

No. 10 South Dakota State pulled off an impressive victory over No. 7 Oklahoma State, winning 74-68.

This game was a testament to the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the potential for lower-seeded teams to make deep runs.

  • Score: 74-68
  • Key Player: Myah Selland
  • Game Highlights: Strong second-half performance

Mississippi State’s Defensive Masterclass

No. 9 Mississippi State showcased their defensive prowess in a 59-46 win over No. 8 Cal. The Bulldogs’ ability to stifle Cal’s offense was crucial in securing their spot in the next round.

  • Score: 59-46
  • Key Player: Jessika Carter
  • Defensive Strategy: Aggressive pressure and rebounding

Looking Ahead: Second Round Matchups

As the tournament moves into the second round, several intriguing matchups are on the horizon.

Fans can look forward to games such as Duke vs. Oregon and Notre Dame vs. Michigan, which promise to deliver high-stakes action and potential upsets.

Duke vs. Oregon

This matchup features two teams with contrasting styles.

Duke’s disciplined defense will be tested against Oregon’s high-octane offense. The outcome of this game could hinge on which team can impose its will on the other.

  • Key Players: Shayeann Day-Wilson (Duke), Endyia Rogers (Oregon)
  • Game Strategy: Defensive discipline vs. offensive flair

Notre Dame vs. Michigan

Another exciting game to watch is Notre Dame vs. Michigan.

Notre Dame’s balanced attack will face a tough challenge against Michigan’s resilient defense. This game could be a nail-biter, with both teams having the potential to advance deep into the tournament.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The first round of the women’s NCAA tournament has set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable journey ahead.

With dominant performances from top seeds and a few notable upsets, the tournament promises to deliver more thrilling action in the coming rounds.

As the second round begins, fans can look forward to high-stakes matchups and potential Cinderella stories. These stories make March Madness one of the most exciting events in sports.

For more detailed coverage and live updates, visit Yahoo Sports.

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