Women’s NCAA March Madness: Winners and Losers Before Sweet 16

March Madness is in full swing, and the second round of the women’s NCAA tournament has delivered some of the most thrilling basketball games of the year.

From nail-biting finishes to standout performances and heartbreaking injuries, this year’s tournament has been nothing short of spectacular.

Let’s dive into the winners and losers of the second round and see how the teams are shaping up for the Sweet 16.

Winners: Teams and Players Who Shined

Duke Blue Devils

The No. 2 seed Duke Blue Devils showcased their resilience with a hard-fought win over No. 10 seed Oregon.

Guard Ashlon Jackson was the star of the show, hitting five crucial three-pointers in the second half to secure a 59-53 victory.

Her clutch performance, including a game-sealing three-pointer, was a highlight of the round.

UConn Huskies

No. 2 seed UConn Huskies dominated No. 10 South Dakota State with a 91-57 win, thanks to a stellar performance from Paige Bueckers.

Bueckers, also known as *Paige Buckets,* scored 34 points and had four steals, leading her team to the Sweet 16.

Her impressive shooting and leadership on the court were pivotal in this victory.

Maryland Terrapins

The No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins survived a double-overtime thriller against No. 5 seed Alabama, winning 111-108.

Guard Sarah Te-Biasu contributed significantly with 26 points, six assists, and five three-pointers.

Maryland’s comeback from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter was a testament to their determination and skill.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks overcame a tough challenge from No. 9 seed Indiana, securing a 64-53 win.

Forward Sania Feagin and Chloe Kitts played crucial roles in the second half, helping the Gamecocks maintain their composure and advance to the Sweet 16.

Texas Longhorns

The No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns are gearing up for a tough Sweet 16 matchup against No. 5 seed Tennessee.

Guard Rori Harmon needs to step up her game, particularly in scoring, to help Texas advance further in the tournament.

Her playmaking abilities will be crucial in this upcoming showdown.

Losers: Teams and Players Who Struggled

USC Trojans

The No. 1 seed USC Trojans faced a significant setback with the season-ending knee injury of their superstar guard JuJu Watkins during their game against No. 9 Mississippi State.

Watkins’ absence raises questions about how far USC can go without their key player.

Kentucky Wildcats

No. 4 seed Kentucky Wildcats fell to No. 5 seed Kansas State in a dramatic overtime game.

Despite Georgia Amoore’s efforts, including a last-second shot attempt, Kentucky couldn’t secure the win.

Amoore’s college career ended on a sour note, but she remained positive about her overall experience.

Louisville Cardinals

The No. 7 seed Louisville Cardinals were eliminated by No. 2 seed TCU despite a phenomenal performance by Jayda Curry, who scored 41 points.

Unfortunately, Louisville couldn’t match TCU’s balanced scoring, which saw four players in double figures.

Standout Performances

Paige Bueckers (UConn Huskies)

Paige Bueckers delivered a vintage performance for the UConn Huskies, scoring 34 points and leading her team to a dominant victory.

Her ability to take over games and perform under pressure makes her one of the most exciting players to watch in this tournament.

Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Despite Alabama’s loss, guard Sarah Ashlee Barker had a remarkable game, scoring 45 points and grabbing eight rebounds.

Her performance was one of the best individual efforts of the tournament, showcasing her scoring prowess and determination.

Hailey Van Lith (TCU Horned Frogs)

Hailey Van Lith’s standout performance against her former team, Louisville, highlighted her growth as a player.

She recorded 16 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds, further boosting her WNBA draft stock.

What’s Next: Sweet 16 Matchups

UConn vs. Oklahoma

The UConn Huskies will face the No. 3 seed Oklahoma Sooners in the Sweet 16.

With Paige Bueckers in top form, UConn will look to continue their dominant run.

Oklahoma’s center Raegan Beers will be a key player to watch in this matchup.

Maryland vs. South Carolina

The Maryland Terrapins will take on the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks.

Maryland’s resilience and South Carolina’s depth will make this a highly anticipated game.

Both teams have shown they can perform under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

Texas vs. Tennessee

The Texas Longhorns will battle the Tennessee Lady Volunteers in the Sweet 16.

Texas needs a strong performance from Rori Harmon to secure a win.

Tennessee, coming off an upset victory over Ohio State, will be looking to continue their impressive run.

Conclusion

The second round of the women’s NCAA tournament has set the stage for an exciting Sweet 16. With standout performances, dramatic finishes, and heartbreaking injuries, this year’s March Madness is living up to its reputation.

As we look forward to the next round, the question remains: who will rise to the occasion and who will fall short? Stay tuned for more thrilling basketball action.

For more detailed coverage, visit the original article on USA Today.