NCAA Women’s Basketball: Scores, Highlights & Upsets – March Madness 2024
Baylor rallied from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit, fueled by a full-court press and clutch free-throw shooting, to defeat Nebraska 67-62 in the opening round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament on . The victory wasn’t without drama, as a controversial flagrant foul call, successfully appealed by the Bears, proved pivotal in shifting momentum.
Taliah Scott led Baylor with 15 points, including crucial free throws down the stretch. Darianna Littlepage-Buggs added 13 and Jana Van Gytenbeek contributed 12, including a pair of key three-pointers that ignited the comeback. The sixth-seeded Bears (25-8) overcame a sluggish start to their March Madness opener, turning up the defensive intensity when it mattered most.
After building an early 19-11 lead in the first quarter, Baylor struggled to maintain its offensive rhythm. Nebraska seized control, extending their advantage to 50-41 with 9:33 remaining. However, Baylor responded with a relentless full-court press, forcing six turnovers in the final quarter and disrupting the Cornhuskers’ offensive flow.
The turning point arrived with 3:48 left in the game, with the score tied at 53. A jump ball resulted in a call that initially favored Nebraska, but Baylor coach Nicki Collen challenged the play, appealing for a flagrant foul on Nebraska junior forward Jessica Petrie. The appeal was successful, awarding Scott two free throws, which she calmly converted, giving Baylor the lead for good. Petrie, who finished with 10 points, fouled out on the subsequent possession.
The win propels Baylor into the second round, where they will await the winner of the matchup between Minnesota and Green Bay. This tournament appearance marks Baylor’s 22nd consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament, a testament to the program’s sustained success.
LSU Dominates Jacksonville
In a display of offensive firepower, No. 2 seed LSU overpowered No. 15 seed Jacksonville 116-58. Flau’jae Johnson led the way with 20 points, while Mikaylah Williams added 18 points and 10 assists. LSU surpassed its nation-leading scoring average, reaching the 100-point mark for the 15th time this season.
LSU (28-5) showcased a dominant performance on both ends of the court, recording a season-high 18 steals and a 38-13 advantage in points off turnovers. Jada Richard contributed 17 points and four steals, and ZaKiyah Johnson added 16 points for the Tigers.
Duke Maintains Momentum
No. 3 seed Duke continued its impressive late-season surge, defeating No. 14 seed College of Charleston 81-64. Toby Fournier led all scorers with 24 points, while Jordan Wood chipped in with 17 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from three-point range. Delaney Thomas added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Blue Devils (25-8).
Duke has been on a remarkable 22-2 run since a 3-6 start, capturing their second consecutive ACC Tournament championship. Despite the comfortable margin, Duke coach Kara Lawson expressed frustration with her team’s 20 turnovers, which led to 22 points for Charleston.
Minnesota Survives Scare
No. 4 seed Minnesota overcame a mid-game deficit to defeat No. 13 seed Green Bay 75-58. Amaya Battle led the Gophers with 21 points, while Sophie Hart added 19. Minnesota outscored Green Bay 30-24 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
The Gophers (23-8) will face the winner of the matchup between No. 5 seed Mississippi and No. 12 seed Gonzaga in the second round. Maddy Skorupski scored 19 points for Green Bay (25-9).
Ole Miss Overpowers Gonzaga
Latasha Lattimore scored 15 points to lead a balanced attack as No. 5 seed Mississippi defeated No. 12 seed Gonzaga 81-66. Cotie McMahon added 13 points and Sira Thienou had 12 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks for the Rebels (24-11).
Allie Turner led Gonzaga with 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Mississippi’s dominance. Ole Miss will face the winner of the Minnesota-Green Bay game.
Texas Tech Holds Off Villanova
Bailey Maupin scored seven of her 17 points in the final three minutes, helping No. 7 seed Texas Tech hold off a late charge from No. 10 seed Villanova 57-52. Denae Fritz added 13 points for the Red Raiders (26-7).
Kelsey Joens scored 14 points for Villanova.
North Carolina Rolls Past Western Illinois
Nyla Harris scored 17 points and Lanie Grant added 15 as No. 4 seed North Carolina cruised past No. 13 seed Western Illinois 82-51. The Tar Heels (27-7) will meet No. 5 seed Maryland in the second round.
Mia Nicastro scored 21 points for Western Illinois (26-6).
Maryland Dominates Murray State
Redshirt freshman Kyndal Walker scored a career-high 20 points as No. 5 seed Maryland defeated No. 12 seed Murray State 99-67. Mir McLean added 19 points and Addi Mack contributed 18 for the Terrapins (24-8).
Halli Poock led Murray State with 27 points.
Texas Opens with Romp
Jordan Lee scored 19 points and No. 1 seed Texas opened the women’s NCAA Tournament with a dominant 87-45 victory over No. 16 seed Missouri State. Madison Booker added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Longhorns (32-3).
Michigan Overcomes Holy Cross
Mila Holloway and Syla Swords each scored 33 combined points as No. 2 seed Michigan defeated No. 15 seed Holy Cross 83-48. Holloway finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Michigan will face N.C. State or Tennessee in the second round.
NC State Advances
Zamareya Jones scored a career-high 30 points to lead No. 7 seed NC State to a 76-61 victory over No. 10 seed Tennessee. The Wolfpack will play No. 2 seed Michigan in the second round.
Oregon Pulls Away from Virginia Tech
Katie Fiso scored 22 points as No. 8 seed Oregon defeated No. 9 seed Virginia Tech 70-60. The Ducks will face No. 1 seed Texas in the second round.
TCU Defeats UC San Diego
Olivia Miles had her 12th career triple-double with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists as No. 3 seed TCU defeated No. 14 seed UC San Diego 86-40. Taylor Bigby added a career-high 27 points for the Horned Frogs (30-5).
Oklahoma Overwhelms Idaho
Raegan Beers had 18 points and 10 rebounds as No. 4 seed Oklahoma defeated No. 13 seed Idaho 89-59. Sahara Williams added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Sooners (25-7).
Michigan State Rallies Past Colorado State
Grace VanSlooten and Kennedy Blair each scored 18 points as No. 5 seed Michigan State rallied to defeat No. 12 seed Colorado State 65-62. The Spartans will play No. 4 seed Oklahoma in the second round.
Washington Secures First Tournament Win Since 2017
Avery Howell had 30 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 6 seed Washington to a 72-54 victory over No. 11 seed South Dakota State, marking the Huskies’ first NCAA Tournament win since 2017.