USC Advances After Narrow Victory Over Kansas State
USC achieved a 67-61 victory over Kansas State, advancing to the Elite 8. The Trojans played without their star guard, JuJu Watkins, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the second round against Mississippi State. Despite this setback, USC secured the win, thanks to the Freshman Trio Avery Howell, Kennedy Smith, and Kayleigh Hackel stepping up by combining for 45 of the team’s 67 points.
Hailey Van Lith leads TCU to Historic Elite 8
Fifth-year guard Hailey Van Lith led TCU to a 71-62 victory over Notre Dame, marking the Horned Frogs’ first-ever appearance in the Elite 8. Van Lith set multiple records during the game, including establishing a new single-season scoring record for TCU. Additionally, she became the first player, male or female, to reach the Elite 8 for the fifth time with her third team.
“You can’t deny she’s [Van Lith] one of the best college players,” varsity basketball player Michael Taylor said, “who else can take three teams to the Final 4 and go all five years of her career?”
Paige Bueckers’ Record-Breaking Performance for UConn
UConn’s Paige Bueckers scored a career-high 40 points in an 82-59 win against Oklahoma. After trailing by 4 at halftime to the Sooners, Bueckers lit up the second half, scoring 29 points and setting a new UConn record for most points in an NCAA Tournament game.
Lauren Betts Dominates as UCLA Advances
UCLA’s Lauren Betts scored 31 points, shooting 15-of-16 from the field, leading the Bruins to a 76-62 victory over Ole Miss. The UCLA center also dominated on the defensive end with 10 boards and three blocks, leading UCLA to its first Elite 8 appearance since 2018.
The SEC Punches Tickets to the Elite 8
No.1 seed Texas defeated No. 5 seed Tennessee 67-59, led by freshmen Bryanna Preston and Jordan Lee, who combined for 25 points. The Longhorns advance to face TCU in the Elite 8.
Aneesah Morrow leads the nation in rebounds and had her 30th double-double of the season. Her effort on both ends of the ball allowed her to end with 30 points and 19 rebounds, helping LSU to defeat NC State 80-73
Defending National Champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks won over Maryland after trailing at halftime. SEC sixth woman of the year, Milaysia Fulwiley came off the bench, sparking, dropping 23 points, 11 of them coming in the 4th quarter.
“Even in close games, South Carolina shows why they are a top team with how many players can go off any night,” Lily Hix said.
Duke gets the Rivalry win
The Battle of Tobacco Road did not disappoint when it came to its usual thrilling matchup. Duke beat North Carolina (UNC) 47-38 in a defensive showdown to advance to the Elite 8. Both teams struggled to connect on the offensive end, only scoring a combined 85 points, the lowest amount ever in the Sweet 16.
“If you’ve watched these games over the last few years, it’s competitive, really gritty,” Duke Head coach Kara Lawson told reporters. “I thought both teams played with great effort. It wasn’t our best night offensively, that’s for sure.”
