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2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament Round 1 Recap
The first round of the 2024 women’s NCAA tournament concluded on Saturday with some standout performances from top-seeded teams. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key takeaways from the games.
Iowa’s Dominant Performance
Top-seeded Iowa cruised into the second round behind a stellar performance from Caitlin Clark, who scored 27 points. Despite concerns about Hannah Stuelke’s absence in the second half due to a migraine, the Hawkeyes managed to defeat Holy Cross convincingly. Iowa’s ability to adapt to defensive strategies by making 10 3-pointers and winning the rebounding battle showcased their versatility and depth.
With a record of 30-4, Iowa looks poised to make a deep tournament run as they continue to showcase their offensive prowess and resilience on the court.
USC’s Strong Start
No. 1 seed USC also had an impressive first-round victory, led by JuJu Watkins’ 23 points. McKenzie Forbes’ emergence as a key player bodes well for the Trojans’ chances in the tournament, especially her recent strong performances. USC’s comfortable win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi sets the stage for an exciting matchup in the next round.
As a program that has reemerged as a national contender, USC’s journey in the tournament will be one to watch as they aim to capitalize on their talented roster and continue their winning ways.
Notre Dame’s Big Three
Despite offensive struggles, Notre Dame managed to advance to the second round behind a stellar performance from Sonia Citron. The contributions of Hannah Hidalgo, Maddy Westbeld, and Citron proved crucial in securing the win over Kent State. Notre Dame’s defensive prowess and ability to shut down potential upsets early in games highlight their determination and grit.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame’s reliance on their big three players will be key as they navigate through a challenging tournament field and aim to make a deep postseason run.
Key Matchups to Watch in the Second Round
As the tournament progresses, several intriguing matchups are on the horizon, including challenging games for teams like UConn, West Virginia, and Syracuse. Each team will face unique tests and opportunities to showcase their skills and advance further in the tournament.
With the field narrowing down and the competition heating up, the second round promises to deliver more exciting moments and thrilling basketball action for fans to enjoy.
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