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The 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament: First Round Recap
The 2024 women’s NCAA tournament witnessed an unprecedented domination by higher-seeded teams in the first round, with a remarkable 31-1 record in favor of the favorites. This exceptional outcome represents a stark departure from the norm since the tournament’s expansion in 1994, showcasing a level of predictability rarely seen in the history of the event. The sole underdog to secure a victory was the No. 11 seeded Middle Tennessee team, which pulled off a stunning 71-69 upset against the No. 6 seed, Louisville.
Reseeding the Round of 32
Following the conclusion of the first round, the reseeding of the round of 32 emerged as a challenging task that required a careful evaluation of team performances. While the higher-seeded teams maintained their dominance, individual player contributions and team dynamics played a crucial role in determining the updated bracket.
No. 1 Seeds: Standouts and Performances
Among the top seeds, notable performances and standout players characterized the opening round. Teams like the South Carolina Gamecocks, Texas Longhorns, USC Trojans, and Iowa Hawkeyes demonstrated their prowess and championship potential with convincing victories.
South Carolina Gamecocks
The South Carolina Gamecocks, seeded No. 1 overall and situated in Region 1 in Albany, continued their dominant form with a resounding 91-39 triumph over the Presbyterian Blue Hose. Despite starting guard Bree Hall’s absence as a precautionary measure, the Gamecocks displayed their depth and talent, with Te-Hina Paopao shining on the court.
Texas Longhorns
Meanwhile, the Texas Longhorns, holding the No. 1 seed in Region 4 in Portland, showcased their superiority with an 82-42 dismantling of the Drexel Dragons. Madison Booker’s exceptional playmaking and the team’s collective effort underscored their championship aspirations.
USC Trojans
The USC Trojans, another No. 1 seed hailing from Region 3 in Portland, relied on McKenzie Forbes’ stellar performance to secure an 87-55 victory over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders. Forbes’ emergence as a key contributor alongside JuJu Watkins bodes well for USC’s tournament prospects.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Lastly, the Iowa Hawkeyes, positioned as the top seed in Region 2 in Albany, clinched a convincing 91-65 win against the Holy Cross Crusaders. Despite concerns about Caitlin Clark’s performance, the star player’s steady output reaffirmed Iowa’s status as a formidable contender in the tournament.
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