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NCAA Tournament: First Round Day 1 Highlights

The 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament tipped off on March 21, delivering a thrilling start with dominant performances, nail-biting finishes, and unexpected upsets. Here's a comprehensive recap of the first day's action:​


Major Game Recaps:


  • South Carolina's Record-Breaking Win: The top-seeded Gamecocks showcased their dominance with a commanding 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech. This 60-point margin set a new program record for South Carolina, emphasizing their championship aspirations. This was also the most points scored by bench players in the NCAA history with 66 points in total.


Impressive performance from South Carolina's bench players setting a historic record of 66 points.
Impressive performance from South Carolina's bench players setting a historic record of 66 points.

  • Notre Dame's Commanding Performance Marred by Injury: The Fighting Irish secured a 106-54 win over Stephen F. Austin. However, the triumph was overshadowed by a concerning ankle injury to star guard Olivia Miles, who exited the game in the fourth quarter. Initial reports suggest she is expected to recover in time for the next round.


  • Kentucky's Narrow Escape: The Wildcats faced a formidable challenge from Liberty, nearly squandering a 20-point lead. Thanks to Georgia Amoore's crucial late-game contributions (34pts), Kentucky secured a narrow victory (79-78), advancing to face Kansas State in the next round.



  • Oregon's Overtime Thriller: In a classic 10-over-7 upset, the Oregon Ducks defeated Vanderbilt 77-73 in overtime. Deja Kelly led the charge with 20 points, ensuring Oregon's advancement to the second round.


  • Baylor's Balanced Attack: The fourth-seeded Bears overcame Grand Canyon with a 73-60 victory. Antoinette Vonleh delivered a standout performance, recording 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Jada Walker added 17 points and four assists. 


  • Ole Miss's Dominant Display: The Rebels, seeded fifth, showcased their strength with an 83-65 win over Ball State. Starr Jacobs and Kennedy Todd-Williams both notched double-doubles, combining for 32 points and 22 rebounds, underscoring Ole Miss's interior dominance.


  • TCU's Historic Advancement: Hosting NCAA Tournament games for the first time, the second-seeded Horned Frogs defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 73-51. Madison Conner led with 23 points, and Sedona Prince contributed a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, propelling TCU to the second round for the first time since 2006.


  • Indiana's Upset Victory: The ninth-seeded Hoosiers pulled off an upset by defeating eighth-seeded Utah 76-68. Yarden Garzon scored 17 points, and Shay Ciezki added 16, leading Indiana to its sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament opening win.


Notable Player Performances:


  • Antoinette Vonleh (Baylor): Dominated with 25 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Bears to victory. 


  • Starr Jacobs and Kennedy Todd-Williams (Ole Miss): Both recorded double-doubles, combining for 32 points and 22 rebounds, showcasing their versatility and impact.


  • Madison Conner (TCU): Led all scorers with 23 points, playing a pivotal role in TCU's advancement.


  • Deja Kelly (Oregon): Her 20-point performance was instrumental in the Ducks' overtime victory.


  • Yarden Garzon (Indiana): Contributed significantly with 17 points, aiding in the Hoosiers' upset win. 


The opening day set a high bar for excitement and competition, promising an exhilarating tournament ahead.


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