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Baylor Upsets Duke in Women's College Basketball Season Opener

7 months agoUS
Baylor Upsets Duke in Women's College Basketball Season OpenerSource: espn.com
The 2025-26 women's college basketball season tipped off with exciting matchups in Paris, highlighted by No. 16 Baylor's upset victory over No. 7 Duke and Mikayla Blakes' impressive performance for Vanderbilt. Here's a recap of the key games and what to watch this season.

Key Insights

Baylor's Upset:: No. 16 Baylor defeated No. 7 Duke 58-52 in the season opener in Paris, with Taliah Scott scoring 24 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Why this matters: This early upset shakes up the rankings and demonstrates Baylor's potential as a strong contender this season.

Mikayla Blakes' Dominance:: Mikayla Blakes scored 27 points for No. 19 Vanderbilt in their 74-65 win against California. Why this matters: Blakes continues to be a standout player, building on her impressive freshman season and leading her team to victory.

UConn's Outlook:: With a talented roster including Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, UConn is favored to repeat as national champions. Watch for how Geno Auriemma utilizes his depth and integrates new players into the lineup. Why this matters: UConn's performance will set the tone for the season and determine if they can maintain their dominance in women's college basketball.

In-Depth Analysis

Baylor vs. Duke

Baylor's victory over Duke was fueled by Taliah Scott's impressive scoring performance, particularly in the fourth quarter. Scott's ability to score in crucial moments and her free-throw accuracy were key to Baylor's success. Duke's Toby Fournier led her team with 16 points, but the Blue Devils struggled offensively, shooting just 29% from the field.

Vanderbilt vs. California

Mikayla Blakes continued her stellar play, leading Vanderbilt to a win over California. Blakes' scoring ability and leadership were instrumental in Vanderbilt's strong third quarter, where they outscored Cal 24-9.

UConn's Season Preview

UConn's season opener against Louisville is highly anticipated, with questions surrounding the Huskies' rotations and the roles of key players like Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and Serah Williams. The Huskies' depth and the integration of new talent will be critical to their success this season.

FAQs

Who were the standout players in the opening games?

A:: Taliah Scott of Baylor scored 24 points to lead her team to victory over Duke, while Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt scored 27 points against California.

What are the key matchups to watch for UConn?

A:: Watch for how Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd perform and how the team integrates new players like Serah Williams and Kayleigh Heckel.

Key Takeaways

The opening games of the women's college basketball season have set the stage for an exciting year. Baylor's upset victory and Mikayla Blakes' continued excellence highlight the depth and talent in the sport. UConn's quest for a repeat championship will be a central storyline to follow.

Taliah Scott's clutch performance for Baylor signals her potential as a game-changing player.

Mikayla Blakes' dominance underscores her status as one of the top players in college basketball.

UConn's strategic use of its talented roster will be crucial for their championship aspirations.

Discussion

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