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Women’s NCAA Tournament First Round Takeaways: Upsets, Controversial Calls, and Standout Performances | Ayanna Patterson Transfers to Kentucky WBB: A Fresh Start | Oliviyah Edwards Decommits from Tennessee, Roster Shrinks | Oliviyah Edwards Requests Release from Lady Vols Signing | UCLA vs. South Carolina: Clash for the NCAA Women's Basketball Title | South Carolina Ends UConn's Perfect Season in Final Four Upset | Women's Final Four 2026: Players to Watch and Key Storylines | Azzi Fudd Focused on Final Four, Legacy on the Line | UCLA Women's Basketball Advances to Final Four with Victory Over Duke | Women’s NCAA Tournament First Round Takeaways: Upsets, Controversial Calls, and Standout Performances | Ayanna Patterson Transfers to Kentucky WBB: A Fresh Start | Oliviyah Edwards Decommits from Tennessee, Roster Shrinks | Oliviyah Edwards Requests Release from Lady Vols Signing | UCLA vs. South Carolina: Clash for the NCAA Women's Basketball Title | South Carolina Ends UConn's Perfect Season in Final Four Upset | Women's Final Four 2026: Players to Watch and Key Storylines | Azzi Fudd Focused on Final Four, Legacy on the Line | UCLA Women's Basketball Advances to Final Four with Victory Over Duke
Womens Basketball / NCAA Tournament
Women’s NCAA Tournament First Round Takeaways: Upsets, Controversial Calls, and Standout Performances
The first round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament delivered exciting matchups, upsets, and controversial moments. Several teams and players stood out, setting the stage for an action-packed tournament.
Key Insights
- **Controversial Call in Clemson-USC Game:** A no-call at the end of regulation led to overtime, where USC ultimately prevailed. Clemson fans will debate the call for years.
- **Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo’s Dominance:** Hidalgo recorded an NCAA Tournament program-record eight steals in a win against Fairfield.
- **Virginia’s Upset Victory:** No. 10 Virginia upset No. 7 Georgia in overtime, marking the tournament’s first major upset.
- **Oklahoma State Avoids Past Mistakes:** The Cowgirls focused on their first-round opponent, Princeton, securing a second-round appearance against UCLA.
In-Depth Analysis
The first round of the Women’s NCAA Tournament saw several notable performances and outcomes:
**Clemson vs. USC:** The game was decided by a controversial no-call at the end of regulation. USC’s Jazzy Davidson scored 31 points, leading her team to a 71-67 overtime victory. The Clemson Tigers, despite the loss, show promise under coach Shawn Poppie, who recently signed a contract extension.
**Notre Dame vs. Fairfield:** Hannah Hidalgo led Notre Dame to a 79-60 victory over Fairfield, recording a program-record eight steals, along with 23 points and nine rebounds. Coach Niele Ivey praised Hidalgo as one of the best players she has ever coached.
**Oklahoma State vs. Princeton:** Oklahoma State defeated Princeton 82-68, advancing to face UCLA in the second round. Coach Jacie Hoyt emphasized focusing on the first-round opponent to avoid past mistakes.
**Syracuse vs. Iowa State:** Syracuse upset Iowa State 72-63, with Olivia Schmitt contributing five 3-pointers. Despite Audi Crooks’ 37 points, Iowa State struggled with outside shooting, going 3 of 22 from beyond the arc.
**Virginia vs. Georgia:** Virginia secured an 82-73 overtime victory against Georgia, marking the first upset of the tournament. Kymora Johnson led Virginia with 28 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
**Kentucky vs. West Virginia:** Kentucky defeated James Madison 71-56 and will face West Virginia in the second round. West Virginia’s pressure defense, led by Jordan Harrison, poses a significant challenge for Kentucky.
**Louisville vs. Alabama:** Louisville cruised past Vermont 72-52, while Alabama defeated Rhode Island 68-55. The two teams will meet in the second round, with Louisville looking to continue its Sweet 16 streak.
FAQ
- **Q: Which player had the most outstanding performance?
Takeaways
- The Women’s NCAA Tournament is full of surprises, with upsets and standout performances.
- Controversial calls can significantly impact game outcomes.
- Strong individual performances, like Hannah Hidalgo’s, can lead teams to victory.
Discussion
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