Historic Parity Continues in Women’s Basketball: Top-15 Teams Fall, Stanford’s VanDerveer Makes History
Parity Reigns Supreme: Top-15 Teams Stumble, Underdogs Shine
The 2024 women’s basketball season has been a tale of parity and unpredictability, with Sunday’s slate of games providing more evidence of the sport’s ever-changing landscape. Three top-15 teams suffered surprising defeats, while Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer became the winningest coach in college basketball history, surpassing the legendary Pat Summitt.
Ohio State Stuns Iowa Despite Caitlin Clark’s 45-Point Performance
No. 3 Iowa, led by the dynamic Caitlin Clark, entered their matchup against No. 18 Ohio State as heavy favorites. Clark, known for her explosive scoring and all-around brilliance, put on a show, pouring in 45 points, just one shy of her career high. However, it was Ohio State’s relentless defense and clutch shooting that ultimately led them to a stunning 100-92 overtime victory.
The Buckeyes, known for their aggressive defense, forced Iowa into 25 turnovers, including several crucial takeaways in the fourth quarter. Cotie McMahon led the way for Ohio State, scoring 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while Jacy Sheldon added 24 points and seven boards.
Despite Clark’s heroics, Iowa’s supporting cast struggled to keep up with Ohio State’s balanced attack. The Buckeyes shot a sizzling 11-22 from three-point range, while Iowa converted just 7-of-27 attempts from beyond the arc.
Chaos in the ACC: Virginia and North Carolina Upset Top-15 Opponents
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) witnessed two major upsets on Sunday, as unranked Virginia and No. 23 North Carolina took down top-15 foes.
Virginia, led by the explosive play of Kymora Johnson (33 points), stunned No. 15 Florida State 91-87 in Tallahassee. Johnson sparked a hot start for the Cavaliers, scoring or assisting on their first six points. Despite a strong effort from Florida State’s Alexis Tucker, Virginia held on for the victory, thanks in part to Johnson’s clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch.
Meanwhile, North Carolina dealt No. 13 Louisville its first ACC loss of the season, winning 79-68 at Carmichael Arena. Deja Kelly led the way for the Tar Heels, scoring 23 points and dishing out six assists. Lexi Donarski provided a strong start for North Carolina, scoring the team’s first 10 points. Louisville struggled to contain Kelly’s drives to the basket, as she converted 14 free throws on the afternoon.
Colorado Edges Out USC in Top-6 PAC-12 Clash
In a highly anticipated matchup between No. 6 USC and No. 3 Colorado, the Buffaloes emerged victorious, winning 63-59 in Boulder. The game was highlighted by the standout performances of USC freshman JuJu Watkins and Colorado’s Jaylyn Sherrod.
Watkins, a Naismith Award candidate, scored 12 points in the first quarter alone and looked poised to lead USC to victory. However, Sherrod’s defensive prowess proved to be the difference-maker. With USC clinging to a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Watkins drove to the hoop, only to be met by Sherrod, who forced Watkins into her fifth foul, resulting in her disqualification.
Without their star player, USC struggled to keep up with Colorado’s balanced attack. The Buffaloes were led by Quay Miller (16 points) and Charlotte Whittaker (15 points), who provided consistent scoring throughout the game.
Stanford’s VanDerveer Becomes Winningest Coach in College Basketball History
In a historic moment for women’s basketball, Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer became the winningest coach in college basketball history, surpassing the legendary Pat Summitt. VanDerveer’s Cardinal defeated Oregon State 65-56, giving her a total of 1,100 career victories.
VanDerveer, who has been at the helm of Stanford since 1985, has led the Cardinal to three national championships and 12 Final Four appearances. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport.
Conclusion: Parity and History Collide in Women’s Basketball
Sunday’s slate of women’s basketball games provided a microcosm of the season’s parity and unpredictability. Top teams fell, underdogs prevailed, and history was made. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these storylines continue to unfold and which teams ultimately emerge as contenders for the national championship.
The parity in women’s basketball is a testament to the growth and development of the sport. With more talented players and coaches than ever before, the competition is fierce at all levels. This makes for an exciting and unpredictable season that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Tara VanDerveer’s historic achievement is a reminder of the impact that great coaches can have on their sport. VanDerveer’s dedication, passion, and leadership have helped to shape the landscape of women’s basketball. She is a true pioneer and an inspiration to coaches and players around the world.
As the 2024 women’s basketball season continues, fans can expect more thrilling games, stunning upsets, and unforgettable moments. The parity and unpredictability of the sport make it one of the most exciting to watch. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action!
Call to Action: Don’t miss out on the excitement of women’s basketball! Check your local listings for upcoming games or stream them online. Follow your favorite teams and players on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and highlights. And be sure to share your thoughts and predictions with other fans using the hashtag #WomensBasketball.