Thrilling Sunday in Women’s Basketball: Parity Reigns Supreme
The 2024 women’s basketball season continues to produce captivating storylines, and Sunday’s games were no exception. A trio of top-15 teams suffered stunning defeats, including third-ranked Iowa, who fell to 18th-ranked Ohio State in overtime. Meanwhile, Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer etched her name into history by becoming the winningest coach in college basketball.
Ohio State Upsets Iowa in Overtime Thriller
The Ohio State Buckeyes pulled off a remarkable 100-92 overtime victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes, ending Iowa’s undefeated season. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Iowa star Caitlin Clark putting on a dazzling display, scoring 45 points and grabbing seven rebounds. However, it was Ohio State’s relentless defense and clutch shooting down the stretch that ultimately sealed the win.
The Buckeyes’ victory was a testament to their defensive prowess, as they forced 25 turnovers and held Iowa to just 33.3% shooting from the field. Cotie McMahon led the way for Ohio State, scoring a game-high 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Jacy Sheldon also had a strong performance, contributing 24 points and seven rebounds.
Parity Reigns Supreme in ACC Upsets
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) witnessed a pair of major upsets on Sunday, as two top-15 teams were dethroned. The Virginia Cavaliers, entering the game without an ACC victory and without an AP top-25 road victory in over a decade, stunned the 15th-ranked Florida State Seminoles 91-87. Kymora Johnson led the way for Virginia, pouring in 33 points, while Deja Kelly’s 23 points and six assists helped the 23rd-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels upset the 13th-ranked Louisville Cardinals 79-68.
Colorado Outlasts USC in Top-6 PAC-12 Clash
In a highly anticipated matchup between the sixth-ranked USC Trojans and the third-ranked Colorado Buffaloes, Colorado emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought 63-59 victory. The game was a battle of attrition, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. USC’s standout freshman JuJu Watkins had a strong performance, scoring 12 points in the first quarter alone. However, she fouled out late in the game, and Colorado took advantage, sealing the win with a strong defensive effort in the final minutes.
Tara VanDerveer Makes 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 Stanford Cardinal defeated the Oregon State Beavers 65-56, giving her 1,099 career victories. The victory was a fitting tribute to VanDerveer’s remarkable career, which has spanned over four decades and has seen her lead Stanford to three national championships and 12 Final Fours.
Conclusion: A New Era of Parity in Women’s Basketball
Sunday’s games provided further evidence of the growing parity in women’s basketball. With several top teams suffering unexpected defeats, it is clear that there is no clear-cut favorite for this year’s national championship. The season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory, with every game having the potential to produce a major upset. Fans can expect more thrilling moments and captivating storylines as the season progresses.
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