Women’s Basketball: A Season of Parity Continues with Thrilling Upsets and Historic Wins
The 2024 women’s basketball season has been characterized by unprecedented parity, with thrilling upsets and historic wins becoming the norm. This past Sunday was no exception, as three top-15 teams fell in dramatic fashion, including the third-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, while Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer etched her name in history as the winningest coach in college basketball.
Ohio State Overcomes Caitlin Clark’s Heroics to Stun Iowa:
In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 18 Ohio State pulled off a stunning upset over No. 3 Iowa, prevailing in overtime by a score of 100-92. Despite a valiant effort from Iowa star Caitlin Clark, who poured in 45 points, Ohio State’s relentless defense and clutch shooting proved too much to handle.
The Buckeyes, known for their aggressive defensive style, forced 25 Iowa turnovers, including three crucial takeaways in the closing minutes of regulation that sparked a 25-13 run. Jacy Sheldon and Cotie McMahon led the way for Ohio State, combining for 57 points and 19 rebounds.
Chaos in the ACC as Top-15 Powers Fall:
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) witnessed a pair of major upsets on Sunday, as Virginia and North Carolina toppled ranked opponents.
Virginia, led by the dynamic play of Kymora Johnson, who scored a game-high 33 points, stunned No. 15 Florida State 91-87 in Tallahassee. The Cavaliers overcame a sluggish start and an eight-turnover second quarter to rally from a four-point halftime deficit. Johnson’s clutch shooting and steady leadership proved instrumental in securing the victory.
Meanwhile, No. 23 North Carolina dealt a blow to No. 13 Louisville’s title hopes with a convincing 79-68 victory at Carmichael Arena. Deja Kelly led the way for the Tar Heels with 23 points and six assists, while Lexi Donarski provided a spark off the bench with 10 first-quarter points. North Carolina’s defense held Louisville to just two points in the final 4:45 of the first quarter, setting the tone for the game.
Colorado Outlasts USC in Top-6 PAC-12 Clash:
In a highly anticipated Pac-12 showdown, No. 6 USC fell to No. 3 Colorado 63-59 in a tightly contested battle. USC freshman sensation JuJu Watkins had a strong start, scoring 12 points in the first quarter, but was eventually limited by foul trouble, fouling out with three minutes remaining in the game.
Colorado took advantage of Watkins’ absence, with Jaylyn Sherrod playing a key role in shutting down the USC star. The Buffaloes’ balanced scoring attack, led by Quay Miller and Charlotte Whittaker, proved too much for USC to handle, as they held on for a hard-fought victory.
Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer Becomes Winningest Coach in College Basketball:
In addition to the thrilling upsets, Sunday also marked a historic milestone for Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer. With her team’s 65-56 victory over Oregon State, VanDerveer became the winningest coach in college basketball history, surpassing the legendary Pat Summitt’s record of 1,098 wins.
VanDerveer’s remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional coaching skills and unwavering dedication to the sport. She has led Stanford to three national championships, 12 Final Four appearances, and 22 conference titles during her illustrious career.
Conclusion:
The 2024 women’s basketball season continues to deliver excitement and drama, with parity reigning supreme and historic milestones being achieved. The upsets and triumphs of this past Sunday serve as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the sport and the incredible talent and resilience of the athletes involved.
With conference races heating up and the NCAA Tournament looming, the second half of the season promises to be just as captivating as the first. Stay tuned for more thrilling moments and inspiring stories from the world of women’s basketball.