Day 1 of the 2025 girls’s NCAA event is within the books. Chalk dominated Friday, as just one double-digit seed superior to the second spherical. We tracked all of the motion, breaking down how all 16 video games have been received and searching forward at what’s subsequent as groups advance within the bracket.
From blowouts to each host holding courtroom, this is your information — full with evaluation from on-site reporters — to Friday’s video games as half of the second spherical was set.
Soar to: Relive the action
Friday’s full outcomes and evaluation
Closing: UCLA 84, Southern 46
How did UCLA dominate Southern?: Any 1-16 matchup is sure to be lopsided, however the Bruins confirmed off their depth in opposition to the Jaguars on Friday: Six gamers scored in double-digits and the bench contributed 28 factors in a dominant win. UCLA star Lauren Betts did not have to attain in bunches (she completed with a team-high 14 factors, including 6 rebounds, 4 assists and three blocks), however her presence in opposition to an undersized Southern crew helped set the tone for the victory.
What’s subsequent for UCLA?: Bruins coach Cori Shut is not liable to overlooking any crew or matchup, so she’s going to use any form of shortcoming or mistake she noticed on the ground Friday to her crew’s benefit. Richmond awaits within the second spherical and the Spiders current a more durable take a look at. (Be careful for the Spiders’ 3-point taking pictures!) After clearing the primary hurdle with ease, Betts and Co. must be higher to proceed to meet the expectations that the committee placed on them when awarding UCLA the highest total seed within the bracket. — Paolo Uggetti
Closing: Duke 86, Lehigh 25
How did Duke shut down Lehigh?: For under the second time in NCAA event historical past, a crew scored 25 or fewer factors in a recreation. Duke’s protection smothered Lehigh, contesting or forcing turnovers on 95% of the Mountain Hawks’ first-half possessions. By three quarters, Duke had contested 88% of Lehigh’s pictures. Then, the Blue Devils held the Mountain Hawks scoreless by way of the primary 5 minutes of the second half, when Lehigh missed its first eight pictures from the ground and dedicated 15 turnovers. The Blue Devils had extra factors within the fourth quarter than Lehigh had all recreation.
What’s subsequent for Duke: Duke faces Oregon, which squeaked out a win over Vanderbilt in additional time. The Blue Devils are leaning on their protection — which they’ve accomplished all season. They held ACC opponents to 54.1 factors per recreation whereas forcing 22.2 turnovers per contest. Coming into Friday, Duke averaged 21.8 factors off turnovers, which ranks twelfth in Division I. The Blue Devils have an skilled squad, returning three starters this season and including proficient freshman forwards Toby Fournier and Jenessa Cotton and middle Arianna Roberson. They hit their stride on the proper time, profitable the ACC event because the 3-seed, and that momentum and success appears to be carrying into the event. — Kendra Andrews
Closing: Tennessee 101, South Florida 66
How Tennessee routed USF: Tennessee did what it does greatest beneath Kim Caldwell: It shot the heck out of the 3-ball, netting 16 of 37 makes an attempt, with eight gamers changing from past the arc. The Girl Vols received going defensively within the second quarter and compelled 24 USF turnovers (Tennessee had six). Tennessee’s press pressured 14 of the Bulls’ turnovers and held them beneath 36% taking pictures from the sector. The Girl Vols’ depth — Caldwell made 240 substitutions and performed 10 gamers double-digit minutes — was overwhelming for a Bulls squad that relied nearly completely on its starters, and USF regarded gassed as the sport went on. Tennessee registered 54 bench factors, whereas the Bulls managed three.
What this implies for Tennessee: Caldwell just lately joked that she was relieved she hadn’t grow to be the coach who broke Tennessee’s NCAA event look streak, which dates to the beginning of the occasion. Getting past the primary spherical additionally ensures her squad avoids a surprisingly early exit like the college skilled in 2019 beneath Holly Warlick. And the dominant nature of this win, significantly coming off her crew’s skid getting into the event, needs to be confidence-instilling for Caldwell, too. A 3rd Candy 16 look in 4 years is in attain for the Girl Vols, however they will must get previous host Ohio State, one other crew that additionally likes to play with a fast tempo, press and use protection to gas its offense. Notably, the Buckeyes aren’t as deep, nor do they depend on 3-point taking pictures as a lot because the Girl Vols — two components that may work in Tennessee’s favor. — Alexa Philippou
Closing: Richmond 74, Georgia Tech 49
How Richmond received: On paper, this may need been an 8-9 matchup, however on the courtroom, it become a dominant, lopsided win for the Spiders. After a 5-4 lead within the first quarter, Georgia Tech by no means led the remainder of the best way and went down by as many as 26 factors within the fourth interval. The Maggie Doogan present was in full pressure in Los Angeles as she put collectively a 30-point efficiency (her eleventh recreation of 20 factors or extra this season) and added 15 rebounds and 6 assists. The junior scored or assisted on 44 of Richmond’s 74 factors. Doogan was glorious, however the Spiders’ protection was even higher. Richmond held the Yellow Jackets to 49 factors — their lowest-scoring complete of the season.
What it means for Richmond: What do the Spiders get for his or her dominant win? A probable date with the No. 1 total seed Bruins (who nonetheless must beat 16-seed Southern) on Sunday. UCLA is just not solely the highest crew within the nation heading into March, however the Bruins will current a frightening problem for the Spiders, particularly within the paint. On Friday, Richmond totaled 38 paint factors because the Yellow Jackets’ inside protection could not sustain. The Bruins, and 6-foot-7 Lauren Betts particularly, is not going to make it really easy. Nevertheless, Richmond may push the Bruins to the brink. The Spiders’ ball motion runs like a well-oiled machine, and the mix of Doogan’s dimension and out of doors taking pictures may pressure UCLA to tailor its defensive strategy round her. It needs to be a captivating matchup. — Paolo Uggetti
Closing: Oregon 77, Vanderbilt 73 (OT)
How did Oregon pull off the largest upset within the NCAA event to date?: As the primary double-digit seed to win a recreation within the event, the Geese survived a blown second-half lead and poor free throw taking pictures to upset Vanderbilt in Durham, North Carolina. For 3½ quarters, Oregon expertly executed its recreation plan of slowing the tempo, controlling the boards and making pictures in its half-court offense — the Geese have been in full management. However Vanderbilt, which trailed by as many as 19 factors and was down 9 with 3:22 left within the recreation, introduced extra defensive stress, pressured turnovers and received large performs from Mikayla Blakes and Leilani Kapinus to pressure additional time. Twelve missed free throws by the Geese (15-of-27 for the sport) additionally helped Vanderbilt get again into the sport.
However Oregon’s protection, which had held the seventh-best scoring crew within the nation to 43 factors by way of the primary three quarters, got here alive once more within the further 5 minutes, holding Vanderbilt to 6 factors. Peyton Scott (13 factors, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) got here up large in additional time, drawing a key cost that marked Blakes’ fifth foul, and he or she scored 4 factors, together with the clinching free throws. Blakes led Vanderbilt with 26 factors earlier than fouling out with 54 seconds left within the further interval. Khamil Pierre, the Commodores’ second-leading scorer with 17 factors, and Kapinus, additionally fouled out.
What it means for Oregon: This marks the Geese’ first NCAA event win since 2021. A No. 10 seed in Cameron Indoor Stadium appears to be a pleasant spot for Oregon. In 2017, additionally as a 10-seed taking part in in Durham, the Geese upset No. 7 seed Temple within the first spherical after which surprised No. 2 seed Duke. Oregon, with Sabrina Ionescu as a freshman, superior to the regional remaining in Bridgeport, Connecticut, earlier than dropping to UConn. These Geese will possible get one other probability to face the Blue Devils within the second spherical on Duke’s dwelling ground. Deja Kelly, who performed 4 seasons at North Carolina and appeared at Cameron Indoor 3 times in her profession, helped pave the best way Friday and will probably be a key within the subsequent spherical. Kelly, who scored 20 factors for the Tar Heels at Duke in February 2024, led Oregon with one other 20 factors in opposition to the Commodores. — Charlie Creme
Closing: Ole Miss 83, Ball State 65
How did Ole Miss put the clamps on Ball State?: Ball State punched first, opening with a 7-0 run — but it surely was all Ole Miss from there. Madison Scott mentioned the Rebels would take their protection and “put it in our suitcase” for the NCAA event, and that is how they received their first-round win. After ending third within the SEC in opponent scoring (behind league regular-season co-champions Texas and South Carolina), Ole Miss put constant stress on Ball State’s offense, dashing the Cardinals by way of practically all of their offensive units and pictures and forcing Ball State into 24-of-61 taking pictures. After constructing a 14-point lead at halftime, the Rebels did not let up after the break, constructing their second-largest margin of victory in this system’s event historical past.
What it means for Ole Miss: The Rebels entered Choice Sunday assured they’d get a No. 4 seed and the chance to host first- and second-round matchups. After they received a 5-seed as an alternative, coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin made their displeasure identified. However heading into the primary spherical, she mentioned the Rebels “have to decide on pleasure” — it appeared to provide them an additional push Friday in what they hope is a deep run. They need to preserve that very same tenacity in opposition to Baylor. Kennedy Todd-Williams tallied her first double-double of the season (18 factors, 11 rebounds) on Friday, and Starr Jacobs (14 factors, 11 rebounds) added one other for Ole Miss. — Kendra Andrews
Closing: Louisville 63, Nebraska 58
How Louisville received: Typically seniors simply aren’t able to go dwelling. That appeared to be the case with Louisville’s Jayda Curry. Within the remaining two minutes of the sport, Curry took two prices, hit a go-ahead midrange jumper and sank two free throws to place Louisville in place to tug out a win. She put her physique on the road, preventing by way of a calf cramp and getting the wind knocked out of her by taking prices. It wasn’t fairly for Louisville, however that does not matter. Survive and advance.
What’s subsequent for Louisville? After dropping within the first spherical final season, Louisville punched its ticket to Spherical 2. TCU and Hailey Van Lith await the Cardinals on Sunday. It is the primary time Louisville and Van Lith will play one another following her switch from Louisville after the 2022-23 season (she performed for LSU final season). The Large 12 champion will probably be a tricky opponent with 6-foot-7 Sedona Prince inside and a formidable pair of guards in Madison Conner and Convention Participant of the Yr Van Lith. The Frogs have not misplaced at dwelling all season, so this will probably be a giant take a look at for each squads with a spot within the Candy 16 on the road. — Katie Barnes
Closing: Ohio State 71, Montana State 51
How did the Buckeyes draw back? Ohio State led Montana State by solely 5 on the half, however a trio of 3-pointers from Chance Gray to begin the third quarter gave the Buckeyes the spark they wanted to get some respiratory room. And extra importantly, they received again to their defensive id, forcing seven turnovers and holding the Bobcats to 10 factors on 3-for-8 taking pictures in that body. On the night time, Montana State shot 3-for-13 in opposition to Ohio State’s trademark press, which pressured 14 turnovers. The Bobcats love to show over their opponents, too, however they ended up committing a season-high 26 turnovers. Nonetheless, it wasn’t full domination for the Buckeyes, who outscored Montana State by solely seven factors throughout the primary, second and fourth quarters, plus had some stretches the place they struggled with turnovers. They must shoot higher than 5-for-17 from 3 to go on a deep March run, however their plus-30 edge within the paint Friday helped loads.
What it means for Ohio State: The model of the Buckeyes we received within the third quarter is the one which earned the suitable to host. It was a great signal that Jaloni Cambridge and Cotie McMahon regarded effective after getting banged up within the Large Ten semifinals. Cambridge, a freshman, did not appear like she had too many March Insanity jitters, changing into the third Ohio State participant since 1999-2000 with at the least 10 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals in an NCAA event recreation. The Buckeyes would profit shifting ahead if Taylor Thierry and Grey can proceed their sturdy play: Thierry overcame early foul bother to complete with 16 factors on 8-for-13 taking pictures, whereas Grey hit all 5 of Ohio State’s 3-pointers.
Total, every of Ohio State’s starters ending in double figures is an efficient signal of what can occur when it performs balanced basketball. The Buckeyes will face the winner of No. 5 seed Tennessee and No. 12 seed USF and look to ensure they do not finish their season at dwelling within the second spherical like they did in 2024, once they have been upset by Duke. The excellent news: Kevin McGuff’s squad is 16-0 on the Schottenstein Middle this season. — Alexa Philippou
Closing: Baylor 73, Grand Canyon 60
How did Baylor maintain off Grand Canyon? The Western Athletic Convention champion Lopes got here into their first NCAA event recreation on a 30-game profitable streak and gave the Bears all they might deal with earlier than Baylor was capable of draw back within the fourth quarter. Credit score the Bears’ protection — the Lopes scored simply 3 factors within the remaining 5 minutes — and middle Aaronette Vonleh. A switch who helped Colorado attain the Candy 16 the previous two seasons, Vonleh led Baylor with 25 factors and 11 rebounds, whereas guard Jada Walker had 17 factors and 4 assists. Baylor guard/ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who was averaging 14.3 PPG and 10.5 RPG when she went out on Feb. 15 with a knee damage, returned to motion Friday and had 2 factors, 4 rebounds and a pair of blocks.
What it means for Baylor: The Bears made the Candy 16 final season, falling in that spherical to No. 1 seed USC. Baylor is now 28-7, and having Littlepage-Buggs again is certain to make the Bears extra assured for the second spherical.
What’s subsequent for Grand Canyon? It is no secret that Lopes coach Molly Miller is taken into account a robust prospect for an open major-conference job due to the success she has had, first at Division II Drury and for the previous 5 years at Grand Canyon, the place she has produced 4 20-win seasons. Her 32-3 document this season improved her résumé much more, so we’ll see if she’s staying put or prepared to maneuver on. — Michael Voepel
Closing: South Carolina 108, Tennessee Tech 48
How did South Carolina roll to its first-round win? The Gamecocks’ win within the first spherical in Columbia was their most spectacular NCAA event efficiency in program historical past: 108 factors, 43 subject targets, 12 3-pointers, 63.2% taking pictures on 3-pointers, a 60-point margin — all of which have been program data. Their 66 bench factors have been probably the most in NCAA event historical past for any crew. South Carolina scored extra factors within the paint (58) than the Eagles totaled. The Gamecocks additionally outrebounded Tennessee Tech 47-15 and outscored the Eagles in transition 32-4. As a No. 1 seed, they’ve now outscored their first-round opponents by a mean margin of greater than 40 factors per recreation. South Carolina led the nation in bench factors this season (41.5 per recreation) and that depth keyed an early run Friday to place the sport away. Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley scored all of the factors in a 21-4 first quarter that put the rating out of attain 9 minutes into the sport. All 12 Gamecocks who performed scored. Edwards led the best way with 22, Fulwiley scored 15 and had 5 assists whereas Johnson had 11 factors and 6 assists.
What it means for South Carolina: The 12 days off because the SEC event title win did not decelerate a South Carolina crew that seems to be taking part in its greatest basketball of the season. Since their 29-point dwelling loss to UConn on Feb. 16, the Gamecocks have outscored opponents by a mean of 26.8 factors. That time-frame consists of wins over Texas, LSU, Oklahoma and Kentucky, that are all top-four seeds on this NCAA event. Up subsequent: Indiana, the identical crew South Carolina met within the Candy 16 a yr in the past. The Hoosiers have been a second-half crew of their win over Utah and did the identical in opposition to the Gamecocks final March, outscoring South Carolina 43-30 after halftime and practically coming again earlier than falling 79-75. — Charlie Creme
(15) FDU vs.
(2) TCU
Closing: TCU 73, FDU 51
How did TCU draw back? TCU did not shoot nicely within the first half — significantly within the first quarter when the Horned Frogs shot solely 35.7% from the ground — and the whole lot regarded tough on the offensive finish. However TCU was capable of convert an eight-point halftime lead right into a dominant first-round victory by rising defensive power and tying up unfastened ends. FDU shot 40% within the first half however completed the sport taking pictures 35.4% and 9.1% (1-for-11) from 3-point vary. TCU restricted the Knights to 2 second-chance factors, none within the second half. Because the lead opened, the offense flowed. Senior Madison Conner ended the sport with 23 factors, taking pictures 4-of-9 from past the arc. Sedona Prince received her sixteenth double-double of the season with 16 factors and 10 rebounds, and in addition had three blocks. Large 12 participant of the yr Hailey Van Lith completed with 13 factors and 7 assists.
What’s subsequent for TCU? TCU will get the winner of 10-seed Nebraska vs. 7-seed Louisville. Much less vital than the matchup (although who would say no to Van Lith taking part in in opposition to her former faculty in Louisville?) is that TCU floor out a victory within the first spherical to start with. TCU gamers and coaches reiterated forward of the sport of how particular it was to play at dwelling, how vital this crew has been, how wonderful of a turnaround this program has seen, and so forth. That sentiment, when pressurized by a a lot decrease seed taking part in a recreation nearer than anticipated, can flip into an upset recipe. Regardless of which crew TCU sees Sunday, the Horned Frogs expelled the first-round event jitters. — Katie Barnes
Closing: Kansas State 85, Fairfield 41
Does Kansas State have the chops to make a deep run? Issues positively appear rosy following a blowout win over the Stags that turned progressively lopsided as the sport went on. However a number of issues needs to be considered — particularly, the large dimension benefit that the 5-seed Wildcats loved. However that kind of roster may give loads of groups issues. Kansas State’s Ayoka Lee, listed at 6-foot-6, is a sturdy presence within the center who will problem groups which have shaky submit play. Lee completed with 17 factors and 10 rebounds. However senior guard Serena Sundell should not be ignored, both. The crew’s second-leading scorer throughout the season had 18 factors and 9 assists in opposition to the overmatched Stags. At 6-2, she confirmed the power to attain from the skin and in addition again down smaller guards. Kansas State did not have a sterling common season and was 6-5 in its earlier 11 video games, struggling when Lee was sidelined with damage. However the crew can provide anybody issues when it performs nicely.
What it means for Kansas State: Talking of groups with questionable submit play, that was one thing Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks complained about within the first recreation on Friday in Lexington. Kansas State needs to be in a chief place to take advantage of that matchup given how the Wildcats regarded in opposition to Fairfield. If Kansas State’s backcourt can discover a solution to clamp Kentucky star guard Georgia Amoore (simpler mentioned than accomplished), it should have an ideal shot at making a visit to the Candy 16. — Ben Child
Closing: Notre Dame 106, Stephen F. Austin 54
How important is Olivia Miles‘ damage? Notre Dame’s second-leading scorer (16.2 PPG) went down exhausting with an damage to her left ankle with 8:44 remaining within the fourth quarter. Miles, who had made at the least one subject objective over 98 Division I video games getting into the primary spherical, scored solely two factors in Notre Dame’s blowout win on 0-for-6 taking pictures however helped Notre Dame make 64% of its pictures off her passes. The senior guard took a number of minutes earlier than she was capable of rise to her ft and stroll off the ground beneath her personal energy with a noticeable limp and obvious ankle damage. Miles shortly went again to the locker room after a short cease on the Irish’s sideline.
What the win means for Notre Dame: The Preventing Irish turned the primary non-1-seed to attain 100 factors and win by 50-plus in an NCAA event recreation. Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron every scored 24 factors and made fast work of an overmatched 14-seed. Notre Dame’s 45 made subject targets have been tied for the seventh most in an NCAA event recreation all time and are the third most by a crew this century. Up subsequent is No. 6 Michigan on Sunday. — Courtney Cronin
MORE: Notre Dame’s Miles injures ankle in first-round win
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Hannah Hidalgo Prime Factors vs. Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks
Hannah Hidalgo Prime Factors vs. Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks
Closing: Indiana 76, Utah 68
How did Indiana win regardless of struggling from 3-point vary? The Hoosiers got here into the sport averaging 7.9 3-pointers per recreation however made simply 5 of 17 (29.4%) from lengthy vary. However they did the whole lot else nicely offensively. Indiana shot 72.7% from 2-point vary (24-of-33) and 86.7% from the road (13-of-15). And defensively, though Utah made 9 3-pointers, the Utes shot simply 28.1% from behind the arc. Led by fifth-year guard Chloe Moore-McNeil, the Hoosiers’ protection made the Utes work exhausting for the whole lot they received. Whereas the primary half was even, the Hoosiers outscored the Utes 27-16 within the third quarter after which held on to the lead. 5 Hoosiers scored in double figures, led by Yarden Garzon‘s 17 factors.
What it means for Indiana: The Hoosiers misplaced their greatest participant from final yr’s Candy 16 crew as ahead Mackenzie Holmes graduated and was drafted into the WNBA. However they’ve nonetheless hit the 20-win mark for the tenth season in a row. Except there’s a main upset, they may face No. 1 seed and host South Carolina within the second spherical. These groups met within the regional semifinals in Albany, New York, final yr, when the Hoosiers gave the eventual nationwide champions one in all their hardest battles of the event. South Carolina received 79-75 in a recreation that wasn’t determined till the ultimate seconds. — Michael Voepel
Closing: Kentucky 79, Liberty 78
How did Kentucky grasp on? The Wildcats have been capable of nurse a giant first-half result in the end regardless of actually struggling within the fourth quarter. Senior guard Georgia Amoore completed with a game-high 34 factors, which matched probably the most by a Kentucky participant in an NCAA event recreation. Nevertheless, 23 of these got here within the first quarter as she and the remainder of Kentucky’s offense misfired down the stretch. Liberty lower the deficit to 1 level within the remaining minute however weren’t capable of get a key defensive rebound to arrange a possible game-winning possession.
What it means for Kentucky: Initially, it regarded like a fairly straightforward recreation. However as soon as Liberty did a great job of forcing others apart from Amoore to shoulder the offense, issues slowed down. Amoore confirmed the power to create off the dribble and knock down deep 3s. Sophomore middle Clara Strack and senior guard Dazia Lawrence, who had 16 and 15 factors, respectively, had buckets in key moments. However coach Kenny Brooks will desire a extra constant effort on Sunday. After the sport, he acknowledged his submit protection was a problem, particularly when starters Teonni Key and Strack fouled out. “We elected to go together with a one-on-one strategy,” he mentioned, “and we did not win very a lot of these battles.” The Wildcats additionally shot 5-for-17 within the fourth quarter. Per ESPN Analysis, each a kind of shot makes an attempt was contested. — Ben Child
MORE: Amoore ties UK mark as Wildcats avoid collapse
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UK’s Amoore: ‘We’re internet hosting for a motive, we have simply received to consider it’
After scoring 34 within the one-point win over 13-seed Liberty, Georgia Amoore says 4-seed Kentucky should enter the second spherical with extra confidence and power to shut the deal.
Closing: Michigan 80, Iowa State 74
What was the catalyst behind Michigan’s second-half surge? Jordan Hobbs picked the right time for one of the best recreation of her Division I profession. After scoring 10 complete factors in her first 5 NCAA event video games, the Michigan senior totaled 28 factors (9 of 16 subject targets, 5 of 10 3-pointers), which is tied for probably the most in program historical past within the event, and led the Wolverines out of early-game taking pictures struggles. When Iowa State’s Audi Crooks threatened to take over the sport at a number of factors, Hobbs supplied a solution. In accordance with ESPN Analysis, that is the primary time any 5 Michigan gamers (starters or bench) have scored 10-plus factors in an NCAA event recreation in program historical past.
Will Michigan’s inexperience be an element within the second spherical? The Wolverines face Notre Dame on Sunday. Michigan’s beginning 5 — which incorporates freshmen Olivia Olson, Mila Holloway and Syla Swords — scored 100% of its factors. Michigan’s freshmen account for 49.2% of their minutes performed, the best mark by any crew within the event. Swords (11 factors Friday) was held beneath her season common of 16.1 factors, and scored one level within the fourth quarter, whereas Olson carried the load within the remaining body (9 of her 16 factors). — Courtney Cronin
