NCAAW March Madness: The best games from the first two rounds

The NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament is officially upon us, and the Sweet 16 is set. Let’s dive into the best games from the first two rounds and the most memorable moments of madness.

First Round: Oregon (10) vs. Vanderbilt (7)

The Oregon Ducks pulled off an upset against the Vanderbilt Commodores, defeating them 77-73 in overtime on Friday. Oregon senior guard Deja Kelly led the Ducks with 20 points, helping them overcome Vanderbilt.

Oregon held a 19-point lead in the second half, but Vanderbilt chipped away throughout the game, with freshman guard Mikayla Blakes scoring 26 points.

The Commodores rallied in the fourth quarter. Senior guard Leilani Kapinus made a clutch layup, assisted by senior guard Iyana Moore, tying the game at 67 with four seconds left to force overtime.

In overtime, both teams traded free throws down the stretch. Oregon ultimately came out on top and advanced to the second round.

The Ducks’ tournament run ended there, however, as they fell to No. 2 seed Duke 59-53 on Sunday.

Second Round: Alabama (5) vs. Maryland (4)

The Maryland Terrapins defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 111-108 in double overtime on Monday, securing their spot in the Sweet 16. Maryland senior guard Shyanne Sellers led the Terrapins with 28 points.

The game was tight in the first quarter, with both teams displaying tough perimeter and interior defense. In the second quarter, the Terrapins gained some ground, leading by as many as 10 points. However, Alabama drew fouls and made their free throws, trailing by only two points at halftime.

In the third quarter, Alabama pulled away with sharp three-point shooting, building a 17-point lead.

Maryland fought back, eventually catching Alabama in the fourth quarter. Senior guard Sarah Te-Biasu drilled a three-pointer with 12 seconds left, tying the game at 83 and sending it to overtime.

In the first overtime, both teams played with cautious aggression. Down by three points in the final seconds, Alabama’s Barker drew a foul behind the arc and made all three free throws, tying the game at 96 and forcing a second overtime.

Te-Biasu scored eight points in the second overtime, helping Maryland gain the edge. With 15 seconds left, Sellers drew a foul and sank both free throws, securing the three-point win.

Barker scored 45 points for Alabama, while sophomore forward Essence Cody added 18 points.

For Maryland, Te-Biasu finished with 26 points, and senior forward Allie Kubek recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Maryland will face No. 1 seed South Carolina on March 28 in the Sweet 16.

Gavin Ems is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact him, email gje5113@psu.edu.