Miles’ Triple-Double Powers TCU in March Madness Opener

Miles’ Triple-Double Powers TCU in March Madness Opener

The NCAA Women’s March Madness tournament kicked off with a bang, and Olivia Miles delivered a performance for the ages. The TCU Horned Frogs, a three-seed, hosted UC San Diego, a fourteen-seed, in Fort Worth. TCU entered the game with an impressive 18-0 home record, and they showed why on their home court.

Miles, the team’s senior leader, was sensational. She averaged 19 points per game during the regular season, but her impact went far beyond scoring. She orchestrated the offense with ease, dishing out 14 assists and grabbing 16 rebounds to go along with 12 points. This historic triple-double made Miles the first player in NCAA tournament history to achieve this feat for multiple teams, having previously recorded one with Notre Dame in 2022.

“Honestly, my coach was in my ear. Um, but I didn’t really know. I didn’t know I had that many rebounds that early on. So the rebounds are always the the hardest part for me. So um yeah, you know, just just going for what I can.”

Miles’ ability to control the game, especially in transition after grabbing defensive rebounds, makes TCU a truly dangerous opponent. Her passing, combined with strong play from teammates like Marta Suarez and Taylor Bigby, who hit seven three-pointers and scored 27 points, created a potent offensive attack. Suarez, who also recorded a triple-double earlier this season, added toughness, while Bigby’s sharp shooting stretched the floor. The Horned Frogs’ dominance was evident as they secured a commanding 92-40 victory.

NC State Survives Scare Against Tennessee

In another thrilling first-round matchup, the NC State Wolfpack, a seven-seed, narrowly defeated the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, a ten-seed. Tennessee entered the game on a seven-game losing streak, but they battled hard against the Wolfpack. Sam Jones was a standout for NC State, scoring 15 points in the first half and finishing with a career-high 30 points, becoming the fourth player in NC State history to score 30 or more in an NCAA tournament game.

T’Lesia Cooper led the charge for Tennessee, scoring a team-high 24 points, and Mia Mapalo added 13. The Lady Volunteers even cut the deficit to just two points in the second half. However, NC State’s Camille Perry also had a strong performance with 16 points and 12 rebounds, securing her 22nd double-double of the season. Ultimately, NC State held on for the win, sending Tennessee to their eighth consecutive loss to end the season. NC State will now face top-seed Michigan in the next round.

Duke and Baylor Advance

The Duke Blue Devils, a three-seed, cruised to an 81-64 victory over Charleston. Taranique Harris led the way for Duke with an impressive 36 points, including 24 in the second half. Toby Fournier added 24 points and Jordan Wood contributed 17. Duke’s win marked their 11th consecutive victory when Fournier scores 20 or more points.

In a closely contested game, the Baylor Bears, an eleven-seed, edged out Nebraska with a 67-62 win. The game was tight throughout, with a crucial foul call late in the fourth quarter leading to two free throws for Baylor, giving them a slim lead. Despite a game-high 27 points from Nebraska’s Breanna Prince, Baylor’s late-game execution secured the victory. Both Duke and Baylor will advance to face each other in the round of 32.

UConn and LSU Dominate

Top-ranked UConn, the overall number one seed, is set to begin their NCAA tournament run against UTSA. The Huskies enter the tournament on a remarkable 50-game winning streak and have a history of dominating NCAA tournament openers, winning their last 31 by an average of 47.8 points. Despite some questioning if they are battle-tested, former UConn players and coaches emphasize the rigorous practices under coach Geno Auriemma prepare them for any challenge.

The second-seed LSU Tigers also made a statement, defeating Jacksonville 116-58. Guard Hailey Van Lith, who had 10 assists, and F.J. Johnson, who scored a game-high 20 points, led the Tigers. LSU’s dominance in the paint was a key factor, outscoring Jacksonville 66-2 in that area.

Upset Alert? Oklahoma’s Chances Against South Carolina

While many top seeds are expected to advance, there’s always the possibility of an upset. Analyst Drea Carter highlighted Oklahoma as a potential bracket-buster. The Sooners have already defeated top-overall seed South Carolina once this season, winning 94-82 in overtime back in January. This previous victory gives Oklahoma confidence heading into a potential matchup, with key players like Reagan Berry, Peyton Charol, and Aaliyah Chavez providing the size, experience, and shot-making ability to challenge any opponent.

Source: Women's March Madness Day 1 recap 🏀 + What team could be on upset alert?! 👀 | SportsCenter (YouTube)