Must-Watch First Round Matchups of Women’s March Madness 2024
The electrifying energy of Women’s March Madness is about to explode onto our screens with the first-round action tipping off this Friday. Sixty-four teams have earned their place in the tournament, but only 32 will advance beyond these opening games. With so much basketball on the horizon, discerning which matchups offer the most compelling storylines and potential for thrilling upsets can be a challenge. Luckily, our experts at the USA TODAY Sports Network have dissected the schedule to highlight the must-see contests that no true hoops fan should miss.
Utah vs. Indiana (Friday, 1:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2 (Fubo))
Jenna Ortiz of the Arizona Republic points to the clash between Utah and Indiana as a game ripe with intriguing possibilities. Both teams enter the tournament fresh off extended breaks, providing ample time for strategic preparation and healing any lingering injuries. The key to this contest lies in the star power of both teams. Utah boasts Gianna Kneepkens, while Indiana features Yarden Garzon, and both are consistently lighting up scoreboards, so anticipate both players being the focus of each defense. The deciding factor, according to Ortiz, will be which team can successfully contain the offensive prowess of the other’s star player, turning this into a tactical battle of defensive adjustments and player matchups. A slow, grind-it-out game could favor the veteran Hoosiers, while a high-pace track meet might play to Utah’s strengths. The opening minutes will dictate the tempo, so keep a close eye on how these teams try to establish control early on.
Vanderbilt vs. Oregon (Friday, 5:30 p.m. ET | ESPNews (Fubo))
Mike Sykes, writing for For The Win, shines a spotlight on the captivating showdown between Vanderbilt and Oregon. The primary reason for this game’s must-watch status revolves around Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt’s sensational freshman. Blakes has already established herself as one of the nation’s premier scorers, showcasing a diverse offensive repertoire and an unflappable demeanor under pressure. The challenge for Oregon will be finding an answer for Blakes. Sykes suggests that the Ducks possess the bodies to throw at her, implying a strategy of rotating defenders and trying to wear her down throughout the game. However, the question remains whether they have enough defensive firepower to truly contain her. This matchup hinges on whether Oregon’s defensive game plan can successfully limit Blakes’ scoring output, or whether the freshman sensation will continue her dominant run and lead Vanderbilt to victory. If Oregon can limit Blakes to under 20 points, the Ducks will have a great chance to advance.
Nebraska vs. Louisville (Friday, 6 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo))
Nancy Armour of USA TODAY urges viewers to tune into the Nebraska-Louisville contest, primarily due to the presence of Britt Prince, Nebraska’s exceptionally talented freshman. Armour describes Prince as "otherworldly," highlighting her exceptional skill set and ability to take over games. The warning for Louisville is clear: if Britt Prince gets hot, it could be a very long and difficult day for the Cardinals. This matchup hinges on Louisville’s ability to disrupt Prince’s rhythm and prevent her from establishing an early offensive flow. The Cardinals will need to throw different defensive looks at her, from aggressive traps to physical one-on-one coverage, in an attempt to force turnovers and disrupt her confidence. If Prince finds her groove early, Louisville will need to find a way to respond offensively and match her scoring output, turning this into a high-stakes shootout.
Iowa vs. Murray State (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo))
The Iowa-Murray State game promises a high-octane offensive explosion, with multiple experts highlighting the potential for a high-scoring affair. Cydney Henderson of USA TODAY emphasizes Murray State’s leading scoring offense in the nation, averaging a staggering 87.8 points per game. Their offensive prowess is further amplified by their proficiency from beyond the arc, averaging 10.2 three-pointers per game. On the other side, Iowa boasts Lucy Olsen, who is enjoying a career-high 36% shooting percentage from three-point range. Cory Diaz of The Daily Advertiser echoes this sentiment, noting that Murray State, led by Katelyn Young, nearly scores 90 points per game. Iowa will need to score a lot to keep up. In other words, defense will be optional. This game is a must-watch for fans who appreciate fast-paced, high-scoring basketball with a barrage of three-pointers. Expect lead changes, runs, and a nail-biting finish as both teams trade baskets and try to outscore each other.
Oklahoma State vs. South Dakota State (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2)
Jordan Mendoza of USA TODAY identifies the Oklahoma State versus South Dakota State game as a potential upset brewing. While Oklahoma State enjoyed a successful season, they face a Jackrabbit team that is accustomed to winning in March. South Dakota State has a proven track record of competing against top-tier teams, suggesting they won’t be intimidated by the Cowgirls. Maxwell Donaldson of the Gadsden Times reinforces this sentiment, noting that the Jackrabbits have hung around with top competition this season and possess the capability to pull off an upset. This matchup presents a classic case of a higher-seeded team facing a dangerous underdog with a history of tournament success. South Dakota State’s experience and confidence in March could prove to be a significant advantage, while Oklahoma State will need to overcome the pressure of being the higher seed and execute their game plan flawlessly.
Harvard vs. Michigan State (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPNews (Fubo))
The Harvard-Michigan State game is another contest circled by our experts as a prime candidate for an upset. Meghan Hall of For The Win emphasizes the impact of Harmoni Turner, describing her as a three-level scorer with a particularly deadly three-point shot. Teams have consistently struggled to contain her offensive output, making Michigan State a vulnerable target for an upset. Cora Hall of the Knoxville News Sentinel goes even further, proclaiming Harmoni Turner as one of the best guards in the nation, implying that she possesses the talent and leadership to single-handedly carry Harvard to victory. If Turner is having a strong shooting night, it will put extreme pressure on Michigan State.
Mississippi State vs. California (Saturday, 5:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2 (Fubo))
Lulu Kesin of the Greenville News highlights the late-season performances of both Mississippi State and California, noting that they both hung with top-tier talent (MSU almost beat Texas, Cal lost by 9 to Notre Dame). However, she also points out that both teams have suffered some puzzling losses, making this matchup a bit of a wildcard. Kesin questions whether Sam Purcell and his Bulldogs have the defensive capabilities to stop California’s five scorers who are averaging 11 or more points per game. This game could be an exciting clash of styles, with Mississippi State relying on their heart and determination to overcome California’s balanced offensive attack.
With so much talent on display and the stakes higher than ever, the first round of the Women’s NCAA Tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Settle in, grab your bracket, and prepare to witness the drama unfold.
