The 2023 NCAA Women’s Tournament Sweet 16 began Friday, and after four thrilling games half of the Elite Eight field is set.
Friday’s action started strong with a game between No. 9 seed Miami and No. 4 seed Villanova. When the underdog Hurricanes opened up a 21-point lead in the third quarter, it looked like the game would be a blowout. However, the Wildcats clawed their way back to take a lead in the fourth quarter.
From there, it was back-and-forth with both teams exchanging blows until Jasmyne Roberts converted a clutch and-1 for the Hurricanes with under a minute left in the fourth quarter. Miami’s defense got the necessary stops from there, and the Hurricanes’ incredible run will continue with the first Elite Eight berth in program history.
The rest of the Sweet 16 matchups had some big shoes to fill after an exhilarating tilt between Villanova and Miami. LSU and Utah accepted the challenge.
No. 3 seed LSU is heading to its first Elite Eight since 2008 after a 66-63 victory over a tough No. 2 seed in Utah. Angel Reese registered her 31st double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds, tying the SEC single-season record. However, she fouled out late in the fourth quarter. Alexis Morris — who finished with 15 points — lifted the Tigers to victory with four key free throws in the last 10 seconds of the game. It took multiple contributors to get past the Utes, and LaDazhia Williams also stepped up by leading all scorers with 24 points.
No. 2 seed Iowa raced to an 87-77 win against No. 6 seed Colorado after being down at halftime for just the seventh time this season. Caitlin Clark and Monika Czinano stepped up after the break to guide the Hawkeyes to their first Elite Eight since 2019. Clark finished the night with a game-high 31 points, making it her 87th consecutive game in double figures.
No. 8 seed Ole Miss didn’t get to continue its inspiring run in the tournament, but the Rebels left it all out on the floor against a well rounded No. 5 seed in Louisville. The Cardinals are advancing to their fifth consecutive Elite Eight after an 82-72 victory led by Hailey Van Lith, who scored 21 points. Van Lith was great, per usual, but other players stepped up too — including Michaela Robinson, who was scoreless in the first half but added 11 in the next two quarters. Louisville’s bench outscored the Rebels’ bench 27-6.
2023 NCAA Women’s Tournament Sweet 16 scores
| (9) Miami 70, (4) Villanova 65 Greenville 2 |
(3) LSU 66, (2) Utah 63 Greenville 2 |
|
(2) Iowa 87, (6) Colorado 77 |
(5) Louisville 72, (8) Ole Miss 62 Seattle 4 |
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