First-round play is in the books for both the men and women, and Sweet 16 berths are on the line.
Cinderellas are still dancing in both brackets, and the stakes are ratcheting up. Sunday brings a full slate of second-round action for both the men and women and plenty of intrigue over who advances to the second weekend.
Ohio State’s struggles from 3 could mean an early exit here. The Buckeyes are 0-8 from the perimeter after shooting 35.6% from there this season. They haven’t made fewer than four in a game this year.
Going 16-of-23 from the free throw line could also prove detrimental with it a one-possession game.
Can the Buckeyes rally in the final quarter?
Colorado briefly took its first lead of the game before Marquette went on an 8 run.
In the first women’s game, the Blue Devils have taken the lead as the third quarter comes to a close. Duke’s Reigan Richardson has come alive and leads her team with 18.
South Carolina is up 28-10 at the end of the first quarter. So yeah, the Gamecocks are not messing around.
South Carolina is not playing around today. Five players have scored, points are coming from every level (3-of-4 from 3, my goodness) and ZERO of the Gamecocks’ blocks so far are from Kamilla Cardoso. Bree Hall and freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley each have one.
Colorado and Marquette are back for the second half and the Buffs are making a charge.
The Gamecocks have to be happy to have Kamilla Cardoso back in the lineup.
The Battle of the Carolinas is underway in the Albany 1 region. South Carolina beat North Carolina 65-58 earlier this season in one of the Gamecocks’ closer games.
The men’s game is also headed to half. Marquette is shooting an eye-poppin 68 percent from the floor. The Golden Eagles are up 45-34. Kam Jones has 16.
Ohio State is heading into halftime with a 36-32 lead. Cotie McMahon leads all scorers with 14 points.
The Buffs are starting to make a charge late in the first half. We know from their opener that they can score points in bunches.
The Buckeyes are still in control as this one nears halftime.
Kam Jones is heating up early. The junior has 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting with three 3-pointers so far.
On the women’s side, Ohio State has an early lead on Duke. Cotie McMahon has 6 points in the early going.
Much has been made about Celeste Taylor playing her old Duke team. The Former Blue Devil has 4 points and 3 steals so far in the opening quarter.
