The numbers this season in women’s college basketball have been nothing short of breathtaking. Let's dive into the standout performances and stats that have defined this unforgettable year.
Caitlin Clark from Iowa is rewriting the record books with her scoring prowess. Meanwhile, UConn's Paige Bueckers is back in the spotlight, delivering jaw-dropping stats after overcoming knee injuries that sidelined her for much of the past two seasons. Southern California’s JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo have also made waves, boasting two of the most impressive freshman campaigns we've seen.
But the most eye-catching stat belongs to South Carolina, who have stormed through the season with a flawless 34-0 record.
These remarkable athletes have propelled their teams into a Sweet 16 packed with talent. Let’s break down some key stats from the Gamecocks' Albany 1 Region:
INDIANA: Indiana has seen its players rise to the occasion, setting new program records in the NCAA Tournament. Sara Scalia shattered a 41-year-old record by scoring 27 points, including five 3-pointers, in an 89-56 win over Fairfield. Not to be outdone, Mackenzie Holmes upped the ante with 29 points in a 75-68 victory against Oklahoma just two days later.
SOUTH CAROLINA: MiLaysia Fulwiley has been on fire, averaging 20.3 points over her last three games, starting with a crucial SEC Tournament championship win over LSU. Her shooting from beyond the arc has been particularly impressive, hitting 13 of 22 three-pointers during this stretch, a stark contrast to her 2 of 11 performance in the previous four games.
OREGON STATE: The Beavers have been a defensive powerhouse, with their first two NCAA Tournament opponents struggling to find the basket. Eastern Washington and Nebraska managed to shoot just 30% and 31.3% respectively against Oregon State. Now, they face a formidable challenge in Notre Dame, a team that shot over 50% in both of its tournament victories.
NOTRE DAME: Hannah Hidalgo has not just broken Notre Dame's single-season steals record; she’s obliterated it. Leading the NCAA with 157 steals, she has surpassed the previous record by a staggering 43 steals. Skylar Diggins-Smith, who held the record with 114 steals in the 2012-13 season, now has company at the top.
These stats tell the story of a season filled with extraordinary talent and thrilling performances. As the tournament progresses, fans can only anticipate more electrifying moments from these exceptional athletes.