This past week presented us with multiple upsets we didn’t see coming. These teams showed their determination and heart for the game. As a result, they ended up beating some of the top teams in the country! Let’s take a look at the underdogs of the week.
Monday, Feb. 1st: NC State vs. Louisville
No. 4 NC State and No. 1 Louisville went head to head on Monday. The game went back and forth for the majority of the first quarter. The second quarter was close as well with the Wolfpack outscoring the Cardinals 11-7.
The third quarter was even closer but the Wolfpack came out on top scoring 20 over Louisville’s 19. Finally, when the fourth quarter hit, State was able to pull away.
Although State had an unbelievable game, Dana Evans (Louisville) led her team with 29 points. She was the only Cardinal to reach double figures in the game. Behind her was Olivia Cochran and Kianna Smith both with 8 points.
As for State, they had four players reaching double figures– Elissa Cunane (16pts), Jakia Brown-Tucker (16pts), Raina Perez (15pts), and Jada Boyd (15pts).
The majority of State’s points came from the inside: 43.8% for field goals and a total of 44 rebounds, (13 out of the 44 were offensive), and 100% from the free-throw line. It was not the best perimeter performance for the Wolfpack only making 6/21 three-pointers leaving the team with 28.6% from three.
Louisville did not have a poor performance offensively, but they did not bring the same heat as State; especially in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals shot 42.1% from three, 38.3% on field goals, and 75% from the free-throw line. The Cardinals were not as aggressive on the boards according to their stats. They finished with a total of 29 rebounds which only six of those rebounds were offensive.
Overall, both teams had a great performance, but when it mattered the most, State stepped up their game to finish with a stellar performance taking down the No. 1 ranked team in the country 74-60.
Thursday, Feb. 4th: Ole Miss vs. Kentucky
On Thursday night, Ole Miss shocked the world by beating No. 15 the Kentucky Wildcats 72-60.
Two words: Shakira Austin. According to ncca.com, the Maryland transfer was unstoppable in the point producing a double-double–21 points and 12 rebounds. Overall, Ole Miss had 41 points in the paint and out-rebounded Kentucky 49-34.
Ole Miss’s defense contributed to their win as well. The Rebels were able to shut down the Wildcat’s star player, Rhyne Howard. Howard had 26 points, but only shot 7 for 26 and 2 for 10 on three-pointers. Along with Howard, Chasity Patterson was the only Wildcat to score double digits with 14 points.
Even though Howard and Patterson combined for 40 points, that still wasn’t enough for the Wildcats to overpower the Rebel’s stellar paint performance.
Friday, Feb. 5th: Washington State vs. UCLA
After losing 68-66 to the UCLA Bruins on Jan. 17th, 2021, the Washington State Cougars got their revenge by beating the Bruins 67-63.
Overall, the rebounding was even with both teams coming in with 35 rebounds. The difference was the three-pointers and the free throws. Washington State finished 7/17 from three (41.2%) and went almost 82% from the free-throw line. On the other hand, UCLA finished 25% from the three following a 69.6% free throw performance.
The player of the game goes to Charlisse Leger-Walker, guard, who scored 28 points for the Cougars. Following her 28 points, Leger-Walker made a clutch three-pointer with 40 seconds left; giving the Cougars a one-point lead against the Bruins.
With three seconds left, Washington State has a three-point lead. Leger-Walker sinks one more free throw to seal the deal.
As a result, the Cougars received what might’ve been the biggest win in program history!
Sunday, Feb. 7th: North Carolina vs. NC State
RIVALRY ALERT! UNC’s big win over their rival No. 4 NC State capped off a great weekend for the Tar Heels. First, the men’s basketball team defeats their rival, Duke, the night before. Now for the third year in a row, the Lady Tar Heels take down ranked NC State.
Last year the Tar Heels handed the Wolfpack their first loss of the season. This year the Wolfpack are coming off of their huge win against No. 1 Louisville (previously mentioned), but due to protocols, they have not played a game since then.
Alyssa Ustby led the team to victory with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Stephanie Watts followed behind with 17 points and Petra Holesinska with 15 points.
The Tar Heels were a threat on the outside, shooting 42.3% from three. They outscored the Wolfpack in 3/4 quarters all thanks to their aggressiveness on offense as well as defense.
They were able to keep Cunane out of the game, keeping her in foul trouble throughout the game. Even though she ended up being the highest scorer for the Wolfpack, she could not be as aggressive on the defensive end due to foul trouble.
This game is important to the Tar Heels because this game could help them win their ticket into the NCAA tournament. Let’s just say it was a great weekend for the Tar Heels.
What’s Next?
All of these underdogs earned the right to celebrate their huge victories, but not for long. This week is a fresh start for all teams and everyone is out for blood.
Every single one of these teams proved that they belong just as much as the top-ranked teams. State, Ole Miss, Washington State, and UNC took advantage of their opportunity to play against top tier teams in the NCAA–they conquered.
As the famous saying goes, “it’s not over until it’s over.” A prime example of playing every game like it’s your last.
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