2024 NCAA Women's Tournament: Iowa, Notre Dame, USC ready for first-round games after some Day 1 nail-biters

Middle Tennessee handed Louisville the first big upset of the tournament, and LSU and Nebraska almost got knocked off too

Iowa, Notre Dame, USC and UCLA will all be in action on Saturday, but Day 1 of the 2024 NCAA Women's Tournament certainly lived up to its March Madness billing. No. 11 seed Middle Tennessee completed a stunning comeback victory over No. 6 seed Louisville on Friday, winning its first NCAA Tournament game since 2007. The Lady Raiders trailed by as much as 18 en route to the upset, making it the third-largest come-from-behind win in NCAA Women's Tournament history. 

LSU nearly suffered a similar fate. The Tigers struggled to pull away from No. 14 seed Rice in their opening-round matchup, and the big reasons why were a season-high 24 turnovers and a bad shooting performance (1-of-7 field goals) from Angel Reese. Still, LSU's hopes of a second consecutive title remain alive, and its next test is against Middle Tennessee.

Through three quarters, No. 7 seed Iowa State had all it could handle with No. 10 seed Maryland. The Cyclones trailed the Terrapins by 20, but Maryland managed storm back with a 30-14 third quarter to knot the game at 66 entering the final frame, then Iowa State freshman Audi Crooks scored 11 of her game-high 40 points -- on 18-of-20 shooting -- in the final 6:29 to take the lead for good.

As many expected, the last contest of the night between No. 6 seed Nebraska and No. 11 seed Texas A&M did not disappoint. The game was close in the early going, but the Cornhuskers' had a game-high 17-point lead in the middle of the third quarter before the Aggies staged their comeback. The game was tied twice at 56 and 58, and the Aggies even went up 59-58 when Aicha Coulibaly (game high 26 points) sank a free throw, but the Huskers sank three free throws of their own within the last 15 seconds to go up 61-59. Endyia Rogers' 3-point attempt from the top of the arc missed, and so the Huskers advanced. (Coincidentally, he same two schools also met in the men's tournament on Friday, with the Aggies getting the 98-83 win.)

No. 1 overall seeds South Carolina and Texas notched resounding wins over Presbyterian and Drexel, respectively. The Gamecocks are hoping to become the 10th ever undefeated women's national champion, while Texas is hoping to make a deep postseason run after getting knocked out in last season's second round.

North Carolina and Ohio State earned the first two wins of the opening round, and they couldn't have come differently. The Tar Heels survived a late rally to beat Michigan State in a game that went down to the final possession, while Ohio State raced by Maine with ease. In other action, Colorado eliminated Drake, Oregon easily defeated Eastern Washington and Stanford routed Norfolk State.

2024 NCAA Women's Tournament TV schedule

All times Eastern | Complete schedule | LIVE bracket

(8) North Carolina 59, (9) Michigan State 56	(2) Ohio State 80, (15) Maine 57
(11) Middle Tennessee 71, (6) Louisville 69	(1) South Carolina 91, (16) Presbyterian 39
(7) Duke 72, (10) Richmond 61	(1) Texas 82, (16) Drexel 42
(4) Virginia Tech 92, (13) Marshall 49	(3) LSU 70, (14) Rice 60
(4) Kansas State 78, (13) Portland 65	(8) Alabama 82, (9) Florida State 74
(5) Baylor 80, (12) Vanderbilt 63	(5) Colorado 86, (12) Drake 72
(7) Iowa State 93, (10) Maryland 86	(3) Oregon State 73, (14) Eastern Washington 51
(2) Stanford 79, (15) Norfolk State 50	(6) Nebraska 61, (11) Texas A&M 59

CBS Sports will be with you the entire way updating this story with the latest from every first round game on Friday. Keep it locked here for scores, analysis and highlights throughout the evening.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 12:58 am ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(6) Nebraska 61, (11) Texas A&M 59

There were a few scoring droughts in this game, but the last two minutes were a fun way to wrap up Day 1 of the 2024 NCAA women's basketball tournament. 

Texas A&M came back from a 17-point deficit and found a 59-58 lead with 17.7 seconds left. Nebraska regained the advantage from the free throw line and the Cornhuskers had to hold their breath when Endyia Rogers attempted a game-winning jumper from beyond the arc. The miss helped Nebraska earn a ticket to the second round of the tournament for the first time since 2014.

Nebraska freshman Logan Nissley and junior Kendall Moriarty led the Cornhuskers with 16 points each. Texas A&M senior guard Aicha Coulibaly led all scorers with 26 points.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 12:11 am ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(2) Stanford 79, (15) Norfolk State 50 | Final

Tara VanDerveer's Stanford has made the second round of the NCAA Tournament every year since 2000 and the program is still riding that streak. Stanford had four double-digit scorers and shot at 51.7% from the field while holding Norfolk State to 30.9%. Cameron Brink put up a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds while also registering six blocks. However, the leading scorer tonight was junior guard Elena Bosgana, who has been averaging just 6.5 points per contest this season. She put up 18 points going 6-for-10 from the field and hitting four 3-pointers. 

Up next, Stanford will take on Iowa State on Sunday.

[Mar 22, 2024 at 10:08 pm ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(3) Oregon State 73, (14) Eastern Washington 51 | Final

The Beavers were down 15-18 after the first quarter but they responded well for the rest of the game. Nine different players scored for Oregon State, with Sophomore forward Reagan Beers's 19-points leading the way after going 8-for-11 from the field. Freshman guard Dominika Paurova followed closely with 17 points. 

Oregon State had significantly more turnovers (19-7) but the Beavers dominated in other categories. Overall, Oregon State shot at 54.9% from the field while holding Eastern Washington to 30%. The Beavers also outrebounded the Eagles 46-27.

[Mar 22, 2024 at 9:48 pm ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(7) Iowa State 93, (10) Maryland 86 | Final

Iowa State completed the second largest comeback in NCAA women's basketball tournament history after falling behind by 20 points in the second quarter.

Iowa State freshman center Audi Crooks was the star of the night with a double-double of 40 points and 12 rebounds. She went an impressive 18-for-20 from the field. Sophomore Emily Ryan was also a huge help for the Cyclones' offense with 18 points and 14 assists. 

It really was a tale of two halves as the Terrapins were shinning in the first two quarters while junior forward Allie Kubek made every shot she attempted. She was still solid in the second half and wrapped up the night with 29 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the field.

[Mar 22, 2024 at 9:32 pm ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(5) Colorado 86, (12) Drake 72 | Final

Colorado was down 11-3 early in the game, but the team maintained composure and finished the first half with a 24-21 advantage. The Buffaloes completely took over the second half and are now advancing to the round of 32 for the second consecutive year. 

Colorado center Aaronette Vonleh led the way with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Kindyll Wetta and Jaylyn Sherrod contributed with 16 points each, while Maddie Nolan added 12 more. Katie Dinnebier had a strong performance for Drake with 25 points and seven assists. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 8:16 pm ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(5) Baylor 80, (12) Vanderbilt 63 | Final

The Bears found a 16-point lead early in the game but then saw a scoring drought in the second quarter that allowed Vanderbilt to hang around. Baylor found its rhythm again after the break and took control of the game. 

Nicki Collen's team showed off its depth with eight of the nine players who checked in registering at least four points each. Sophomore guard Bella Fontleroy led the way with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds. 

Baylor moves on to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies this weekend. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 7:33 pm ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(8) Alabama 82, (9) Florida State 74 | Final

The final result doesn't accurately reflect how tight the game was. The score was tied at halftime and it was only a two-point game with two minutes remaining. 

Alabama pulled off the win despite Sarah Ashlee Barker — the team's leading scorer this season — fouling out with under five minutes left and only scoring six points. The Crimson Tide offense didn't struggle despite Barker's off performance. Four player reached double figures led by Essence Cody's double-double of 20 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.

Ta'Niya Larson led Florida State's effort with 25 points, while Makayla Timpson registered a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 6:44 pm ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(4) Kansas State 78, (13) Portland 65 | Final

The Kansas State Wildcats are advancing to the round of 32 for the second consecutive year. The team's three most consistent scorers got the job done, starting with Serena Sundell who ignited the Kansas State's offense in the first half. Gabby Gregory took over the game after the break and finished the night with a season-high 22 points thanks to versatile scoring from inside and from beyond the arc. Ayoka Lee — the team's leading scorer this season — wasn't too far behind with 21 points. 

Although Portland fell short, the Pilots showed a lot of fight as they had been down by 20 points but made sure it was a single-digit game with about three minutes remaining. Portland junior guard Maisie Burnham put up 21 points, a season high for her. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 6:11 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

(3) LSU 70, (14) Rice 60 | Final

It wasn't pretty, but LSU survived an upset scare against Rice to advance to the 2024 NCAA Women's Tournament's second round. The Tigers' sloppiness -- they turned the ball over 24 times -- led to this being a much closer game than anticipated. LSU starters Angel Reese, Mikaylah Williams and Hailey Van Lith combined for 16 turnovers, and that simply won't get it done against tougher competition, including Middle Tennessee in the second round. It was a rough game for Reese overall as she also went 1-7 from the field, but she dominated the boards to the tune of 19 rebounds. LSU will need to channel that energy beyond the glass if it hopes to win a second consecutive national championship. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 5:36 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

(4) Virginia Tech 92, (13) Marshall 49 | Final

The Hokies put together an offensive masterclass against Marshall, racing by the Thundering Herd to secure a second-round matchup against either Baylor or Vanderbilt. Georgia Amoore was expected to be the engine of Virginia Tech's offense with Elizabeth Kitley (torn ACL) done for the year, but the Hokies' role players were responsible for Friday's scoring bonanza. Matilda Ekh broke out of a shooting slump over the last few games with a game-high 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Clara Strack, Virginia Tech's new starting center, went a perfect 7-of-7 from the field for 17 points to go along with her five rebounds. Amoore scored only nine points and dealt with foul trouble, but she'll have a much larger role as the Hokies continue dancing. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 5:00 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

(1) Texas 82, (16) Drexel 42 | Final

The Longhorns rolled to a huge opening-round win over Drexel, advancing them to a second-round meeting with either Florida State or Alabama. Shaylee Gonzales had her best scoring game of the season, recording 21 points while making five of her six 3-point attempts. Taylor Jones added 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting for Texas. Drexel struggled mightily against Texas' physical defense, as only Amaris Baker (10) scored in double digits, and even she missed eight of her 13 field goal attempts. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 4:07 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

(1) South Carolina 91, (16) Presbyterian 39 | Final

The Gamecocks are off to the second round after a resounding win over Presbyterian. Te-Hina Paopao hit four of her seven 3-pointers to lead South Carolina's starters with 18 points, but Chloe Kitts paced the team from the bench with 21 points to go along with 13 rebounds. Sania Feagin impressed in a spot start for Kamilla Cardoso, who missed the game as a result of her role in the SEC championship scuffle. In a double-double performance, Feagin tallied 12 points and 10 rebounds. South Carolina will now take on North Carolina in the second round, and it will hope to beat the Tar Heels again after winning their matchup by a seven-point margin earlier this season. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 3:46 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

(11) Middle Tennessee 71, (6) Louisville 66 | Final

Our first upset of the 2024 NCAA Women's Tournament is here, as Middle Tennessee rallied from an 18-point deficit to shock Louisville in the opening round. The Lady Raiders will now battle either LSU or Rice in the second round. Olivia Cochran's foul trouble led to the Cardinals' demise. The star forward picked up her fourth foul midway through the third quarter, and with her forced to sit, Middle Tennessee found its rhythm and eventually the lead. A Cochran layup brought Louisville to within two with 53 seconds left, but the Lady Raiders pulled away to tie for the NCAA Women's Tournament's third-largest comeback ever. This is the only first-round exit of the Jeff Walz era at Louisville and Middle Tennessee's first NCAA Tournament win since 2007. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 1:55 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

(2) Ohio State 80, (15) Maine 57 | Final

The Buckeyes started their NCAA Women's Tournament on a high note, overcoming a slow start to throttle Maine in the opening round. Ohio State's Jacy Sheldon was as explosive as ever offensively, scoring a team-high 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting. Celeste Taylor, though, illustrated Ohio State's all-around excellence the most aptly. The 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year played winning basketball in every facet, hitting a couple 3s in a 12-point game while adding six rebounds, five assists and six (!) steals. The Buckeyes' press suffocated Maine, and Taylor was a key reason why it all held together. Next up for Ohio State is a matchup against either (7) Duke or (10) Richmond. 

[Mar 22, 2024 at 1:47 pm ET · Wajih AlBaroudi]

(8) North Carolina 59, (9) Michigan State 56 | Final

North Carolina survived a late Michigan State rally and is off to the second round thanks largely to an incredible do-it-all performance from Alyssa Ustby. The senior from Rochester, Minn. scored 16 points to go along with a team-high 17 rebounds and six assists. Ustby's most critical rebound came on the offensive end with only three seconds remaining, as she corralled a free throw miss from Deja Kelly to preserve her team's three-point lead and the victory. Michigan State was down as much as 16 in the game and as much as seven within the final minute, but it couldn't finish the job. North Carolina will now, in all likelihood, play No. 1 overall seed South Carolina in the second round. Back in November, the Tar Heels played the Gamecocks tough in a 65-58 loss in Chapel Hill, N.C.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 1:04 am ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

Former South Carolina star Aliyah Boston gave a shout-out to Iowa State freshman Audi Crooks after her 40-point performance in the comeback victory against Maryland.

[Mar 22, 2024 at 11:38 pm ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

Halftime: (6) Nebraska 27,  (11) Texas A&M 20

Nebraska has gotten nine points from Texas A&M's 11 turnovers, but so far this hasn't been a great offensive battle. 

Both teams are seeing a bit of a draught as neither scored in the final 3:35 of the first half. Both are shooting under 36% from the field and no player has reached double digits yet. Nebraska has seen six players score so far, led by freshman guard Logan Nissley's eight points. Texas A&M forward Janiah Barker also has eight points.