Women's Hoop Report 69

Women's NCAA Tournament First Round, March 21

Oklahoma State 84, Wake Forest 61

Above: Natasha Mack

The Winner's Only National Defensive Player of the Year, Natasha Mack had arguably the best individual showing in all of the first round of the Women's NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

The most dynamic player in the NCAA posted 27 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, blocked four shots and collected two steals in Oklahoma State's 84-61 win against Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons (12-13) were a feel good story, qualifying for their first NCAA Tournament since 1988, but Mack saw that their stay wasn't long as she ripped through her opponent.

In three post season games, including the Big 12 Tournament, Mack is averaging 22 points, 13 rebounds, 4.7 blocks and 2.3 steals. She has had 10 games with at least 16 rebounds this season. In half of those games she scored at least 20 points as well.

The Cowgirls got a strong three-point shooting effort from guard Ja'Mee Asbury. She hit four-of-10 threes scoring 18 points to go along with six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Guard Neferatali Notoa led Oklahoma State (19-8) with six assists. She also had nine points.

Forward Christina Morra led Wake Forest with 18 points. She made eight-of-14 field goal attempts. Another Wake Forest forward scored 13 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and stole the ball five times, which led all players.

Stanford 87, Utah Valley 44

Above: Kiana Williams

Stanford (26-2) rolled over Utah Valley (13-7) with no problem. The Cardinal kicked the game off with a 29-9 lead in the first quarter. Stanford guard Kiana Williams was awesome from three, dropping six-of-11 from long distance. She scored 20, marking the fifth time this season that she has posted as many points.

Stanford took care of the ball on an elite level. It tallied 24 assists opposed to eight turnovers. Guard Haley Jones led the way with seven assists. The sophomore matched her season high in assists. She also tallied seven dimes when Stanford posted 101 points in a 47-point win over UNLV. Lacie Hull gave Stanford 12 points off of the bench. Winners Only All-National Fifth Team Selection Cameron Brink scored 10 points and blocked one shot for the Cardinal. Reserve forward Ashten Prechtel led Stanford with three blocks. The six-foot-five sophomore also scored seven points and grabbed five rebounds in 16 minutes of action.

Utah Valley got nearly half of its points from center Josie Williams. The six-foot-five junior scored 18 points. Guard Maria Carvalho led the Wolverines with eight rebounds, but shot a dismal two-of-15 from the field.

Stanford will face Oklahoma State in the second round.

Kentucky 71, Idaho State 63

Above: Chasity Patterson

Kentucky (18-8) had a challenge from Idaho State (22-4) in its tournament opener. A competitor from the Big Sky conference, Idaho State showed its SEC opponent Kentucky, that it was not to be taken lightly. The Bengals led 18-12 after the first quarter.

The Wildcats woke up and outscored Idaho State 35-13 in the second and third quarters but Idaho State showed a lot of fight putting up 32 points in the final period. Despite the late surge, Kentucky scored 24 points in the fourth and it was enough to hold its eager opponent off. Winners Only First Team All-Defensive selection Chasity Patterson shared the team lead with 14 points. She also collected two steals. Her talented teammate and Winners Only All-National Fourth Team selection forward Rhyne Howard also scored 14 points to go along with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Idaho State was led by guard Diaba Konate's 16 points. Bengals guard Callie Bourne posted 10 points and 10 rebounds as well.

Kentucky will face Iowa in the second round. The Hawkeyes topped Central Michigan 87-72 in a first round matchup.