Basketball
Five Key Takeaways from the Women's Basketball ACC/SEC Challenge
2024-12-06
The SEC/ACC Challenge has come to an end, leaving a trail of excitement and valuable takeaways. This year's competition was filled with intense matchups and remarkable performances that will be remembered for a long time. Let's dive into the details of each game and the teams that stood out.

Uncover the Hidden Gems of the SEC/ACC Challenge

SEC's Dominance in the Challenge

The SEC emerged victorious in the SEC/ACC Challenge, winning 10 out of 16 games. This dominance showcases the strength and competitiveness of the SEC teams. Texas at Notre Dame and Stanford at LSU were two elite games that went into overtime, highlighting the high level of play. In the Texas/ND matchup, despite injuries, the Irish's Hannah Hidalgo shined with 30 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. She played with poise and confidence on a big stage. Stanford/LSU was a close battle, with the Cardinal's deep shooting giving them an edge. Sophomore Mikaylah Williams knocked down crucial shots in overtime and finished with 32 points and 9 rebounds. That win gave LSU their fifth NET Top 100 victory of the season, a remarkable achievement.The Oklahoma Sooners had a tough week. They lost to Duke in overtime last week but bounced back by defeating the Louisville Cardinals on the road. Payton Verhulst had another impressive performance with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4-of-8 shooting from deep. This win was a major boost for the Sooners.NC State faced three top-10 opponents and had a tough schedule, but they finally got a win. Against a Top 25 Ole Miss team, they bounced back with a 68-61 victory. Freshman Zamareya Jones made four deep shots, and the starters put up solid performances.Tennessee was undefeated and ranked heading into the challenge. They needed a solid resume win, and they got it by defeating Florida State. Although they let go of a lead, they held on and won over a fringe Top 25 squad. Talaysia Cooper has been a bright spot, averaging 19.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.Georgia Tech was in a similar situation as Tennessee, needing a resume-booster. They took down Mississippi State to stay undefeated and now have a couple of solid wins. The Bulldogs were ranked last week, and the Yellowjackets seem likely to take their spot.

South Carolina's Dominance over Duke

South Carolina was dominant in their game against No. 4 Duke at home. Junior Chloe Kitts had a remarkable performance, notching her third double-double of the year and tying her career-high with 21 points. The Gamecocks at home are a dangerous team, extending their win streak to 62 games. Their strong play shows their potential and ability to compete at a high level.Each of these teams brought their A-game to the SEC/ACC Challenge, and the results were both exciting and unpredictable. From overtime battles to comeback wins, this challenge showcased the best of college basketball. As the season progresses, these teams will continue to make their mark and provide more thrilling moments for fans.
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