The first-round briefing of the 2024 women's NCAA Tournament highlighted Louisville's shocking loss to Middle Tennessee, ending impressive streaks and raising questions about the team's future, while LSU managed a victory despite a lackluster performance marred by turnovers. Louisville's defeat signifies a need for introspection and potential roster changes for the next season, led by Coach Jeff Walz.

The Big Picture

The unexpected early exit of Louisville and the struggles faced by LSU point towards a high level of unpredictability and competitiveness in the ongoing women's NCAA Tournament.

By the Numbers
  • Louisville suffered a rare first-round upset with a historic 71-69 loss to Middle Tennessee.
  • LSU committed a season-high 24 turnovers in their 70-60 win against Rice.
State of Play
  • Louisville's future is uncertain as they analyze the reasons behind their defeat and plan potential roster changes.
  • LSU, despite advancing, faces challenges in maintaining performance levels and avoiding upsets in the upcoming games.
  • Ohio State showcased a strong performance against Maine, indicating a potential resurgence in the tournament.
What's Next

Louisville will need to regroup, make strategic decisions on their roster, and refocus for the next season, while LSU must address their turnover issues to sustain their championship aspirations. Ohio State aims to build on their strong start and continue their momentum towards success in the tournament.

Bottom Line

The early tournament upsets and challenges faced by top teams like Louisville and LSU emphasize the intense competition and the necessity for adaptability and improvement in the NCAA women's basketball landscape.