No. 11 Middle Tennessee secured a stunning victory over No. 6 Louisville in the 2024 women's NCAA Tournament, marking Louisville's first winless tournament since 2006 despite previously reaching the Elite Eight for five consecutive seasons.

The Big Picture

The upset signifies a significant shift in the tournament dynamics with a dominant Louisville facing an unexpected early exit.

By the Numbers
  • Louisville lost to Middle Tennessee 71-69 despite holding an 18-point lead in the first half.
  • This is the first time Louisville lost in the first round since 2006 and failed to win an NCAA Tournament game under coach Jeff Walz.
State of Play
  • Coach Jeff Walz, known for his coaching acumen, faced a reversal as Middle Tennessee outplayed Louisville with strategic adjustments.
  • Middle Tennessee's tactics, including drawing fouls on key players and strong outside shooting, led to their comeback and victory.
What's Next

Middle Tennessee progresses to face the winner of No. 3 LSU vs. No. 14 Rice, setting the stage for further tournament surprises.

Bottom Line

The unexpected triumph of Middle Tennessee over Louisville marks a significant upset, altering the landscape of the women's NCAA Tournament and highlighting the unpredictable nature of March Madness.