The first full day of games delivered. We saw it all: three D1 teams fell to non-D1 programs, multiple 40-point performances, a tied NCAA record, a buzzer-beater, a triple-double, a 20-20 game, and everything in between. Let's dive into some of the events from the day.
The first game of the day got underway at 10:30am as Georgia Tech hosted Hofstra. The game ended a bit closer than Georgia Tech would have wanted, but a win is a win. Talayah Walker had 40 points in the game before some people had even finished their breakfast.
Speaking of individual performances, Sayvia Sellers had the first triple-double of the season in the Washington win. Sellers finished the game with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists for the game.
The first big game of the day was #20 Maryland taking on #1 South Carolina in the Oui-Play event held in Paris, France. South Carolina led by as many as 31 points early in the second half before Maryland's Addi Mack took over and helped lead Maryland back to within six points late in the fourth quarter.
Mack ended up with 35 points on a very efficient night scoring the basketball, but it wasn't enough to overcome South Carolina. Joyce Edwards had 23 points and 8 rebounds for South Carolina while Agot Maker added 20 points to South Carolina's tally. Chloe Kitts had eight points, seven rebounds, and five assists in her first game back from her injury, and Jerzy Robinson had 15 points of her own off the bench in her debut.
#21 Oklahoma and #12 North Carolina did battle in the second game of the Oui Play event, and it did not disappoint. Oklahoma ended up winning the game by 12 points, 91-79, but the way they did it was what caught my attention. Aaliyah Chavez struggled with foul issues and only played 25 minutes during the game and still had a good impact with her 14 points and six assists. LeeLee Bell was the story, however. The freshman from North Dakota had 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds and seemed to make every big shot that headed her way. Sahara Williams had 22 points while the bench combined for 23 points.
North Carolina found exactly what they need to work on going forward, and it starts at the point guard position. Kate Harpring made her debut in France and was not running on all cylinders. She scored 21 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished off five assists. However, she took 26 shots and also turned the ball over seven times. As North Carolina continues to gel with game experience, I have no doubt that Harpring will come into her own as the season moves along. Nyla Brooks was the second-leading scorer with 13 points, and three others also found their way into being double-digit scorers. This North Carolina group is a deep roster, and they'll give any opponent fits.
JuJu Watkins scored 21 points with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in her first game in 588 days. Jazzy Davidson led USC with 23 points on 10-of-11 shooting, and Saniyah Hall added 22 points and seven rebounds. The Trojans broke the game open with a 31-10 third quarter and reached 100 points in a season opener for the first time since 1985-86. They took down UNLV 100-68.
Here are yesterday's statistical leaders:
Ava Zediker knocked down a shot at the buzzer to lift Creighton over South Dakota State on the road 73-71. This was a big win for Creighton after getting beat by South Dakota State last year by double-figures.
Chloe Donnell knocked down 14 3-pointers in Northwestern State's blowout win over Ecclesia. This number ties the NCAA record for made 3-pointers in a game. Her 46 points in the contest also rank 3rd most in school history.
Fadima Tall notched a 29-point, 22-rebound double-double for Princeton in their win. The win for Princeton also marked the first career win for new head coach Lauren Gosselin.
Norfolk State fell 63-62 to DII Virginia State. Alabama A&M lost 59-53 to NAIA Talladega. North Dakota fell to DII Minnesota Crookston 81-68.
Amber Scalia was granted a preliminary injunction to be eligible for the upcoming season. She is back at Miami (OH), where she scored 13.7 points a game last year. In June, she had accepted a coaching position on the staff at Evansville.
Oklahoma guard Keeley Parks will miss the 2026-27 season after suffering a torn ACL last week.
Oregon State's Ally Schimel is out indefinitely after suffering a foot injury. She started all 35 games last season for Oregon State.
2028 guard Kailey Weber has announced her commitment to Colgate.
2027 four-star guard Charis Rainey announced her commitment to USC. She chose the Trojans over Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, and Oregon.
Skim Milkey previews the SEC and breaks down each team heading into 2026-27.
Skim Milkey previews the Big 12 and breaks down each team heading into 2026-27.
Skim Milkey previews the week to come in women's hoops.
The Basket Under Review app is available for download on the Google Play Store!
If you are an Apple/iOS user, you can download the TestFlight version of the app here: https://testflight.apple.com/join/sTwECNxQ
The app will be available on the Apple App Store soon.
If you notice any glitches, mistakes, or have any feedback on the games, please email us at administrator@basketunderreview.com.
Follow Basket Under Review on: Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
Thanks for reading the Basket Under Review Newsletter. This newsletter is evolving daily, so please feel free to send us some feedback by email at administrator@basketunderreview.com.