Full Breakdown
Women's Basketball Regular Season Finale: Winners and Losers
3/2/2026, 6:53:03 AM
Key Highlights from the Final Day
The final day of the women's basketball regular season on March 1 showcased significant performances and outcomes that could shape the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Notable moments included standout plays, disappointing losses, and implications for postseason positioning.
Hannah Hidalgo's Impactful Performance
Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame emerged as a key player, making a pivotal late-game steal against No. 10 Louisville with under 20 seconds remaining, securing a 63-62 victory for her team. This play not only helped her break the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) single-season record for steals, totaling 162, but also underscored her potential candidacy for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Hidalgo finished the game with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, demonstrating her crucial role in a rebuilding season for the Fighting Irish.
Struggles for Ole Miss and Baylor
Conversely, No. 19 Ole Miss faced setbacks, losing to Texas A&M 66-58, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin acknowledged the impact of injuries on her team's performance, particularly the absence of starter Sira Thienou. She expressed confidence in her team's potential, stating, "I believe when we are at full strength, we are a tough out."
Baylor, ranked No. 18, also struggled, scoring only 15 points in the first half against No. 11 TCU, ultimately losing 65-53. Coach Nicki Collen highlighted the need for her team to focus on the positives despite the disappointing performance, as they still have opportunities ahead.
North Carolina's Free-Throw Success
In a contrasting narrative, No. 21 North Carolina secured a significant victory over No. 12 Duke, winning 74-69. The Tar Heels excelled in free-throw shooting, making 20 of 27 attempts, which proved crucial in their late-game success. This win positions them favorably for a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament, as they have won 12 of their last 13 games.
The Bubble Teams' Uncertainty
As the regular season concluded, the status of bubble teams remained precarious. Virginia lost to Virginia Tech 83-82, while Colorado fell to BYU 75-62. The outcomes left many teams, including Stanford and Mississippi State, grappling with their NCAA Tournament prospects. The inconsistency of performances among these teams has created a chaotic landscape as they head into conference tournaments.
Official Statements & Responses
Yolett McPhee-McCuin remarked on Ole Miss's challenges, stating, "We can't recover, we don't have the bodies and we don't have the experience to recover." Meanwhile, North Carolina's coach Courtney Banghart noted the importance of their free-throw success in the victory over Duke.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I may sound naive, but I just believe in this team and I believe when we are at full strength, we are a tough out.” — Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Head Coach, Ole Miss
- “I'm proud of the way we competed,” — Nicki Collen, Head Coach, Baylor
- “This win will go a long way towards helping them nab a top-four seed in the NCAA tournament, and as winners of 12 of their last 13, Courtney Banghart's team is peaking at the right time.” — Courtney Banghart, Head Coach, North Carolina
What's Next
As teams prepare for the NCAA Tournament, the upcoming ACC Tournament in Duluth, Georgia, will be pivotal for many programs, particularly those on the bubble. The tournament's outcomes will significantly influence the final seeding and selection for the NCAA Tournament.
