Baylor defeated Tennessee 77-58 to win the Des Moines regional. A physical game turned chippy at the end, when Baylor’s Odyssey Sims and Tennessee’s Shekinna Stricklen had words. Brittney Griner and two other Bears left the bench, which got them ejected from the game, with 46 seconds to go. Watch that video all the way to the end, for Baylor Coach Kim Mulkey’s comments.
The New York Times has a great piece that puts the evening in perspective: Summitt sticks to business as others celebrate her career.
Kara Lawson, Trey Wingo and Carolyn Peck discuss the game’s controversial finish.
NCAA rules on ejections and suspensions.
On the other side of the country, Stanford beat Duke 81-69 to take the Fresno regional. Nnemkadi Ogwumike lead the Cardinal to their fifth consecutive Final Four with 29 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
This sets up an intriguing match up between Griner and Ogwumike – arguably the two best players in the country – and their amazing supporting casts.
Griner’s height and arm span means she is a blocking machine. Ogwumike is quick and can score from anywhere. Griner has guard Odyssey Sims, who can shoot. Ogwumike has her younger sister Chiney, who is also a threat around the key, and both offensively and defensively. Griner and the Ogwumikes all rebound like mad.
It should be a hell of a game.
Up next tomorrow, it’s Connecticut vs. Kentucky and Notre Dame vs. Maryland.